Geinoh Yamashirogumi – Ecophony Gaia (2xLP)

Geinoh Yamashirogumi is a Japanese collective that was founded in 1974 by Tsutomu Ōhashi, also known as Shoji Yamashiro, his pseudonym. While this collective is classified as avant-progressive, it makes a unique blend of avant-gardism and of traditional and folk music from Asian and European countries, notably. It is also very progressive, but probably different from what the usual listener is habituated to.

A particularity of this band is that many people are involved in it ? and most of them are not musicians. In fact, they come from various backgrounds; some businessmen, doctors, engineers, journalists and students are (or have been) part of this band.

Over the years, the released many albums, but they are well known in Japan for they have written and performed the soundtrack of Akira, a movie that was directed by Katsuhiro Ōtomo. Even if this original soundtrack is probably their best known album, they have made plenty of excellent ones, exploring many styles and genres while always staying good. I suggest the album Osorezan / Dou no Kenbai to any lover of original, unique and (a bit) rewarding music; it is a chef-d?oeuvre of the genre.

Studio Album, released in 1990
Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Chaos (13:58)
2. Genesis (11:03)
3. Euphony (17:29)
4. Catastrophe (8:33)
5. Disco (8:39)
6. Gaia (10:53)