As you’d expect with the guitarist of a band that covered Barrett’s Dominos, there’s a distinct late 60s feel to the tracks on here
As you’d expect with the guitarist of a band that covered Barrett’s Dominos, there’s a distinct late 60s feel to the tracks on here
Michio Kurahara – Sunset Notes
A solo LP from Ghost’s guitarist was always going to get reviewed, as Ghost are big Incendiary favourites. And this release (culled from recordings done back in 2004) does not disappoint, oh no. In fact, it’s the shizzle. As you’d expect with the guitarist of a band that covered Barrett’s Dominos, there’s a distinct late 60s feel to the tracks on here; Time to Go and Do Deep Sea Fish Dream of Electric Moles? are classic slabs of swinging 60s psychedelia, with the odd nod to stuff like Alan Dale.
There are moments that eschew all this sonic paisley in favour of meditative pieces which have much more in common with Michael Rother’s solo releases. For proof take a listen to Pendulum on a G String. There are vocals, but not ones that make much impression on the LP’s overall feel; Wind Waltzes and The Wind’s Twelve Quarters are typical, dreamy female reflections. Twighlight Mystery of a Russian Cowboy is a Spaghetti Western theme if ever there was one whereas The Old Man and the Evening Star returns to Michael Rother/Robyn Hitchcock territory. Wrapping it all up is A Boat of Courage which is a beautiful, affirmative guitar swirl.
It’s a great listen and highly recommended.
Words: Richard Foster