YUME NO OKA

I consider this KENSO's work should be one of the most important gems in Japanese progressive rock scene. Furthermore, whenever I listen to this terrific album, I can't help wondering what KENSO should want to tell. In English, this album's title is 'Dream Hill', that we can take both ways as above mentioned. Anyway, Yoshihisa Shimizu, the leader and a guitarist, is a dentist at the same time. I wonder which this title be related to, his scientifically theoretical thought or his anaesthetic experience... Yep, of course, just kidding. :-)

Back to the discussion about this fantastic album. At first, Yoshihisa's acoustic guitar can open the door of the dreamy world. Soon clear sounds with double keyboards and guitars should wake us (oh!). So strict are Masayuki's drums & percussions, and Shunji's bass...they are the basis of KENSO's complex sounds, although lots of fans tend to mention keyboards and guitars, not the rhythm section. The first track Les Phases De La Lune I is very wonderful with the streaming style, as if the moon rise over the hill quickly and quietly. Also in the next one The Signification Of Time they could play such a complex and speedy song or part so naturally and pleasantly. There we can get their play as it is, without feeling the complexity. From The Mystic Woods is, I feel, so suitable for the DREAMY and MYSTIC album. Though the previous two tracks are clear and bright rather than dreamy and fuzzy, this can remind us a dreamy state of mind or a trance. Drowsy percussions and keyboards can hit our mind and brain. Next OIA may be another mysterious hill...? And be awaken. Full of Oriental flavour in The Ancient In My Brain should be around us and into our brain. Sure, this hill be made by an ancient civilization...and made in our dream...but dreamy too... :-)

Again Yoshihisa's acoustic guitar can knock our mind in FUAN NA KIOKU (unstable memory), a short track. Aryans may dance and sing to the song Mediterranean and Aryan, with exotic guitars solo, keyboards and percussions. These impressive percussions must make the atmosphere of this song I believe. After the previous song's calm end, Today I Left OIA with his acoustics, with loneliness... In hard, sharp-edged, and electric The Fourth Reich they play as if they scatter a toy box named KENSO. There are lots of their musical essence. I'm sure this song and next Alfama are the highlights of this product. Fantasy can fly over and over...all instruments sometimes hop and jump, and sometimes swim and swing. Sorry I can't express well but KENSO's dreamy world should be in these songs I feel. The last Les Phases De La Lune II is steady and comfortable song for us. Ah, we can be relaxed, and well enjoy on the dreamy hill...in our dream. At last I can't realize which be correct. :-)

No problem. This album let us dream a dreamy dream. It's absolutely okay for us, isn't it?

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