Temporal Drift US レコード& CD

Review: Temporal Drift drop the never-before-heard master tapes from Japanese cult legends Les Rallizes Denudes' legendary second comeback gig in 1993, after an unexpected slew of CD albums dropped in 1991. The band hadn't performed since the 80s, and came back for blood. Eyewitness accounts of the gig said that the abrasive squall of Takashi Mizutani and Katsuhiko Ishii's guitars that night had concertgoers pacing for the lobby to seek respite from the sonic furnace. After 30 years in storage, the multi-tracked recordings from the performance fell into the hands of former band member Makoto Kubota, who lovingly remastered them to give listeners a sense of the transcendental roar which The Rallizes unleashed that night. Highlights include the braindead rockabilly shuffle of 'Eternally now', and the steady, diesel-powered chug of 'Darkness Returns 2', which, like all other tracks on the album, is eventually pierced by the screeching peal of Mizutani's telecaster, which eats the whole mix up in true Rallizes style. A much mythologised live performance by a much mythologised band. Essential!

Review: Les Rallizes Denudes' Yaneura Oct 80 is an almost ritualistic performance that blends dark, nocturnal atmospheres with raw, passionate energy. The addition of guitarist Fujio Yamaguchi brought a bluesy edge, creating a dense, dissonant soundscape that feels both lethargic and hypnotic. This release marks a significant moment in the band's history, showcasing a unique lineup that left a lasting impact on fans. The tight rhythm section provides a solid foundation for the intense interplay between Mizutani and Fujio, resulting in a surreal and ethereal sonic experience. Makoto Kubota's meticulous mixing and mastering ensure that this performance is preserved in its raw, psychedelic glory, making the world of Les Rallizes Denudes an intriguing piece of Japanese music history.

Review: Much to nerdy Japanese electronic lovers' delight, Temporal Drift reissued Hiroshi Yoshimura's Surround last year, and now carry on focussing on his work with the first-ever reissue of Flora, an overlooked gem in ambient music. Recorded in 1987 but unreleased until 2006, which was three years after Yoshimura's sad passing, Flora carries on in style where his acclaimed works Green and Surround left off. It's another sublime record that highlights Yoshimura's ability to explore the interplay between sound and ambience. He was a diverse talent who also created an album for museum playback, and composed a soundtrack for a contemporary fashion show.

Review: In the widespread revival of Japanese ambient music, Hiroshi Yoshimura's music has been cast as some of the most cherished and reissued. Albums such as Music For Nine Post Cards and Green have enjoyed high-end editions in recent times, and now comes the turn of 1986 masterpiece Surround. It's been fervently pined for by the new wave of Far East ambient aficionados, and for good reason. This is Yoshimura at his best, delicately placing elegant musical figures atop oceanic pools of synth and leaving ample room for the mind to cast adrift. That might sound like a very generic way of describing an ambient release, but Surround's qualities transcend the formulaic trappings of the genre to become something truly magical.

Review: Hiroshi Yoshimura is having a moment. Originally released in the 1980s, this collection of environmental music from the Japanese musician and composer offers a tranquil listening experience, Yoshimura painting sonic landscapes that evoke the subtle beauty of the natural world. 'Over The Clover' unfolds with the gentle sway of leaves, while 'Flora' captures the delicate essence of blossoming flowers. Each track is a miniature portrait of nature's intricacies, from the unfurling of morning glories in 'Asagao' to the whispering breeze of 'Wind Echo'. 'Maple Syrup Factory' adds a touch of unexpected sweetness, a subtle shift in the otherwise serene palette. But this is more than just pretty soundscapes. Yoshimura's music invites active listening, revealing intricate details that might be missed on a casual listen. It's music that rewards close attention while simultaneously blending into the background of everyday life.