© 2024 Lawrence Tuczynski
All information courtesy of Sam Scali
| Title: | Goukai Na Wandaba - Dabadaba - Dan: Tohru Fuyuki Anthology |
| CD Label: | BKM |
| CD Number: | G.R.F.044 |
| Music Performed by: | Bukimisha Weird Secret Society |
| Music Composed by: | Tohru Fuyuki |
| Number of tracks: | 33 [1 hidden] |
| Running time: | 73:01 |
| Number of discs: | 1 |
| Year of release/manufacture: | October 29, 2023 |
| REVIEW |
March 27, 2024 Bukimisha has been creating and performing since 1989. In the past 35 years, they have consistently shown that any instrumentally-derived musical composition can be wondrously transformed by their considerable vocal talents, and their massive catalog of CD releases is living proof. Their recordings demonstrate their ability to stretch the boundaries of the human voice, and though the group′s primary focus has been Akira Ifukube′s rich body of work, they have proven time and again that no repertoire is beyond their grasp. This new CD, featuring dynamic, a cappella vocal renditions of Tohru Fuyuki's tokusatsu music, is a prime example. The 32 choice themes are primarily drawn from various ULTRA series, presented here in (mostly) reverse chronological order from when the shows were originally broadcast. To describe these recordings as "high energy" would be an understatement. Takeo Yahiro and his singing cohorts power through each cue with startling urgency, and the results are exhilarating. In contrast to much of maestro Ifukube′s solemn and often apocalyptic work, Fuyuki′s themes take a more lively approach in heralding imminent danger. And while Ifukube has also mastered the military march, for Fuyuki it is seemingly his default position. Bukimisha tackles this material with customary vigor, mixing heroic harmonies with relentless, staccato rhythms, and imbuing a sense of peril behind every syllable. Their vocal gymnastics are thrilling to hear, and each hyperactive musical cue is rendered to perfection. Not only does Fuyuki′s music benefit from this treatment, but so do the signature "wandaba" vocals, a rhythmic device that has become indelibly associated with ULTRA series music. And speaking of vocals, Tracks 2, 22 and 26 are oddly reminiscent of some of Ennio Morricone's more vocally-enhanced compositions, such as his theme from "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly". Finally, no Bukimisha CD would be complete without a hidden track - in this case, an extended medley of all of the main themes on the disc. Once again, Bukimisha has produced a memorable and adventurous showcase that will appeal to fans of tokusatsu music, soundtrack collectors and beyond. Bukimisha CDs are available to non-Japanese buyers through BOOTH (The International Indie Art Marketplace) by using a proxy service or other intermediary: https://bukimisya-maal.booth.pm/ |
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Goukai Na Wandaba - Dabadaba - Dan: Tohru Fuyuki Anthology (G.R.F.044)
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