Kikagaku Moyo Kumoyo Island
Kikagaku Moyo’s Kumoyo Island was released on streaming May 6 2022 from GuruGuru Brain Records. The vinyl comes in limited edition color and black shipping in late July.
Kikagaku Moyo is one of the premiere psychedelic rock-folk bands on the international stage. They have sold out nearly every date on their North America Tour and continuously reissue and sell out of every album. The members of the band founded GuruGuru Brain records which highlights rock and experimental folk music from Asia.
Kikagaku Moyo was founded in Japan but soon outgrew the music market on their home island and started touring the world playing at Austin Psych Fest / Levitation Austin and several large psychedelic rock festivals in Europe, Australia and beyond. The band is now split between Amsterdam and Japan. The distance has made the band decide to disband following the release and subsequent tour for the new album. In other articles online the band states that they were always 100% in but the distance covid, families and other interests like the record label has motivated the decision to end on this high note.
Their unique and innovative sound combines the fuzzy high energy psychedelic rock with pastoral folk and improvisational expression. The vocals are in Japanese and in a made up tonal language. They utilize two guitars, drums, harmonized vocals, electric sitar and keyboards to take their songs from the calm forests to soaring in the sky. The live performances include sections of improvisation where they demonstrate active listening and abstract sound exploration. These sections often lead to an explosive climax that has driven audiences to become life long fans.
Their latest album Kumoyo Island is based on the theme of an imaginary paradise. The music is soothing and draws toward soundscapes with modulating effects and otherworldly tones. They embrace their Asian heritage reflecting trends in the Asian folk and rock scene. Nothing sounds like Kikagaku Moyo and this album further sets them apart from the larger stylistic leanings of the genre.
Their creativity has always been their strength forging their own path through the musical landscape being true to their inner impulses. Kumoyo Island pushes this further with their soothing island sounds that can only be compared to early krautrock soundtrack Instrumentals combined with effected guitars, glittering keys, and international sitar sounds lend the music a distinctive Asian sound. No other band combines themes from so many diverse genres in such a cohesive and natural way. The music flows from the collective minds of the band like a conscious river.
Kumoyo Island will not have a radio shattering single yet it has appeared in Rolling Stone and other large music magazines. The music is calming, soothing with a few highly energized sections but overwhelmingly the nuance in tone and effects creates a soundscape. There are noises and sounds that bring to mind waves, ocean life and rustling leaves. The music has a natural feel that brings to a new age sound.
Kumoyo Island is another excellent album from Kikagaku Moyo. This band can do no wrong as every song on every release has been outstanding. This album serves as another reminder of how special this group and how unique their creative vision can be. Their music thrives in the abstract and the band can sooth a busy mind into relaxation or excite one into climactic catharsis. If this is truly the final album as they say it is a fond farewell that will leave fans wanting more and more.
https://kikagakumoyoggb.bandcamp.com/
The Psych Rock
The Psych Rock is my outlet for music reviews and music journalism. I also write over at PowMagazine.org be sure to head over there and see the latest. The Psych Rock YouTube Channel has videos of live concerts many in California with psychedelic rock bands, folk music, including live videos from Kikagaku Moyo. I am also on Twitter, IG, and Facebook as The Psych Rock.
Thank you so much and yes we do all need psychedelic rock acid folk music in 2021 we need more hippies in our world. Peace n love brother.
Very informative!!! Thanks my friend, can’t wait wait until the next one!!! Much love from dmtworld.net!!!