Midaregami

As I may have said (or perhaps didn’t say; my memory is not what it was) the last box from Japan arrived, bringing with it the latest Quruli album, “Antenna.” I bought it after hearing one song in a Kobe Tower Records, and my judgement did not err. This album is lovely.

Quruli, while maintaining a very low-key vibe, is one of the most experimental bands I have heard. They don’t maintain a particular sound from album to album. This is a tricky thing for a band to do, since one never knows exactly what one is getting into upon purchasing a record, but in Q’s case, it’s alright. The World Is Mine was a spotty album with hints of brilliance (especially track one.) Team Rock has a fantastic groove, and even manages to make me groove on a four-on-the-floor beat, which is rare. But Antenna is a down-to-earth rock journey, with a lush opening in “Good Morning” and a mellow, swinging tune in “Morning Paper” that switches time signatures effortlessly. The third track, “Race,” draws on Celtic melodies and folk-rock sensibility. I just can’t fault anybody that makes me flash back to my childhood spent listening to bluegrass, dulcimer, and Malcolm Daglish.

Just as I began to wind down on the Quruli album, I picked up Smile—that’s Smile as in Brian Wilson, not L’arc-en-Ciel. And oh my heavens, it is a revelation. Biank? Gabe? Can I get a “hell yeah,” here? Lyrics as weird as They Might Be Giants, but as inspired as Spitz, with the vocal harmonies that are like candy, only this candy is good for you. The new versions of “Heroes and Villians” and “Good Vibrations” are great singles, but blend wonderfully into the larger, three-movement pop symphony of the album.

Just go buy it, alright?

This entry was posted on Thursday, October 21st, 2004 at 1:52 pm and is filed under Media. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.