KOREKYOJINN

Exactly hard-edged sound battles among the three perfect avantgarde rock giants (Kyojin in Japanese), and as a result, a musical republic commune created by them ... This album "Tundra", released in 2011, is a brilliant progressive rock crystal for us, and at the same time we can notice via this album that their live performance should be quite fascinating.

What a splendid instrumental fight indeed. A killa drummer (and the frontman of this ensemble) Tatsuya YOSHIDA, whilst playing massive attack with drumming, might be upstaged by other two rock talents I'm always afraid, and it's sometimes correct. A cool, intelligent (mentioned by himself :D) guitarist Natsuki KIDO explodes his guitar weapon loudly, strictly, and especially comfortably. A funky, but quiet bassist Mitsuru NASUNO lets his bass growl deeply, sharply like a wild beast. And Tatsuya, the basis of KOREKYOJINN, goes ahead and ahead aggressively via playing drums with his magical sticks in his machinery hands.

Their gig I've experienced was gorgeous indeed. Can express that as a rock energy explosion. Easily I've got sure that even upon stage they can play as "precisely" as upon their recordings, and this album could notify me the fact. Loud electricity, swift thousand hands, complex but smooth guitar merry-go-round, or gentle acoustic waves ... Natsuki shoots various touches. Mitsuru sometimes hides behind other two, and sometimes stands upon the frontline like Chris Squire, as kaleidoscopic appearances. Tatsuya struggles for unifying all of characteristic artists through his killa drumming, and at last can navigate them apparently ... what a vanguard.

In conclusion, this album has notified me that they be a super combo with perfect technique and strong intention to beat the audience out via their aggressive, avantgarde inner / outer space. Their albums can only be an entrance into the giant world named KOREKYOJINN. Woohoo, keep your ear sharpened ... you can realize that one and one and one is not three but thirty or more.

Korekyojinn is a trio from Japan led by drummer Yoshida Tatsyuda of the Zeuhl / Avant group Ruins. Joined with guitarist Kido Natsuki from Bondage Fruit and bassist Nasuno Mitsuru, this project sounds nothing like Zeuhl and instead is a very fresh take on jazz fusion. All of the instruments are active and each has a raw tonality that makes the recording have a very live feel. Though precise, the music grooves hard, and clearly very little has been done to doctor the performances for the album. The band that this most closely reminds me of is LA fusion trio Ohm:, though Korekyojinn is both more composed and more raw.

All of the pieces are carefully composed and deliberate which I confirmed by checking out video of the band. Though the songs may have evolved out of jams, the central melodic lines were identical. Korekyojinn is able to retain a very spontaneous vibe and energy, almost to the point of feel spastic. At the same the music on Tundra never feels out of control or random. In fact, it isn't particularly Avant-Garde to my ear, except in a few very specific spots. Instead, it's just a trio of very gifted musicians getting together to make some great instrumental music.

There are a few quirky surprises. The acoustic, jazzy guitar free time intro to "Vanishing Point" gives us a nice respite before dropping into a bass-heavy prog that brings to mind Anglagard. "Xenon" does dabble a bit more in the noise realm, much like a drugged nightmare. "Abandoned" actually beings in an almost loung-y vein, before ending the album closer to the band's core sound.

I am a relative newcomer to the Japanese scene so the strange genre choices maybe make sense for more experienced fans. Certainly, this album has some similarities with my only Bondage Fruit record. It is, however nothing like Koenjihyakkei's Magma-on-speed sound. However you choose to categorize the niche of this band and its parents, there is clearly both great skill and emotion in the performance of this hybrid.

For lovers of slightly experimental, slightly raw, slightly proggy fusion, Tundra might be just what you're looking for. 4/5

As others have said (and I've said in my reviews of other albums), the lineup of this group is Yoshida Tatsuya (needs no introduction if you're into the Japanese avant scene, drummer for Ruins/Koenjihyakkei/Acid Mothers Temple SWR, Daimonji, and about 10000 other bands), Kido Natsuki (guitarist from Bondage Fruit and Salle Gaveau), and Nasuno Mitsuru (bassist from Altered States/Ground Zero, etc). Together, they play some sort of bizarre funk/jazz/avant rock instrumental music. Along with the pre-composed pieces, there are three short improvs, which provide some contrast to the rest of the album. The composed pieces are electric, while these three tracks are mostly acoustic (the only exception seems to be Nasuno's electric bass, but it fits in well). Most of the music on display here is really exceptional though; a few of my favorites are the tracks "Four Holes in the Sky", "Out of Head" and "Poet and Peasant", all of which show up again on live albums in the future.

