A few months back, Nikki Matsumoto and his boundary-smashing musical collective Rock of Asia released their innovative new album, entitled TAMI, from the Japanese word for ‘folk’ or ‘people.’
Rock Of Asia’s unique musical fusion blends Western instruments like the guitar and violin with Eastern instruments like the koto, shamisen, sho, and erhu. In other words, this music has rock at its core, but it carries an ancient, traditional power that is undeniable.
TAMI features the musical gifts of Nikki Matsumoto (vocals, biwa, sanshin, guitars, bass, programming, percussion), Yasuhisa Murase (acoustic guitar), Kizen Ohyama (Shakuhachi), and Yuki Ishii (violin).
Comprising eight tracks, entry points on TAMI include the title track, which opens on classical strings topped by the tones of a flute as Matsumoto’s uniquely flavored tenor imbues the lyrics with surging, foreboding timbres. Backing harmonies infuse the song with majestic tones that give the tune an almost martial feel.
The undulating motion of “Four-Legged Requiem,” with its elegiac sensation, conveys a lilting sadness as if pondering the fate and vulnerability of all life. A crying violin rides over a gentle guitar on the outro, filling the tune with poignancy.
Full of twangy, plucking flavors, radiating an exotic country melody, “Sunbright” rides a teeter-tottering rhythm that provides a matrix for the strident-lite violin. Quixotic and rounded, there’s a delicious affectionate tone to Matsumoto’s vocals.
Similar to a stripped-down folk-rock tune, “Capital In Your Vein’ features a weeping violin accompanied by the lustrous tones of the Shakuhachi, infusing the tune with a luscious gliding movement.
Arguably one of the best tracks, “Keep Yourself Alive” is a festive folk tune about the magical miracle of simply being alive. Upbeat and bouncy, the song hums with triumphant dynamics.
With low-slung hints of prog-rock, “Stranger In The Homeland” reveals shadowy colors and wistful vocals, longing for connection. Dripping with affecting emotions, Matsumoto’s voice exposes intense aching passion. Near the end, spellbinding sonic surfaces imbue the tune with gorgeous tenderness.
Rock of Asia closes the album with an instrumental, “Tomorrow,” at once elegant and swirling with beautiful layering.
Exquisitely structured, TAMI amalgamates Western rock with Eastern instruments into a splendid series of evocative songs.
