WATER REINCARNATION

Yuka Funakoshi studied music in Tokyo, then she delivered 3 albums as a singer-songwriter. In 2003 Yuka founded a band in order to join a record with different formations and six years later she presents Yuka & Chronoship. This was also her current band in the same line-up (featuring very experienced musicians) when she released her debut CD entitled Water Reincarnation in 2011. It contains ten tracks (eight instrumental), the running time is over fifty minutes. The first three compositions strongly evoke famous progrock names.

First Dawn In a Dew ' Chronoship in the vein of mid-Genesis (Wind & Wuthering era) with sparkling synthesizers and fluent electric guitar, along a buzzing Rickenbacker bass.

Then Pilgrim Ocean, after beautiful twanging 12-string acoustic guitars, we can enjoy an accellaration in which the guitar and keyboards reminds me of early Mike Oldfield.

And finally the compelling White Squall, Black Squall, the slide guitar sounds like the second coming of David Gilmour, goose bumps.

In the other seven tracks Yuka & Chronoship showcases more an own identity. And what a variety, from propulsive with fiery guitar runs to mellow with wonderful piano work and even swinging fusion delivering strong interplay between the instruments. Also interesting is the exciting final composition Kiribati that starts with handclapping and acoustic guitar and ends with a mighty guitar solo, loaded with biting leads and propulsive drumming.

To me this album sounds as pleasant progrock in which Yuka colours the music verytasteful with her work on the piano, synthesizers and organ.

My rating: 3,5 star.