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アメリカのプログレレビューサイト、Prog4you (Prog For You)にレビューされました。（2003.03.23） http://www.prog4you.com/cd-review/Head_Pop_Up.htm :: Head Pop Up - Tokusen Burari Tabi :: From Japan comes this amazing release by Head Pop Up, a tight prog outfit with music which is in many ways reminiscent of Kenso, but with a certain air of zaniness thrown in as well. And I don't just say Kenso because they are Japanese! It's really the first thing that came to mind. For those of you who don't know Kenso, think of a crazy mix of equal parts Gentle Giant, Dave Brubeck and Zappa, with just a piquant dash of surf music and a-go-go bitchiness, to get an idea what these guys are doing. The good news is that the music is carefully crafted, melodic to a fault, and that the guitar player isn't content to always play second fiddle to the keyboards, as is sadly usually the case in prog. Not that the album lack enough keys to keep the progheads happy. I was especially pleased at the way Hiro Wada and Michi Mayanagi traded hammond and piano on the album, allowing the guitar to soar over a solid, groove-oriented foundation of bass and drums, but the sound palette used here is very rich. The opening track, "Tokusen Burabi Tabi" is a fantastic piece of music which is worth the price of admission alone. Starting with a theme and groove very much like "Blue Rondo a la Turk" by Brubeck, they then launch into a thirteen minute inspired jam and exploration of three more themes and meters that, as Eric Cartman would say, is "kick ass". On "Metempsychosis", we get a vocal counterpoint that would make the Shulman brothers smile, and a hearty dose of the zaniness that accompanies their music. Note that "Metempsychosis" refers to the alleged transmigration of souls, just you had any lingering doubts concerning the sanity of these individuals. I could go on describing the 4 remaining tracks, but suffice it to say this album really has it all, including the obligatory 20+ minute prog epic, which in this case is surprisingly neither tedious or predictable. I'm just amazed I had never heard about this band, because I'm supposed to be interested in this sort of thing, and yet they just flew below my radar. It's too bad the Progday and Nearfest folks haven't booked them, because I'm sure they'd probably be immensely entertaining live. This album is a keeper for sure, and a must buy for anyone with an interest in music that sounds nothing like Arena or Ayreon. You can check out the band at www.musicterm.jp, or email them at hma@mvj.biglobe.ne.jp Rating: 9 Keys Reviewer: Luis Nasser |
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オランダのDPRPにHPUがレビューされました。（2003.2.25） http://www.dprp.vuurwerk.nl/reviews/200306.html Head Pop Up - Tokusen Burari Tabi Head Pop Up have a long history in the progressive/jazz rock field and centered around Yokohama (Japan), where one assumes the band enjoy a richly deserved following. The album is recorded in three separate segments, two different studios being used and the final track is a live offering. One of a number of recent releases we have covered from the Poseidon Label, who are actively promoting and issuing albums by relatively unknown artists - certainly in Europe, anyway. Musically Head Pop Up offer progressive rock with distinct leanings towards jazz rock. The material is predominantely instrumental, with occasional and somewhat strange vocal interludes, however as these only equate to a small percentage of the the album's material, I will skip over them in the main. The band incorporate two keyboard players, Hiro Wada and Michi Mayanagi, and these two men pretty much preponderate the overall sound. Both are extremely competent players and the combination of Hammond organ, piano and synths did offer comparisons to Greenslade. Coupled with the tight and often innovative rhythm section of Teruro Mikami (bass) and Hasashi Abe (drums), this also added credence to this notion. So only the inclusion of guitarist Atsushi Iwasawa