CATHODE

For me Otomo Yoshihide's Cathode is one of the most groundbreaking releases on John Zorn's Tzadik label. One should note I am 'not' a blind follower of Tzadik, finding large chunks quite dull, so 'tis quite a statement on my behalf. Cathode defines yet another era of Otomo's sound, putting aside his guitar based cacophony to focus on an atonal and electro-acoustic sound. In truth this record doesn't have anything to do with progressive rock, but don't let this deter listeners of avant-garde, minimal electronics, or fans of the sparser side of post-rock. If you are a Japanese improv fanatic it should be little wonder if you find yourself smiling inwardly after browsing over the list of guest musician. For those unfamiliar with this scene, several pivotal figures in their thriving improv scene (sometimes coined as Taomud or onkyo) stamp their mark, in particular: Sachiko M, Nakamura Toshimaru and Yoshida Ami. Cathode encompasses two distinctly differential sounds, effortlessly piecing together a fastidious whole. Throughout this whole an almost symbiotic relationship forms between the electronic and acoustic facets.

The album begins with Modulation #2. Gliding through piercing sine-waves layered over plucked/strummed acoustic guitar, which is performed by Tsuneo Imahori (Tipographica). Both 'Modulation' pieces are heavily treated with sine-wave, but produce polar emotional responses, while M#2 creates a lulling pastoral effect, M#1 possess an urgent demeanour cutting thickly through the dense body of sound. The 'Cathode ' pieces (both #1 and #2), take an acoustic improvisational slant, painting dense soundscape's somewhat similar to the metallic sound of AMM's early output, albeit a tad more sinister, minimal and spherical in scope.

Otomo Yoshihide is an extremely talented composer/arranger; continually reinventing his sound and this is his most mature and groundbreaking solo release to date. For further explorations within this field of recordings, try both Anode and Ensemble Cathode.

Discloser: Some people receive adverse effects from the pitches sine-wave generate. Also please note, these pieces are not ambient in nature, best listened to with full attention.