KAPPA

Might their most heavy stuffs be Mickey's mind support and enthusiasm for Japanese Rock scene?

Rumblin' punches by Tetsu and Yujin's rhythm section, heavily exaggerated kicks by Joe's guitar, and sharp-edged chops by John's keyboard - indeed these attacks all should be echoically sound into our stomach. But at the same time all are active just under Mickey's hardcore attitude for getting Japanese Rock scene more powerful, progressive. Listen to the first track "Trauma" and we can understand what SAMURAI meant to be ... The first hit by all instruments, the heavy tune, Mickey's flat voices, improvised and flexible interludes by relaxed plays, and the last explosion especially by the guitar and keyboard solos - all can explain their potential for Heavy Rock. It's obvious SAMURAI, especially Mickey, considered such an approach be 'cool'. The second "Same Old Reason" and the fourth "Vision Of Tomorrow" are pure straight rock with their great technique and pleasure for playing rock. The last longest track "King Riff And Snow Flakes" might be considered as a masterpiece in this album by this band. The curtain openers are a bit metallic heavy riffs. The heroes on the long middle scene are psychedelic improvisations by keyboard, guitar, bass, drums & percussion solos. The last part is exactly an all-out attack rush by all instruments. Finally the sudden silence and quiet drumming pull the curtain to the end. Regretfully, this song may be too long for us to enjoy with enough concentration - it may be tough work.

To be honest, I suggest Mickey CURTIS And SAMURAI might think European Rock and American Rock should be the coolest, and in fact they tried to follow them. I cannot agree with them for the reason that each native rock scene SHOULD have its wonderful originality. What is 'originality' Mickey has kept in mind and tried to produce?

But wait, "Daredatta" is a Japanese psychedelic rock gem I wanna say.

A trip through both light and heavy prog psych, this is an oft forgotten but excellent lost gem of psychedelia's golden years. Mickey Curtis leads his wonderful band to carve new soundscapes and lay down some kickin' tracks. "Trauma" opens the album with a ten minute long journey through both the light and hard aspects of the band's style, in a great instrumental romp. The rest of Side One is a few cut and dry, though well done, bits of hard psych. Side Two is a psych epic through the realm of King Riff, an ever rockin' and mind blowing country. Keys are the hidden weapon here, for while guitar leads and flutes chime in, the keys add extra texture, and then shine brightly in the lands of King Riff. Another excellent hidden treasure from psych, highly recommended to psych and heavy prog fans.