Joe Hisaishi: Kissho Tennyo (Colored Vinyl) Vinyl LP

Obscure Japanese electronics back on wax! Legendary composer Joe Hisaishi is probably best known for his work on Studio Ghibli masterpieces like Nausicaa, Princess Mononoke, or Spirited Away, but on Kissho Tennyo, we are given a rare glimpse of his pre-Ghibli electronic work. Here Hisaishi works with a minimalist synthesizer palette to paint the sonic world of "a modern femme fatale who has the powers of an ancient deity." Tension meets ambience throughout the album, with sharp arpeggios offset by cold drone soundscapes, drawing comparisons to modern masters like Terry Riley and Yellow Magic Orchestra. Lag Records has done a beautiful job on bringing this 1984 masterpiece back from obscurity with an officially licensed translucent pink pressing, complete with fresh remaster, poster insert, and new artwork by Luna Monogatari. Recommended.

• translucent pink colored vinyl
• gatefold sleeve
• poster insert
• digital download included
• music label: Lag Records 2018

reviewed by Otakun 04/2018