![]() Of course, some of the Boys' agitated energy remains in tracks like "Honnoji" and "Fureai," but it's mostly manifested through Shutoku's constipated vocals, which have become proportionately more violent to the backing music's fluidity. ![]() This is no transitional album it's the sound of a band abruptly but securely arriving at an artistic headspace. Zazen Boys 4 replaces that nervousness on most tracks with propulsive confidence. Even one album ago, their most utilized emotions were nervousness and confusion, common bedrocks of immediate-sounding music. Listening to 4, it's easy to forget that Zazen Boys rose out of an angsty guitar band. The synthesizer and guitars are, in contrast, untreated, single-tracked, and minimal, creating a rhythmically centered record. Most of the synthetic drum work is propped up by a beefy live set, probably manipulated in post-production to punch a little more than normal rock sets. But on headphones, a different sonic picture is revealed. After hearing "Asobi" and "Weekend" prior to release, I was under the impression that the entire affair might be electronic - maybe Shutoku had ditched his entire band in an ego-filled craze. Through loud speakers, the album's drum work sounds slithery and synthetic, peppered with fake snare and hand claps. Perhaps because of a lineup change or frontman Mukai Shutoku's evolving musical fascinations, Zazen Boys 4 could be considered an outright dance-rock album in some circles and a definite sidestep from expectations in all circles. ![]() Two years later, it's time for something completely different. 2006's Zazen Boys III alienated some fans with a more dissonant, fragmented approach, but the album was still funkier and more forward-thinking than anything the band had done before. ![]() Still without distribution or a record label in America, Zazen Boys seem content expanding their sound within Japan's somewhat stilted rock scene. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |