PERCEPT FROM ...

Out of nowhere came this Japanese quartet in 2009, they most propably were quite known in their homecountry, as they appear to be a very active group in live performances, but it wasn't until 2013, when they came in forefront by Musea.Members were Keisuke Takashima on electric/acoustic violin, Takeya Kito on keyboards, Hiroyuki Ito on bass and Yusuke Seki on drums, they published the first album ''Percept from...'' on Musea's branch label Musea Parallele.Violinist Keisuke Takashima composed all tracks on this effort.

Ptf continue the excellent tradition of violin-driven Japanese Prog groups like KENSO, OUTER LIMITS or MIDAS with some pinches of JEAN-LUC PONTY in the process and present here a delicate and dreamy Symphonic-Jazz Rock with some superb arrangements, beautiful solos and soft rhythms.No fanfares or pyrotechnics, the compositions are carefully arranged till' the last detail, alternating between dramatic sections with really complex musicianship and ethereal melodies with a Classical aura.The short pieces are pretty great, bass and drums are played with consistency, keyboards are used mostly for background purposes, mainly organ and acoustic/electric piano and Takashima's violin is the driving force without question, monumental performances with great hooks, solos and melodies.But the three long cuts, clockin' at over 10 minutes, are something else, featuring outstanding moods and climates with lots of melancholic tunes, romantic soundscapes and dense instrumental moves.Balanced on the thin line between Symphonic Rock and Fusion, this quartet delivers excellent variations in these cuts, performed like mini-suites and creating very emotional material.Some of the best blends between technical and melodious textures you can find around.

Killer album.Violin-drenched Symph Fusion of the highest calibre, fluid, melodious and slightly virtuosic.Highly recommrended, among the best of the year.