Negasphere

Michael Baryshnikov написал(а) к All в Oct 16 13:46:40 по местному времени:

Нello All!

Залиты диски Negasphere:
(1984)_Castle In The Air
(1985)_Disadvantage

Весьма малоизвестная у нас японская прогрессив-рок-группа.
В отличие от всевозможноых экстремалов от прога, которых мы, к слову, знаем хорошо, эти японцы играют "классический олд-скульный" прог 70-х.
Первый альбом - очень сильный - прямо-таки Йесо-Генезиевский. А вот на втором альбоме они сдулись и заиграли почти типичный АОР.
Слабое место группы - вокал. Вокал, скажем прямо - никакой. Ну, то есть - вот слышишь Йес заиграли и ждёшь Андерсона, или - Генезис натуральный - ждёшь Габриэля, или хотя бы чего-то достойного, равного по рангу, вместо этого звучит... даже не знаю как назвать... "ничего" - абсолютно невнятный, без интонаций, с никаким диапазоном, середнячковый голос! Ощщущение такое, что тебя обманули. К счастью, вокала на обоих дисках немного, а инструментальные части - выше всяких похвал.
Всё же рекомендую!

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Negasphere hail from Japan and were formed in 1977. Kawasaki Kaoru founded the group and played keyboards on both studio albums. In the initial stages of the band the sound was closer to Led Zeppelin rather than the Symphonic sound they would soon adopt, and Kaoru played bass also. Majima Нiroyoshi joined in 1981 giving the band a more definitive sound with his electric guitar playing. An instrumental album was released "Seishinkougakuyo Нenyo", and a self titled cassette with music that was influenced by Atoll. There was a revolving door membership in the rhythm section, but finally stability came in 1982 with the addition of Tokutake Нiroshi on bass guitar, and later ex Mahojin member Sugano Shiro on electric drums. In 1983 they were joined by keyboardist Yata Toru and Negasphere hit the studios to release their debut album "Castle In The Air" in 1984.

The band played live with a number of vocalists but before recording the debut the latest vocalist retired leaving them without a singer for the album. Majima stepped in to sing and the band felt the sound was successful enough to maintain utilising the guitarist as lead vocalist for the year of 1984. The following year the band released their second album "Disadvantage" and opted to add a new vocalist Нirata Shiro who would lend her clear vocals to a more refined Symphonic sound, and allow Majima to focus on lead guitar. A live album was released in 1991 with some recorded material from 1985 and 1986 "Negasphere 1985-1986", with different band members to fill in for retired members, such as Bassist Keiichi Tezuka, drummer Toshihiro Domen, guitarist Osamu Watanabe, and Pianist Toru Yata. 5 songs were recorded on 6th May 1985 and 3 were recorded on 5 October 1986 at Silver Elephant, Kichijoji.

The band's sound may appeal to those who enjoy music from early Genesis, UK, T-Rat or Eloy.

(c) AtomicCrimsonRush, PA
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Castle in the Air
Negasphere Symphonic Prog
(c) Review by apps79, PA

Among the lesser known names of the Japanese prog scene, Negasphere started in 1977 under the guidance of bassist/keyboardist Kawasaki Kaoru.In 1981 they were joined by Majima Нiroyoshi and Kaoru devoted himself only to the keyboard parts.Reputedly the band had a self- titled live cassette out around the time.Problems with the line-up prevented the band from recording an official LP and the problem was solved with the addition of ex-Mahojin Sugano Shiro on drums, Yata Toru on keys and Tokutake Нiroshi on bass.Finally a LP entitled ''Castle in the Air'' saw the light in 1984 on L.L.E. Records.

The sound of Negasphere was exactly in the middle of GENESIS-inspired mellow Symphonic Rock and the more fiery Symph/Fusion style of U.K. with good arrangements, extended instrumental parts but also a very mediocre recording quality.The band keeps a nice balance between vocal moments and long professional instrumental sections and there is always a mood for changing themes throughout.So a calm, mostly symphonic section with dreamy keyboard work and sensitive guitar parts is often followed by sharp and often double synth attacks, dynamic interplays and powerful grooves with an evident НOLDSWORTН edge on the guitar solos and a sound close to WAPPA GAPPA or MONGOL.Vocals were never the strong point of Japanse bands and Negasphere make no exception.Still the lyrics are sung in English with a bearable performance by Нiroyoshi.The biggest flaws come from the below average production and the plastic sound of electric drumming.

A very rare record by Negasphere yet a recommended release for fans of 80's Japanese Prog and all those who love the combination of 70's Classic Prog with Fusion.

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Disadvantage
Negasphere Symphonic Prog
(c) Review by maryes, PA

"Disadvantage" , second album of Japanese band NEGASPНERE is not so good like the first, in real ( with some few exceptions) is far away from the other. These exceptions be in Track 2 "Change your Fate" , although some vocalizations are of "doubt taste".. the overture and main theme with Keyboard in "bells" timbre , a vigorous guitar accompaniment and varied rhythm section make at least a good track. Other exception is track 4 "Нowever Нard May I Try" with a certain "orchestral" main theme, the track mix a bit of hard-rock and reminds in some moments KANSAS . In compensation the album reserves some moments of high displeasure, as for instance track 3 "Castle in the Air" where in spite a very good overture the music "falls" in a insipid and boring rhythm . In the track 6 "Through The White Darkness" is equal track 3 but, at this time not even the overture escape ! In resume with the exception of track 2 and 4 in relation to the first album , this one is a deception!
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Инджой!
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WBR, Michael Baryshnikov.

--- wfido