might prompt us to look for other analogies, which it did (in conjuction with some of the keyboard parts), bringing Manfred Mann's Earth Band to mind. The combination of progressive rock ideas, combined with jazzy overtones and odd metres, is where the band come from and this allows each of the indivdual musicians to display his abilities to the full. The opening track contained all of these elements, although it was possibly one of the weaker pieces from the CD. My imagination was captured more by the excellent band riff which opened, and featured throughout, Metempsychosis. Although slightly dischordant, the intensity and power was electrifying. In fact this was a great track albeit for the clever, if not my tastes, vocals. A mixture of Frank Zappa's quirkiness and Gentle Giant's arrangements - although I am not sure it is wholly intentional. Summer 90 is again another good offering and probably the most progressive from the album, from the somewhat gentler outset, the keyboard sounds are good and blend well with the guitar sections. What makes this track is the combination of the aforementioned with the varied arrangement and more dynamic instrumentation. The final track Toscana - Tsuchiyu - Finger Eurhythmics - KUMA NO OYAKO, which remains faithful to the rest of the material to be found on Tuusen Burari Tabi, for me was the strongest overall piece. The track was recorded live at the Silver Elephant in January 2002, and the concert arena would appear to be where these musicians most excel. As a live piece the long instrumental sections work much better, having a more organic, spontaneous feel and it is possible to derive the sense of the atmosphere from the evening. Atsushi Iwasawa features well in this track, adding greater variation to the overall sound, as does the accordion soloing from Michi Mayanagi. Last but not least, were the highs and lows within the music which were used to greater effect here. The band work really well together and the tracks were rhythmically more complex and challenging than it might first appear. My main criticisms of the pieces were that melodically and structurally they sometimes did not capitalize on the strong ideas that opened each of the tracks. Also that more variation within the arrangements might have held the attention longer, as I did find myself waning on some of the longer numbers. This said, Head Pop Up are more than capable of performing these long instrumental tracks, so if this is your brand of prog, it might well be worth giving this band a listen. Bob Mulvey |
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ドイツのProgressive Newsletter nr.42にHPUがレビューされました。（2003.2.9） http://www.progressive-newsletter.de/ Head Pop Up - Tokusen Burari Tabi (64:17, Poseidon Productions, 2002) Die japanische Progressive Rock Szene ist sehr aktiv und vielfaltig, eine Fulle an Bands arbeitet in den vielen Bereichen, etliche in mehreren gleichzeitig. Head Pop Up gehoren dazu. Ihr Album wechselt von Song zu Song den Stil, ohne unglaubwurdig zu klingen. Der eroffnende Titelsong erweist sich auf die Dauer von 13 Minuten als zu langatmig. Zwar ist der Song angenehm und die Ideen fabelhaft, aber das ganze wiederholt sich drei Mal, das muss es dann auch nicht sein. "Metempsychosis" ist sehr jazzig, der Choralgesang gewohnungsbedurftig, abgesehen davon ein ausgezeichneter Song. "Summer 90", live eingespielt und nicht von bester Soundqualitat, ist ein sehr schoner Jazzrock. "Soshite" reizt sein Thema im avantgardistischen Jazzrock aus, fast schon magmaesk und absolut uberzeugend! Das folgende "Night in Roppongi" ist der Hohepunkt des Albums. Rasante Keyboardnotizen werden von der Rhythmuscrew zerschlagen und zerstuckelt, immer wieder, bis die Heftigkeit keine Grenzen kennt und der Magma-Stempel zu voller Auspragung gefunden hat. Sehr jazzbetont, abstrakt und gnadenlos heftig. Das abschliesende "Kuma No Nyako" lebt mit dem Fehler des ersten Songs. Zwar ist die Komposition gelungen, das Stuck jedoch viel zu lang. Head Pop Up geben