Fushitsusha – Radio Code [Cass] (1989, AQM)

Japanese guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist Keiji Haino had been a prominent figure in the Tokyo underground since the mid-'70s before forming this incredible group that stands as one of Japan's most inventive and extraordinary and powerful groups of the era. Their work draws on noise, rock, free improvisation, and psychedelia, yet they sculpt their group sound in a fashion that their music is relative to few forms. In fact, the sound of Fushitsusha could best be described as contemporary Japanese music as some of their modalities and vigorous improvisational manner reflects the Japanese folk and traditional formulas. On the other hand, the electricity and refined indulgence of their feedback drenched albums and live concerts bares similarities to early Sonic Youth and the Swans, yet is as challenging as avant-garde improvisation. Sonny Sharrock's 'Black Woman' and Peter Brötzmann's 'Machine Gun' are good points of reference, as are Captain Beefheart, Guru Guru, or even Can. 

 
Fushitsusha is part of a continuum in Japanese avant-garde music that was developing in the '60s with noisy improvisational groups such as Group Ongaku, Taj Mahal Travellers, and, most notably, New Direction Unit, who were versed in a free-form noise dialect that went beyond the free jazz movement to higher and more unsettling places. Where Fushitsusha fit into the spectrum of rock, noise, and avant-garde could be pondered for hours. The conclusion, in most cases, could only be that they are a phenomenon of an incredibly creative force in leader Keiji Haino, who has forged some of the most magnificent avant-garde recordings of the '90s seemingly out of blood, sweat, and tears. As a solo performer, he has such an extraordinary and singular approach one could only compare him to an artist like Cecil Taylor, as his work is all-consuming, brutally passionate, and individual. 

 
Fushitsusha recorded their debut album in 1989; however, it is rumored that the group existed in various incarnations from as early as 1980. 'Radio Code' is a studio session by Keiji Haino and members of his band, Fushitsusha ("Tribe Of Outcasts", roughly translated). Often considered a "walking encyclopedia" of rock, blues, classical and other musics, Haino has developed a personal synthesis of Japanese and Western influences that is extremely rare; his work has lastingly influenced more musicians than anyone of his generation. Haino describes the general sound of Fushitsusha as a cross between blues and Gregorian chant. All lyrics are improvised in archaic Japanese, chosen equally for its sound and its nuances, and in control of these again Haino is a master. Produced by Keiji Haino and John Duncan. [SOURCE: ALLMUSIC]

 

 

Label: AQM – none 

Series: Radio Code 

Format: Cassette, C90 

Country: Netherlands 

Released: 1989 

Style: Experimental, Noise, Spoken Word

 

Tracklist: 

A Untitled 

B Untitled 

 

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