Zenlog

Review: antennasia - Qus-cus

Sun, 19 Sep 2010 11:10:41 +0100

It's been quite a long wait for this new antennasia album 'Qus-cus'. Sure, there was that remix-album of their 2006 album '23 Bluebird Street, Velo-city', which kept their fans happy for a while, but it's always a pleasure to hear new material from this Japanese duo. If you've followed antennasia over the past ten years, this new album holds few surprises. The evolution of their musical style, which was always quite apparent on their previous albums, as well as the experimentation that came along with that, has made place for refinement. There's a bit of everything from every antennasia album prior to 'Qus-cus'. Little snippets and sounds that sound familiar, which should make any fan feel right at home. Producer nerve even grabs back at their dub/trip-hop roots at one point and makes it work, without letting it sound dated. It nearly feels like a compilation album: 'The very best of antennasia', apart from the small, but rather significant fact that these are all new songs. Terribly well written and produced songs, zooming neatly along that high standard we've come to expect from antennasia. And at this point it has to be said that these songs are by no means entirely build on history, but it's clear this duo now know exactly where their strengths lie.
Well, familiarity is fine, but that doesn't count if you're new to antennasia. In that case you've got a very mature production in your hands, which oozes with experience. And what probably drew you to antennasia in the first place, was that incredible voice. The voice of san, which is prominently the main instrument in all these songs. On previous albums she was often the warmth that was added to cold electronics, but on 'Qus-cus' she blends into the already solid arrangements. I have to say that on some tracks her vocals are too much layered with effects, but perhaps that's a non-issue, as it's entirely in line with their musical style. It does make one anticipate on how great some of these songs would sound if they would be performed acoustically. None of the songs here rely on gimmicks or are dependant on any electronics that are used. Without those seductively crispy sounding synths, these songs would still stand as firm as a house. Although there were tracks like that on previous antennasia albums, this time it's in abundance and that is exactly what makes 'Qus-cus' such a great addition to your collection.

Cocco ／絹ずれ

Sat, 18 Sep 2010 21:17:03 +0100

m.o.v.e - Fate Seeker

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 21:28:41 +0100

First new single by m.o.v.e. in a year and a half. Last year t-kimura left the group, but this release does feature a remix by him.

Yoko Ono Plastic Ono Band - The Sun is Down! (Mr Musuko Remix)

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 22:03:54 +0100

Alfa Romeo Mito - Space Invaders

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:13:11 +0100

Cool commercial created by Canadian company Spy Films, featuring an Alfa Romeo Mito, involved in a game of Space Invaders.

Robots and Muscle Cars

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:27:52 +0100

The latest Tokio Hotel video is all about robots and muscle cars. Needs more babes though... any babes... Flesh and bone ones that is.

Fish Story

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:04:42 +0100

Check out this video for the Japanese movie Fish Story. There's a good review here on the Cinematical website. The plot is a very interesting one: Quote: "Rather than a fish, or fishes, the linchpin of the narrative is a song entitled "Fish Story," recorded by an obscure Japanese punk band in 1975 (one year before the Sex Pistols were formed). Unappreciated in their own time, the band's song takes on a life of its own over the years, still entrancing listeners in a record store in 2012. A comet is about to strike the earth, and mankind only has five hours left to live. With the rest of the populace departed to supposedly safer high ground, three men come together, listening to the record and fantasizing that, somehow, the song will be able to save the world." By the way, that's Kora Kengo featuring as the lead singer.

HTC Touch2 smart-phone ft Windows Mobile 6.5

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 21:20:40 +0100

PCPro is featuring a review of the new HTC Touch2 smart-phone, which is the first phone to be equipped with Windows Mobile 6.5. If you're not ready to switch to an iPhone or a phone with Android, this should keep you happy, while you wait for WM 7. Quote: "A well-made and usable Windows smartphone - just don't expect the new Windows Mobile to make a massive difference"

Do As Infinity - Saigo no Game

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:22:13 +0100

Do As Infinity will release a new album tomorrow, titled Eternal Flame. With this album they also celebrate the 10th anniversary since their debut single Tangerine Dream came out. One of the tracks on that album is Saigo no Game, which features this nicely rendered promo-video:

Toyota Prius bodykit by Tommy Kaira

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:49:27 +0100

If you think a standard Toyota Prius is too boring, Tommy Kaira has got a solution for you. Yes, I must agree it's a bit over the top, because with these kind of looks, you'd expect it to have it's hybrid heart replaced by a slurping V6. No, those four exhausts (check the link) will not really add bass to the whizzing electric powersource. Still, good try.

A Mountain of One - Bones

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:49:14 +0100

Discovered this song today by A Mountain of One. This song, titled Bones, is from their new album Institute of Joy, which was released earlier this month. This song gives me that 70's soul feeling, which is probably brought on by the background vocals.

Beak

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:17:53 +0100

Beak is a project from Portishead's Geoff Barrow. AnalogSuicide.com writes the following about Beak: "BEAK were formed in January 2009 by three Bristol musicians, Billy Fuller, Matt Williams and Geoff Barrow. The band have very strict guidelines governing the recording and writing process of their work. The music was recorded live in one room with no overdubs or repair, only using edits to create arrangements. All tracks were written over a twelve-day session in SOA Studios, Bristol. The album is to be released on the 19th of october 2009 on Invada Records Europe and ipecac in North America."

Assault Girl: Kentucky no Hinako

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:08:58 +0100

This is a short film by Mamoru Oshii. Hardcore dramatic science fiction with a bite at the end. (Via @GreatDismal)

Black Borders - Teenage Riot

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:30:35 +0100

Video from Japanese band Black Borders. This is Teenage Riot from their mini-album Great Adventure.

Nintendo DSi in three new colours

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:12:10 +0100

Nintendo have announced three new colours for their DSi handheld. Apparently only available in Europe, these models will come in red, light blue and metallic blue. These versions of the DSi will be available from October 23 and would make a great gift for the upcoming holidays.