Recurring themes are not only prominent in fashion, they are also prominent in music as well. Bringing past decades into new music is a very popular technique to put a unique twist on a song, but it takes a certain type of artist to truly master.
Japanese rock group Kikagaku Moyo, a five piece ensemble that perfectly embodies psychedelic rock, has recently put out a new album House In The Tall Grass, which dropped on May 13 and features 8 full length tracks. Some of these contain lyrics, and some of them solely feature instruments that let you envelop yourself in the enchanting guitar riffs and drum numbers.
Kikagaku Moyo Explore Psychedelia
The first track on the newest LP from Kikagaku Moyo, “Green Sugar,” starts off with a rumbling cymbal introduction which spins itself into a very ’70s-esque rhythmic beat. Although there are very few vocals within this track, it’s entrancing enough to capture and hold onto your attention. The vocals that are featured do seem to be hidden in the background, really letting you enjoy the instruments within the song itself.
“Melted Crystal” is the fourth track on the album and starts off with a very mellow tempo that follows suit throughout most of the song. The light guitar strumming that seems to be the forefront of the track is slightly on the repetitive side, but really maintains a wow factor that keeps you at a certain level of calmness as you listen further.
“Silver Owl” is the fifth track on the album and features a very slow beginning that soon unravels itself in a much more complex guitar number and implements a drumming pattern that echoes a very steady beat.
As the vocals are introduced, they are very soft in nature and seem to contain a lot more emotion than you’d think. Although I cannot make out what the lyrics are saying, due to the fact that they are not in English, I’m completely entranced by them. They’re very calming and seem to transfer the energy within the song directly into you.
“Cardigan Song” is the eighth and final song on the release, and starts off with a more modern feel to it, but also slightly resembles “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd. As the tempo picks up slightly, there’s a hint of an indie sound within the strumming, and as the soft lyrics are introduced, it turns back into a late 1970s rock tune.
When listening back to the first track of House In The Tall Grass, there’s a vast difference in the style that Kikagaku Moyo brings to the songs. While the first was primarily psychedelic rock, this one is much more mellow. It’s nice to hear a group that is able to master two genres within a genre.
