For Yakuza, the essential elements of the Chicago quartet have long since been established; experimentation and exploration have already been done. On Transmutations, Yakuza continues their unique sound while somehow expanding on the band’s forward-thinking approach to music. Comparable in style maybe only to Ephel Duath or John Zorn’s Naked City, Yakuza present a truly distinct sonic experience in a music scene that is all too 'scene.' And this time around, lyrics included.
From the beginning of the nearly seven minute-long “Meat Curtains”, it is immediately evident that Yakuza has every intention of taking the road less traveled. Front man Bruce Lamont’s growling delivery pushes his vocal chords to the extreme, a noticeable difference from Samsara, but yet he also manages ballad-esque offerings in addition (the melancholy “Raus” and “Perception Management”). Reed instruments (saxophone, clarinet) adorn nearly every track, used in some cases as a lead instrument and others as doomy background to create a trippy, dense atmosphere. Guitar, bass and drums intertwine flawlessly whether pummeling the ear or pulling back for a groovy jazz-rock jam session (“Black Market Liver”, “Zombies”), guest percussionists included. Lyrically, Yakuza has clearly grown from past efforts, incorporating enigmatic concepts and cryptic social commentary, even touching on Orwell’s apocalyptic masterpiece 1984.
The organic construction and the powerful ebb and flow of Transmutations provides the perfect balance of the many distinct elements present; Yakuza is able to strike a perfect balance of groove, aggressiveness, urgency and psychedelics. A contender for top ten of 2007. Listen for yourself.
| Reviewer: Chris Hodge Added: July 29th 2007 |
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