Unknown publication.
Japan's fifth album finds them more into Eastern imagery and sound than ever before. From the portrait of Chairman Mao gazing inscrutably over ever-lovely ans ever-melancholy David Sylvian on the album sleeve to the synthesized oriental orchestration it's a cultural exchange all the way. Young English Romantics find art, success and escape in the land of the rising sun; and returned home to find that changeing fashions have softened the critics' and public's hearts to their indulgences. Sylvian's influences are obvious as ever but less annoying as time wears on and Roxy Music fade into the shadow of their past. Japan have served their apprenticeship and now rule their own roost. They deserve the seccess and interest they currently generate.
For lads who couldn't even play their instruments when they left school in 1976 they've come a long way. Percussionist Steve Jansen and bassist Mick Karn weave complicated patterns that sound almost free form at times - but they aren't. Karn plays a fretless bass and uses a flanger, giving a sort of rolling sway to the music. On top of this we have the many synthesizers of Richard Barbieri and Sylvian used, at times, percussively, at times to create moods, and at all times with taste. This record must contain some of te best synth sounds anywhere - rich and evocative.
The cream on the cake is of course the plaintive crooning of Sylvian who wrote or co-wrote all the tracks. It's entirely understandable that some that some people can't stand him but it's also easy to find the appeal. Thankfully his vocals don't dominate the album.
Yuka Fujii helps out with vocals on Still Life in Mobile Homes and Simon House guests on violin histrionics (he palyed on Bowie's Lodger album). Canton is an instrumental that could be the soundtrack to a kung-fu movie...great stuff.
Engineering is by Steve Nye who also co-produced with the band and the result is excellent. If you wanted to find fault with the album you could say that, lyrically and musically, they sometimes try too hard; but forgiveness comes easy considering all the good points.
Not a dance record or even one that demands attention, but perfect for those moody moments after a chop suey. Reccomended buying.