Sun is shining and it is my pleasure to present to you 'Kumo No Muko Volume 2'. A stunning album of 80's Japanese ambient synth-op. This double vinyl affair is the second in the series, curated by the delightful Alixkun, featuring various artists on his Jazzy Couscous imprint. The album ranges from mesmerizing ambient sounds, to the dreamiest of synth-pop in a twelve track project, packaged in some gorgeous artwork.
This second volume opens with Miwako Saito's \"12 No Garnet\", a soft and dreamy wonder of synth-pop blessed by Saito's ethereal voice. The perfect departure gate to a voyage into the exoticism and mysteries of 80's Japan.
Following on are Yoshio Suzuki's \"Touch of Rain\" and Ayuo Takahashi's \"Mizu Iro No Kagami\", two compositions that flirt with Jazz, Ambient & New Age influences that take the listener to more spiritual and melancholic territories.
Yellow Magic Orchestra traces can be found within Tomoko Yasuno's \"Sur La Terra\" & Flat Face's \"Hibi No Awa\". Haruomi Hosono, member of YMO, produced \"Sur La terra\" in 1984 and you can without a doubt recognize the touch of the synth-pop master here. Flat Face's track was released on Midi inc. a label created originally to welcome the release of Ryuichi Sakamoto's (YMO) works. His shadow flows completely throughout “Hibi No Awa”. While going through more dynamic vibes with Shi-Shonen's \"Harvest (Long Size)\", an unexpected crossover of reggae, new wave and traditional Japanese sounds.
Alixkun showcases more chilled out ambiances with Toru Hatano's \"Kanki\", a singular mind-trip led by a guitar solo that reminds you of deep Psyche-Rock & Pink Floyd. “Kumo No Muko Volume 2” closes the curtain as softly as it opens with Mio Fou's \"Picasso No Ao\", a song rich in ambient vibes illustrated by a combination of acoustic guitar and solo piano, until the atmospheric voices and drums start rolling in, giving this track new layers of depth.
