Michio Kurihara - Sunset Notes

Michio Kurihara has already done enough this year. His releases with Boris and Ghost have been more than enough in the realm of quality releases that he certainly deserves a break. However, his first solo release "Sunset Notes" has put him well above and beyond the call of duty. Technically, in other parts of the Earth, the CD was released in 2005 but he has finally brought it to North American shores this year. The album is so inspirational that it's almost difficult to listen to anything else once it's finished. It begins with two tracks of fuzzed-out guitar psychedelia, possibly fooling the listener into believing that, while his axe-chops are very impressive, the CD will likely glide comfortably into this particular niche. However, even Michio knows that Joe Satriani is, like, soooooo 1986. (Although it should be noted that even Joe never sounded as fresh and vital as Michio does on those first two tracks.) The CD shifts into mellower territory with songs like "Wind Waltzes" and "The Wind's Twelve Quarters," featuring the vocal talents of Ai Aso, which provides us with a slightly 60's beat vibe that reminds me of Claudine Longet, the girl who sang "Nothing To Lose" in Peter Sellers' "The Party." The CD then moves on with Crimson-esque prog (Pendulum On A G-String,) Dick Dale-like surf guitar (Twilight Mystery of A Russian Cowboy,) and "A Boat of Courage" which is the album closing epic to eclipse all other album closing epics. The song builds and builds before reaching its abrupt end, leaving you definitely wanting more. Michio Kurihara has waited 20+ years to finally release a solo album, let's hope he puts out another one soon.

Download:
Do Deep-Sea Fish Dream Of Electric Moles? mp3

Purchase "Sunset Notes" on damonandnaomi.com
Michio does not seem to have his own myspace page, but the album has been released on indie label 20-20-20 which does have a myspace page where you can hear the excellent "Twilight Mystery of a Russian Cowboy."