hier in sagenhaften 22 Minuten dem Akkordeon solistisch Raum, den das schwache Instrument nicht so ganz erfullen kann. In einigen Momenten recht uberzeugend, kann es im nachsten Thema schon wieder peinlich werden. Als wurde eine bayrische Dorfcombo sich an Progressive Rock wagen. Nun ja, das ist etwas uberzogen, denn der Song ist an und fur sich nicht schlecht, wenn er nur nicht die endlosen Akkordeon-Ausfluge zulassen wurde. Im allgemeinen sind die Keyboards Hauptinstrument. Die Rhythmusband ist gut in Arbeit, der Gitarrist konnte sich mehr einbringen. Der Sound ist schwer unausgewogen, einige Stucke haben gute Qualitat, andere sind leise, von mickrigem Klang oder dumpf. Da hatte sich gewiss einiges verbessern lassen. Als Start nicht die beste Arbeit, aber die Ambition ist zu erkennen. Die Band sollte sich auf die Jazzrock-Starken besinnen und es ofter richtig krachen lassen. Etwa 30 der 60 Minuten sind perfekt, der Rest hat Macken. Sympathisch ist die Arbeit dennoch. Mal sehen, wie es mit der Band weitergeht. Volkmar Mantei |
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ドイツのEmpire Magazine vol.65にHPUのCDがレビューされました。（2003.1.25） http://www.empire-music.de/ HEAD POP UP- Tokusen Burari Tabi (Eigenproduktion) Klingt irgendwie nach einer isl舅dischen Band auf afrikanischen Abw臠en, ist aber nicht so. 5 Japaner, die sich im Prog-Jazz Bereich engagieren und einen eher atypischen asiatischen Sound daherbringen. Mit 2 Keyboardern ausgestattet (der Rest besteht aus Gitarre, Bass und Drums) setzen Sie ihre zum grossen Teil aus Longsongs bestehenden Titel melodisch - improvisatorisch um. Ob dieses Album ihr erstes ist, was ihre musikalischen Wurzeln sind und andere Infos sind aufgrund der mehr als raren Informationsquellen nichtauszumachen. Trotzdem hat das Album etwas. Das liegt daran, dass im Gegensatz zu Gerard oder den 3 bekannten japanischen Damen, sich nicht an neuester Digitaler Key- und Synthietechnik versucht wird (mit dem dazugehvrenden Bombastgetue), sondern eher ein verstaubter Sound mittels Piano und Hammond Orgel zum tragen kommt, ohne altmodisch zu klingen. Zweifellos fehlen die markanten Ecken und Kanten, die Eye- oder besser Earcatcher, was dazu f|hrt, dass man sich fragt, ob die Band noch einen langen gemeinsamen Weg vor sich hat, denn an geh舫ftem Interesse und grosser Nachfrage d|rfte es dem Produkt wohl mangeln. Nichtsdestotrotz bleibt mir die Band in guter Erinnerung. Mahlzeit Winfried Vvlklein Eigenproductionというのはレーベル名が入るところなので、間違いだと思います。 |
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CDジャーナル1月号にHead Pop UpのCDレビューが掲載されました。（2002.12.20） http://www.cdjournal.com/ HEAD POP UP - 特選ぶらり旅 横浜のジャズ・バンド、HEAE POP UPのデビュー・アルバム。ジャズ・バンドではあるがプログレ的な要素も強く、「輪廻」でのコーラス&ポエトリー・リーディングでは、独特な世界を生み出している。(6)はライブ音源。 (楡崎明生) |
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世界5大プログレ雑誌の1つである米Expose誌No.26にCDがレビューされました。(2002.12.9) http://www.expose.org/ Head Pop Up - "Tokusen Burari Tabi" (Poseidon PRM002, 2002, CD) I don't know how Japan keeps coming up with bands like this, it must be something in the water. This five piece of dual keyboards, guitar, bass and drums (with vocals on a couple tracks) packs a wallop with their busy contrapuntal jazz-infected arrangements and keyboard driven melodic themes. While it's squarely in the progressive rock camp, it's more along the Hatfield - 80's Crimson - Samla axis, with synths and mellotron on one hand, and electric piano on the other providing a solid backdrop of interlocking melodic complexity, with blistering guitar pyrotechnics, all supported by a crack rhythm section that burns it up on every track. While the style here is more driving and direct (in other words, don't expect Tipographica style meandering), the sound is nonetheless busy and everchanging. Lots of stuff all going on at the same time - I am sometimes reminded of the Swedish band Kultivator. Occasionally they even hint at a zeuhl groove (especially on the amazing 12-minute "Night in Roppongi" which drives it hard, fast, and over the top). The vocals (male and female) on "Summer 90" are like parts of a puzzle, challenging the busy keyboards in a typically busy Crimson-like setting, but still giving enough space for some splendid keyboard and guitar soloing. The final track - a four part sidelong suite, offers numerous playful themes and introduces accordion to their sound. In all, this is some brilliant work that challenges without alienating. - Peter Thelen |
