poppedmusic

Kikagaku Moyo – Gatherings

Words: Nicholas Jacques

This is the first Popped review for Tokyo’s finest psychedelic band Kikagaku Moyo whilst also a bit of a “left turn” or foray for Popped Music too. However, there’s no need to panic and look at a map, for the musical compass is definitely pointing in the right direction.

Kikagaku Moyo are a band who I began to admire about a year ago on the whim and I am glad to say that they’re one of the best discoveries I’ve made of recent years. Their brand of psychedelia unexpectedly offers up refreshing possibilities; ranging from delicate distinctive pastoral musings to elaborated workouts of fuzzed up heady riffs, this is a band who’s cannon is crammed with a variety creative textures.

This is a fine offering from their next album, ‘Masana Temples’, which is due release on October 4th. ‘Gatherings’ is a wondrous and entrancing creature which grows into its own to become something of a potent musical specimen. They maintain their own sound and shape here and also lend a few nods to the likes of much-loved Canadian space rockers Black Mountain, and it’s certainly worth all your change. Rumbling codas of heavy riffs and shimmering symbol give way to sweet complexions of charming textures before breaking out into an upbeat serene krautrock groove which threatens to run away with abandon before, coming to a sudden stop.

Clocking in at 6 minutes and 40 seconds, this is an ideal introduction to a band that deserve your attention. They will be embarking on a world tour within the next month or so, with 2 shows in the UK. It will only be a matter of time before they gain a bigger fan-base and hopes build for them to do an extensive tour here next time. Listen to this LOUD!

LIVE (UK DATES)

7 NOV – Gorilla, Manchester
8 NOV – Scala, London

Listen to Gatherings below: