Artcane, France ***REISSUED***

Odyssee. 1977 Philips

***Reissued by Musea Sep 2018

Moved to UMR

Priority: 2

9/22/09 (new entry); 8/26/18 (complete)

Jupu Group, Finland ***REISSUED***

Ahmoo! 1975 Hi-Hat

***Reissued by Svart Jul 2018

Moved to UMR

Priority: 3

11/7/09 (new entry); 7/2/18 (complete)

Grasland, Germany ***REISSUED***

Echt Null! 1981 Torpedo

***Reissued by New Music - Green Tree 2018

I was a bit surprised at the heaviness of the first track, almost a proto metal sound permeates. There are other times further in where the guitar is grungier than you would expect. Overall, I'd say it's like a harder edged Rousseau, around the time of Retreat (but minus the flute), mixed with some straightforward rock with German vocals. This latter element made me think of late 70s Novalis. Overall a pretty decent album, and worth seeking for a couple of listens.

Priority: none

12/16/10 (new entry); 7/15/18 (complete)

Noa, Japan ***REISSUED***

Tri-Logic. 1987 Pam

***Reissued by Belle Antique Jun 2018

In the 1980s there were a lot of Japanese progressive bands flying well under the radar (a few examples would be Nishin, Dada, Heretic, Saisai Koubou, Orpheus, Picaresque of Bremen - and many more). Noa would have to be considered in this group of bands. Musically a strong guitar fronted fusion / King Crimson hybrid, with typical 1980s era sounding keys. I've seen one Heldon reference in researching, but I don't hear it myself. Good album and worth seeking out.

Priority: none

1/30/10; 6/20/18 (complete)

Ex Vitae, France ***REISSUED***

Ex Vitae. 1978 private

***Reissued by Musea, Jun 2018 No bonus tracks unfortunately

At times, Ex Vitae are at the peak of the French jazzy progressive rock genre, recalling such luminaries as Moving Gelatine Plates and Ma Banlieue Flasque. The complex counterpoint rhythms, fuzz guitar, flute, violin, the "je ne sais quoi" attitude. But alas, it's not all so consistent, as there's some aimless free jazz and a couple of pointless experimental bits that show the band tried too hard to be artsy. Still, about 75% of the album is splendid, and worth a reissue for that. One can only hope for more great tracks hidden in the vaults.

Priority: 3

2/18/11 (new entry); 6/19/18 (complete)

Sukellusvene, Finland ***REISSUED***

Vesi- Ja Lintumusiikkia. 1979 Love

***Reissued by Svart, Jun 2018

Moved to UMR

Priority: 2

11/11/09 (new entry); 6/17/18 (complete)

Shuichi "Ponta" Murakami, Japan ***REISSUED***

Introducing "Ponta" Murakami. 1976 Toshiba EMI

Starts off pretty much in the funky fusion bag, similar to many European fusion albums of the era. Plenty of funky Rhodes, clavinet, and bass. But then by the third track, Murakami goes all George Hirota, and delivers spacey electronics with indigenous Japanese percussion. Suddenly the album becomes more interesting, though unfortunately the drums become a bit too dominant. Last track brings it altogether. A good album, though not as consistent as it could have been, especially with the percussion focus being a bit strong. 

Priority: none

10/9/10 (new entry); 4/4/18 (complete)