FLOATING WORLD

This was JADE WARRIOR's first album on the "Island" label. It's a concept album about the Japanese philosophy of 17th century called "Ukiyo". Even the album cover reflects the prints that are from that era. The philosophy embraces the gentle pleasures of nature, literature, art and music, according to the liner notes.The band was down to a duo at this point, but there were many guests to fill out the sound.

"Clouds" is so faint to begin with I had to turn it up to hear the acoustic guitar. An outburst of choir and then we hear guitar sounds with no melody. Loud bangs before flute ends it, although it does blend into "Mountain Of Fruit And Flowers". Bass joins the flute as synths and drums create this groovy melody. Guitar and sax also eventually join in. It also blends into the next track. "Waterfall" sounds like a musical box is playing. It gets experimental after 2 1/2 minutes then percussion builds. It sounds like wind chimes to end it. "Red Lotus" opens with some surprising aggressive guitar and it gets pretty heavy a minute in. This sound stops after 2 1/2 minutes as a pastoral soundscape takes over.

"Clouds" really sounds heavenly. Very cool sound. "Rain Flower" opens with tasteful guitar that is joined by acoustic guitar. The dual guitars continue. "Easty" opens with percussion and flute that create a pleasant sound. Guitar 1 1/2 minutes in and more flute late. "Monkey Chant" is a unique song with the loud chants as the guitar lights it up. "Memories Of Distant sea" is a mellow and peaceful track with flute and gentle guitar. "Quba" opens with faint sounding guitar as flute joins in. Spoken words 3 1/2 minutes in and to end it. A loud gong clashes in between.

This is an interesting album that is quite good. An enjoyable listen.