Future albums will take what's on display here and really refine it and concentrate it, but we can already see the incredible tightness of the music on display, and the seemingly psychic ability of all three to know what's going to happen with the music. There are tons of changes and shifts in the music, and they all flow along incredibly. This is a very solid debut, coming from three exceptionally solid musicians who seem to be enjoying themselves as well as playing the music, which is always a big plus for me. Four stars from me, easily earned.

The CD tracks, as I mentioned, are all improvisations. They're also the only tracks by the group (as far as I know) with vocals. Most of the time, the group holds together so well during the improvs that you'd insist they were composed pieces if you didn't know they were improvised. The additions of guests on most of the tracks doesn't detract from this in any way either. Hoppy Kamiyama's style of vocals and keyboard are pretty unique, and I've grown to really like what he does. Ever since I first listened to the CD, I've thought the track "Guru Zakun Kin Kan" is one of the best pieces of music of the last 50 years (at least!), and that's definitely helped out by his contributions. Really, it's a track which encompasses everything the group could do in just over 24 minutes. We've got everything from the most chaotic, cacophonous bits to moments of sublime beauty (especially past the 20 minute mark). They really can do it all, folks. This track really makes me wish Yoshida would start a group with that lineup. Of course, the tracks with Uchihashi are no less exciting, nor are the tracks with only the core trio. This one really just hit me most strongly.

The DVD is great as well; here we get to see the composed side of the band which is most commonly displayed. Sound and video quality are both fine by my standards, but I doubt most people would consider the video quality amazing. One thing I've noticed from watching this DVD and the other couple I have with Yoshida...for how insane his drumming is, he often looks completely calm, almost even bored behind the drums. I guess that may be why he plays regularly with more bands than I can count with two hands. They're all definitely enjoying the concert though, that much seems obvious to me. I love watching them play the material here. It definitely adds another dimension to listening to the live stuff, which is already fun enough. My only real complaint about the DVD material is the lack of any tracks with Hoppy K. or Uchihashi. I would have enjoyed watching that quite a lot, I'm sure. Still, I'm more than happy enough with what is presented.

This is a very worthwhile purchase, which I think is a great second purchase from the band (after Jackson). If you're a fan of Yoshida's music, you definitely need to check this one out. As I said in one of my other reviews of the band's albums, the group sounds like heavy prog gone crazy, haha. Swan Dive is one of my two favorite releases from the group so far, easily earning another five star rating. Hopefully the new one will be just as good.

Just like on all of the group's other albums, they waste no time getting right into the crazy, fiery instrumental interplay I've come to associate with the group. Sometimes the sound is heavy and menacing, sometimes it's still heavy but playful. They really did a great job here of mixing the two together, and songs like the title track are a good example of how the group can sound cheery when they want. The song does turn a bit darker later on, which isn't a problem.

One of my favorite things about Korekyojinn is the equality of the musicians in the group - sure, Kido gets the majority of the solos, but as far as the compositions go, everyone's pretty much equal, and they can all show off their abilities without seeming over-indulgent. With three amazing musicians like those on board here, I couldn't hope for anything else. Kido Natsuki is very possibly my favorite guitarist, both for his work here and in Bondage Fruit. There's something about his style that not many have, in my opinion. Anyone who's talked to me on the forums probably knows I've got a mild obsession with anything which involves Yoshida and his drumming (first discovered through Koenjihyakkei), and ever since I discovered this group, Daimonji, and Altered States I've grown to really love the sound and style of Nasuno's bass playing. This is probably my favorite "super group", especially considering Hoppy Kamiyama provides keyboards and some vocals for the next album, Swan Dive.

If you are on the lookout for incredible instrumental rock, then you owe it to yourself to find albums by this group, because they really are some of the best of the best at what they do. Along with Swan Dive, this is one of my favorites from the group, and it easily earns masterpiece status from me. I'm eagerly awaiting the new album due out later this month.

Everyone in this group is a top notch musician, that much is sure. The rhythmic interplay especially is impressive - often, Nasuno and Kido will be playing conflicting rhythmic patterns, but over time they meld into one and basically blow your socks off. This band plays what sounds like heavy prog with a nice, healthy dose of the avant-garde for good measure. One thing's for sure, you will never mistake these guys for a "normal" heavy prog group like Rush (chosen as an example as both are awesome power trios with amazing instrumentalists) - I guess that's why they're in RIO/Avant instead. The group's music is, for the most part, entirely instrumental. If I recall correctly, this entire album is instrumental, in fact.

