Episome

Album review

Otomo Yoshihide is largely known for his innovative works in the avant-garde electronic music world as well as his collaborations on drone pieces, creative methods on the turntables, and forays into experimental jazz. However, this five-song session throws most of that reputation out the window and finds Yoshihide collaborating with drummer Yoshida Tatsuya (Ruins, Satoko Fujii Quartet) and bassist Bill Laswell in a jam session that not only marks the resurgence of psychedelic rock in Japan circa 2006, but recalls the roots of the psychedelic sound from the late '60s. At times Yoshihide sounds like a cross between Hendrix and Zappa, and at other times Tony Iommi. As for Laswell and Tatsuya, they serve as a rhythm section worthy of the Experience for Yoshihide to solo over during the album's opener, "Fudge." With "Layout" it's Laswell's turn to step into the spotlight for a solo with Yoshihide providing bare-bones chord stabs and Zappa-like phrasing over an ever-changing drum pattern. The remainder of the record pretty much plays out the same way, but the chemistry among the three musicians is never as tight as on the album's climax, "Substantiality," and "Spin." And while some of the jams are a little long, the gaps and spaces are filled with measured caution and a choice to avoid overplaying or repeating themes too often. Fans of stoner rock and sludge metal will no doubt revel in this performance, but those expecting a drone exercise with sharp guitar passages and heavy computer processing will have to search for their fix elsewhere. This is three guys kicking out the jams, and nothing more.

© Rob Theakston /TiVo