Kenso - Esoptron. 1999 Japan

It would be another eight years before we heard from Kenso in the studio again. Most assuredly they would come back with their patented blend of European instrumental symphonic meets hard hitting fusion sound? Nope. How about Led Zeppelin?(!) Instrumental heavy blues rock with hard rock guitar and even a little flute, and in the case of the latter, one does have to call out Jethro Tull. The two keyboardists here provide synthesized sounds meant to represent the analog sounds of the 70s (i.e. Hammond organ, Mellotron, Mini-Moog (though I think it is actually a Mini-Moog)). The mid 80s fusion of Kenso III are here in abundance as well, though still filtered through a hard rock lens. There's even some hints of turn of the century Shibuyu-kei ('Chishiki o Koete'). Melodically, the music is unmistakably Kenso, despite all the stylistic trimmings. One complaint I do have about the album is the production, not usually an issue when it comes to Kenso - though as stated in earlier reviews, they could be a bit too slick. It's as if this is their response to the over digitized and professional gloss of Sparta and Yume No Oka. So they decided to purposely "muddy things up" a bit. As if to give it an authentic 70s edge. In 2014, many bands have mastered the art of the 1973 production method. In 1999, only a handful really had a grasp on it - and Kenso weren't one of them. So it sounds like a sludgy 90s digital recording failing to capture the spirit of another age. This does distract the listen somewhat. At the time of release, the album didn't quite live up to Kenso's lofty reputation they enjoyed. I have to say, in retrospect, it still doesn't. That isn't the same thing as saying this is a poor effort. Far from it - and is definitely worthy of ownership. To my ears, this is Kenso trying not to be Kenso. So if you're new to the band, don't start here. 

Ownership: CD: 1999 Nexus

9/15/14 (new entry)