May 9, 2002 - Text: Sequential-X Photos: Psy-Harmonics

In a not so long time there was a label that released some pretty good albums. That label was Matsuri and its heart was non other that the magic Japanese drummer Tsuyoshi Suzuki.

Tsuyoshi made his name by playing the fluro twisted trance of that times in places like India, Greece, U.K etc. alongside fellow Mark Allen. But bad luck stroked the label with the sad end of Flying, their distribution agency.

For the following years, Tsuyoshi moved into Japan to fulfill his unfinished dream, the fusion of all the dance sounds into one good kicking techno mix. This album is just that, all and the one, together as never before.

Follower "Let The Wave Flow" is one of my favorites from this album. Full on dancefloor techno with horns, toms, congas and other percussion instruments. A dancefloor killer this one has been on my top list for many weeks and still is. Enough said.

"All The Angels" has been doing company to me and my girlfriend for a long time now. A sweet little thing that could turn into major hit with the proper promotion. One day on MTV perhaps :)

Next is "The World" which sounds like it was recorded about 30 years before with its hippie vibe. A slow track with some pleasing vocals by Tychoon Tosh. Nice and relaxing completes the down trip of this album. You gotta ease them before you kick them back ;-)

Opener track is nothing more than a little arpeggio setting the mood for what comes next. "E-Wire" follows in a certainly more kicking style. A phat hats line and funky drum breaks give that extra groove before kicking into full on bass driven territory. Excellent track.

Next is "Image" a hard hop track with phat breaks and bad ass attitude. One hell of a live track this will be a hurricane on festivals. Akitomo's words fit well on the track and the saxophone lines give that extra dose of psychedelia.

Tim Healy from Quirk collaborates on this Chemical Bros influenced track. In "You Wanna Tease Me. Don't You ?" apart from the obvious word play, a nice drum line and surprising enough Tim Healy's vocals (and not production techniques apparently) create a nice post rock atmosphere.

Follower "X-Rock" is a rock based techno track. Rich percussive elements, nice drums and a rocky distorted guitar is the order of the day. This is for more 4/4 oriented dancefloors and is a guaranteed party mover.

"New Asians" as is the album's name, is a slower, groovier track than "Image" but on the same hard hop style. Distorted sounds, phat breaks, dance oriented arrangement and Bryan Burtonlewis on vocals. Midway it turns into a real dark trip with Bryan's vocals on top before kickin' into happy vibe waters again. Very good indeed.

"Relax" is Tsuyoshi's team take on famous dance anthem by Franky Goes To Hollywood. Vocoded vocals, 4/4 arrangement and tongue in cheek vibe are the keyz of innovation in this one.

End track "Don't Think. Feel !!" follows the same rocky root, this time though the route is rockier than ever. A distorted guitar line and a repetitive drum pattern drive the track that features Tandanobu Asano on vocals.

My final verdict is that this is one of the best albums I have heard this year. It kept me company for so much time and I am sure it will continue to do so. Its very pleasing to see people that blur the boundaries and create new sounds and new dance hybrids. Buy and enjoy !!

Tracklisting :

Intro
E-Wire
Image
New Asians
Relax
Let The Wave Flow
All The Angels
The World
You Wanna Tease Me. Don't You ?
X-Rock
Don't Think. Feel !!

Psy-048 2002 ©.