One of the more unique and melodic bands to arise from Japan’s famous experimental rock scene, Angel’in Heavy Syrup (named after the canned fruit) specializes in a drawn-out, retro psychedelic style. The all-female quartet formed in Osaka in 1990, produced by Jojo Hiroshige, a heavyweight amongst Japan’s noise rockers. Despite “guitar terrorism” being music critics’ favorite phrase to describe him, Angel’in Heavy Syrup’s sound shares very little in common with that of their producer’s. The band draws heavily on progressive and psychedelic rock while working in a number of jazz influences as well. The jazz and psychedelic roots especially point to influences by Soft Machine and Gong. Most Angel’in Heavy Syrup songs are epic and meandering, often layering sheets of guitar noise over entire songs - perhaps the heavy syrup coating the angelic melody. The band’s vocal sections give way to stretched-out instrumentals with plenty of complicated lines from both guitarists and sometimes accented with liberal helpings of improvisation. Nakao and Toda often act as the other’s complement; while one forges ahead with the melody, the other plays contrasting parts ranging from improve to noise freakouts. Vocal sections feature bassist Itakura, whose soft, airy tones recall British female-fronted dream pop and shoegaze bands from the 1980s and 90s. For listeners more familiar with such groups, a comparison to Lush is not far off the mark. Takahara completes the quartet on both drums and flute, and while her presence on percussion is not commanding, her poly-rhythmic flourishes set her style apart while tacking on an extra touch of jazz.
Line-up / Musicians
Mineko Itakura/voices,bass
Mine Nakao/guitar,voices
Fusao Toda/guitar
Tomoko Takakura/drums,percussion,flute
Discography(Album)
Angel'in Heavy Syrup IV 1999
1.First Love
2.A Series Of Water Mind/Rubens And The Cathedral
3.Voyage
4.Adios In Those Days
5.Space Conquest
6.Fate
Listen or download Angel'in Heavy Syrup Voyage for free on Pleer
Listen or download Angel'in Heavy Syrup Fate for free on Pleer
Listen or download Angel'in Heavy Syrup First Love for free on Pleer
Angel'in Heavy Syrup - Angel'in Heavy Syrup IV 1999
11:01:00 PM / by алеко / in A, Japan, Psychedelic/Space Rock /
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