The second album from this Japanese group takes a surrealist slant on
rock
. Like other '90s Tokyo groups
Ghost
,
Fushitsusha
, and
Overhang Party
, they take tips from American and British
psychedelic rock
of the '60s and '70s. While their peers take the inspiration and explode it into
avant-garde
territory,
Che-Shizu
stay within the formula while consistently inventing within it on this album. Lead by the striking vocals of
Chie Mukai
A Journey
is a sophisticated and refined album that touches base on the finer aspects of post-
psychedelic
--
Tim Buckley
's romantic evocations are hinted at on more than one occasion in the flowing ethereal vocals -- and delicate, complex arrangements of guitars, piano, and drums make this an exceptionally well realized album. ~ Martin Walters