Back catalogue: Classics/Ska

Review: The most comprehensive tribute to one of Japan's most unique and influential bands, this box set serves as not only an enjoyable package of music, but an example of music eventually getting the respect it deserves. Emerging in the early 90s, Fishmans blended reggae, rocksteady and dub with dreamy, psychedelic elements, leaving a legacy that still resonates today. This meticulously curated box set presents rare recordings, radio performances, unreleased live tracks and demo tapes, all expertly digitised from cassette tapes, DATs and multitrack tapes. Kin-ichi Motegi, who took over vocal duties following the tragic passing of frontman Shinji Sato in 1999, oversees this collection, offering in-depth commentary on every track. The set captures the band's evolution from their reggae roots to their more experimental, art-pop phase, with Long Season often hailed as their artistic zenith. The ethereal vocal style of Sato is especially poignant, as it's woven through the band's melancholic yet engaging soundscapes, which continue to impress listeners in a dreamlike atmosphere. The ultimate package for Fishmans fans with an intimate look into their creative process.