PoiL / Ueda - 2023 - Yoshitsune [mini-review]

(39:56; Dur Et Doux)



















French band PoiL and Japanese artist Ueda are out with the album "Yoshitsune", and progressive rock is the style explored on this production. It is an interesting melting pot of elements we get here, with the result being a highly challenging and equally rewarding variety of progressive rock. What sounds like traditional Japanese folk music is a recurring element with instrument as well as vocal traditions, with side steps into what I believe may be a more avant-oriented variety of that form too. With at least one song featuring elements I associate with what I have come across from the kabuki theater tradition, although that might of course be incidental. Poil serves up quirky but appealing jazzrock just as often as they venture into the left fields of the avant progressive rock traditions, complete with otherworldly and alien sounding constructions. Possibly with a little bit of Zeuhl-inspired arrangements along the way. Melting all of these elements into a totality makes for some rather extraordinary landscapes to be enjoyed, and while I suspect it'll be more of a niche audience that will find pleasure in these escapades that breach borders, conventions and traditions alike those who do get this music are in for quite a ride and a fairly unique experience. An album to seek out by those who take great pleasure in enjoying the more challenging parts of the progressive rock universe.

Olav "Progmessor" Björnsen, November 2023

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/POILband
https://www.junkoueda.com/
https://duretdoux.com/

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