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The electric tuba is not an instrument I am familiar with however Gideon Juckes’ playing is a mainstay for this album and the bouncing bass sounds he generates in ‘Gujo Ondo’ immediately demonstrate the quality sonic possibilities. ‘Rettsu Kissu’ opens and closes with a charming melody hugely reminiscent of Balkan/East European Gypsy music, whilst when it breaks midway into deep dub it is delightful, the bassline enhanced by horns and ghostly electronics.

Kumura’s vocals and the traditional Ohayashi choral singing added by Akiko Sato and Kay Oishi give Setsubun Bean Unit a unique multi-cultural and layered sound. Rather than adding these elements for novelty or to create broader appeal I see them as intrinsic to the Setsubun Bean Unit sound and indeed the inspiration for the Farmyard Animals band members creating this album. The sung elements are at their best in ‘Gujo Ondo’ and ‘Tsugaru Jinku’, the latter a delightful song with tuba punching through the foot-tapping groove.

‘Fire Festival’ is intensely atmospheric with cymbals, drums and verse creating an eerie mood. As an excellent d ‘n’ b drum pattern emerges, more otherworldly sounds and bursts of tuba heighten the mood. ‘Fire Festival’ contrasts hugely with the gentle ballad ‘Tora San’, the album mellows in a middle section, which contains a journeying instrumental ‘Moon River is a Swamp’, reminding me of Susumu Yokota’s ambient releases. Setsubun Bean Unit’s debut is very busy with vast styles, tempos and layers of sound. At times it can overwhelm while at other moments it seems enlightened. Balance is best achieved and sustained for the entire duration of a song in the final three tracks, ‘Akita Ondo’, ‘Tsugaru Jinku’ and ‘Lion Dance’.

Various moments share similarities with Matthew Herbert’s own music, particularly when live and electrified components join in a harsh, though far from unpleasant way. Setsubun Bean Unit is available now on Herbert’s label, Accidental Records.

Links:
Accidental Records
Setsubun Bean Unit
Farmyard Animals
Wikipedia info on Setsubun
Susumu Yokota