Suzuki Junzo - Sings II (シングス II)
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IN THE EYES OF NAZE
MIDSUMMER'S END
ECLIPSE IV
CRYING OUT DOUBLE SUICIDE BLUES
LAMENT FOR THE MAN WITHOUT A MAP
DR. YT'S HESITATION
THE END OF HORIZON
A TREE OF NIGHT
SHADOWS OF LIGHT
CHI NO MURE
THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN ARM
"This album is focused on Junzo's Singing Side. his dedication to 60-70's folk/blues/rock album!
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Junzo Suzuki's Voice winces and whimpers, splintered chords twang from acoustic guitars; and out of that expressive tangle a low-key song coalesces. "In the Eyes of Naze" sets the tone for this collection, subtitled Ballads Of Contemporary Sadness, Point of Views and General love and Depression. Suzuki is known as a guitarist and singer in the Japanese noise and psychedelic rock underground, performing with overhangparty and Miminokoto. But He grew up listening to Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters and Skip James, and drew deep inspiration from droning lamentation and bittersweet voices of the blues. Although he doesn't remotely attempt to mimic their style himself, one track here is momorably entitled " Crying out double suicide blues" It's a Broading evocation of crepuscular Weltscmerz, reminiscent of loren Connors casting a blank stare into endlessly lonesome space.
The Strength of Sings II is that it was recorded over the course of seven years, so although Suzuki's mood doesn't really lighten, it's far from monotone. Doggedly solitary and desolate, he is nonthelesshelped out on some tracks by a variety of supportive guests, including former High Rise and Fushitsusha drummer Ikuro Takahashi and Acid mothers Temple Guitarist Makoto Kawabata. "The End of Horizon" oozes gritty resolve and punk brashness. the sombre and slow-burning "Chi no Mure" is swatched in Gothic gloom. "Lament for the Man Without the Map", on the other hand, quivers with a stylished vulnerablity. a hint of enka crooning among weeping guitars. (The Wire, Juilan Cowley)"
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