The interpretations of the tracks from the group's first two albums here are fairly faithful to the originals (at least those from the s/t debut, I haven't been able to find Arabesque yet). The main differences I've noticed are the effects/tones used by the guitar and bass. Sometimes they can be quite different than on the originals. The material on this album which is included on the next album, Jackson, is pretty great as well. I don't notice many major differences between the compositions here and those on the album proper, but some tracks do have some minor updates for that which make them just a bit better in my opinion.

Overall, this is a pretty great album from this incredible trio, and listening to it always makes me want to figure out a way to see them live - it's definitely an awesome experience, based on the material here and on their CD/DVD package Swan Dive. The group has released consistently good albums, and this one is no exception. Easily four stars from me, but a better starting point would be Jackson, in my opinion.

Now that I have given this work of art a real chance, I can say without question that it is an absolute masterpiece. Tatsuya being the composer of the compositions it is quite clear that he is heavily influenced by yes (hence the absolutely astonishing yes medley), and also tatsuya has an amazing ear for timing, and for absolutely brutal rock. This can be heard in the syncopation and counterpoint technique that is constantly on display between mitsuru, and natsuki.

It takes a moment to hear the syncopation, but once your ear catches it, the music takes on a whole new meaning.

Let me be perfectly clear though, this music is top notch brutality, and will challenge even the most refined of ears. But it pays off in the end, and you will be amazed that music of this calibur even exists.

The chemistry between this power trio is undeniable, and the musicianship of each individual member is staggering. None of the instruments overpower the other, and what is created is serious magic. It's just icing on the cake that yes is one of my favorite bands, but even someone new to the progressive scene, as long as they are open to new experiences, can certainly appreciate this.

I usually listen to this album from start to finish, so I wont even begin to break down this review into single songs because I could easily rant for pages on end, I am THAT passionate about this piece of musical bliss. I have listened to their other work, but I do believe the jackson cd is the best example of what Korekyojin is about, and stands out to me as their magnum opus.

I almost never write reviews, but this album has compelled me to get off my lazy butt and throw my input into the hat. I can't even think of another album that contends with the quality that is littered throughout this album. Every single song is enjoyable, and its sad that this japanese power trio isn't as recognized in the states, because they most definitely deserve it.

5/5, and if I could give it 6, I would.

"Magnetic Pole" is so impressive early with the bass, guitar and drums kicking ass before 1 1/2 minutes. It does settle some but it's far from being settles if you know what I mean. Some vocal expressions come in. It does calm down 5 minutes in then it starts to build with vocals. The guitar is great 10 minutes in as he solos until another calm arrives after 11 minutes. It builds again as this theme continues to be repeated. Check out the guitar just lighting it up 15 1/2 minutes in. Just an outstanding track. I like the calm sections and of course the all out assaults. "Nonobservance" sounds great early as each member impresses with their intricate yet powerful play. Some vocal expressions after 5 minutes. It's building after 5 1/2 minutes then check out the guitar 6 minutes in. The bass is growling deeply. It settles before 9 1/2 minutes then builds. Chaotic is the word as the guitar makes lots of noise and the vocals come in. "Vothqrassent" is a little chaotic to open and the guitar isn't pleasant by any means. That changes though. A calm 4 1/2 minutes. Love the drumming after 6 minutes and the guitar too.

"Palljimgrahana" opens with percussion and other almost distant sounds. It's building as the guitar and drums come to the fore. Great sound 2 1/2 minutes in. The guitar is making lots of noise 4 minutes in. So much going on though. It settles before 5 minutes but it's far from being calm. "Guru Zakun Kin Kan" is the longest track at over 24 minutes. Percussion and other sounds as the angular guitar melodies arrive. It's building. Synths follow with whistling and vocal expressions before 6 minutes. Nice bass after 7 minutes. A calm followed by synths which really add to the mood here. Vocals after 12 minutes in a powerful soundscape. A calm then it builds again. Check out the drumming,bass and keyboards after 15 minutes. Again the tempo and mood continue to shift. It's so moving 20 1/2 minutes in when the mellotron washes in. It's hard to express really. It's been so powerul and often difficult then out of nowhere beauty appears. Vocal melodies join the mellotron to great effect. Hoppy starts to sound like Christian Vander vocally.The guitar after 22 minutes sounds fantastic with the synths, bass, vocals and drums as the tempo picks up. I tell you this song and the 17 1/2 minute opener are brilliant. "Surabaya" is the 4 1/2 minute closer. Intricate but powerful sounds come and go. Some vocal expressions from Hoppy. They're kicking ass 2 1/2 minutes in. It settles a minute later.

This is not for the faint of heart. Adventerous, frantic, complex, powerful, dissonant and at times beautiful, but never boring.