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イギリスのFeedback誌第70号にCDがレビューされました。(2002/11/1) Feedbackのweb siteはありません。連絡先:"Kev Rowland" (kev.rowland@ntlworld.com) HEAD POP UP TOKUSEN BURARI TABI POSEIDON I have reviewed the odd Japanese prog album in my time, but I have never before been sent an album direct from Japan, thanks Hiroshi. Head Pop Up are from Yokohama but apart from that I know very little about them. The press release states that they are a progressive jazz outfit, but they actually have more in common with ELP. This is not a totally instrumental album although there are long passages without vocals, there are two keyboard players in the band so it is not surprising that the music does focus on these. That is not to say that the bass and guitar are ignored, as they also have important parts to play, but rather that they are normally the drivers of melody. The vocals in particular show that this is music that is a little outside of the norm, as it is here that the Eastern style really shines though. The production is strong and the musicianship excellent throughout. Any fan of ELP/Floyd, or just wanting some prog that virtually no-one else in the country will have then visit the web site at www.musicterm.jp. |
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POSEIDONのチラシに掲載されたCDレビューです。（2002.10.24） Head Pop-Up - Tokusen Burari Tabi Head Pop-Upは不思議なバンドだ。いかにもプログレファンに受けそうな曲調、展開、フレーズ、変拍子などが立て続けに現れるのだが、それがパターン化している凡百のプログレバンドから彼らを距てているのは、様々なバックグラウンドを持つメンバーによりアレンジされているからに違いない。プログレサウンドを創り出しているのは、ほとんどの曲を作曲しているキーボード奏者の和田ヒロだが、もう一人のキーボード奏者である真柳みちこのインド、中近東、サイケデリックそしてバロック趣味と、リズムセクションのジャジーな味付けがなんともいい具合に煮詰められている。アコーディオンをはじめとして、フルートやオカリナなどの小道具の使い方もうまい。本作は、ゆっくりとした活動ペースを保っているHead Pop-Upが録りためたスタジオレコーディングに、ライブ録音を加えて1時間以上収録したデビュー作。 （白石秀夫） |
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if→itselfの日記ページにライブの感想が載りました。（2002.10.13） http://www2.neweb.ne.jp/wc/if/ ★Head Pop Up@吉祥寺シルバーエレファント。 HEAD POP UPと言えば、去年ラーシュ・ホルメルが来日したときに対バンだったのを見たことがあったのですが、その時に関しては「面白そうなことをやってるのに、いつも下を向いているか他のメンバーを見ているかで一度もこっち（客席）を向いてくれなかった」という強烈な印象のみ残っているのでした。いや、物理的にだけじゃなくて、精神的にもバンド内だけで自己完結しちゃってるような感じがして、客としては淋しかったのです。私の声は届いているのだろうか、と。 今日はシルバーエレファントというステージと客席が近い会場だったのが幸いしてなのか、私がさんざん「もっと格好よさそうな服＆仕草キボンヌ！」と言い続けたのが影響しているのか、しっかりとこっちを見てくれていました！ 感動！ ああ、やっぱり意識が客席に向いてくれているというだけで、演奏も３倍良く聞こえます。 こうして聴くと、本人達が言っているほどＢ級ではないように感じます。あえてＢ級グルメに例えるなら、牛丼やハンバーガーではなくて、新鮮な素材を厳選した寿司好きのための回転寿司、かな。プログレ好きのための回転寿司プログレ。あれこれと色とりどりの楽器、色とりどりのフレーズが次々に回ってきて、しかもこれがいちいちフルートだったりオカリナだったりアコーディオンだったり変拍子だったりしてプログレファンのツボをついていて、ついつい食べ過ぎてしまいそう。ご馳走様でした。 そして、今日のライブはインスト中心だったのですが、Head Pop Upの大きな特徴の１つは日本語ボーカルだと思っています。普通、日本語ロックと言ったらごにょごにょ発音して英語っぽく歌うか（最初から英語で歌えばいいじゃん！）、はっきり発音はしていてもボーカルを全面に押し出してその他の楽器は伴奏に徹してしまうか（J-POPかよ！）、どちらかなのですが、彼らの場合はあくまで日本語の発音・発声を尊重したまま、曲の１パーツを構成する楽器として成り立たせている。これは実は凄いことだと思うのです。ありのままの日本語の楽器化、この路線はこれからも続けて欲しいなあと思います。 |
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ドイツのプログレサイトRAGAZZIにCDのレビューが掲載されました。（2002.10.9） http://www.ragazzi-music.de/headpopup.html 後日、抄訳を掲載予定です。
Head Pop Up "Tokusen Burari Tabi" (Poseidon Records 2002) Die japanische Progressive Rock Szene ist sehr aktiv und vielfaltig, eine Fulle an Bands arbeitet in den vielen Bereichen, etliche in mehreren gleichzeitig. Head Pop Up gehoren dazu. Ihr Album wechselt von Song zu Song den Stil, ohne unglaubwurdig zu klingen. Der eroffnende Titelsong erweist sich auf die Dauer von 13 Minuten als zu langatmig. Zwar ist der Song angenehm und die Ideen fabelhaft, aber das ganze wiederholt sich drei Mal, das muss es dann auch nicht sein. "Metempsychosis" ist sehr jazzig, der Choralgesang gewohnungsbedurftig, abgesehen davon ein ausgezeichneter Song. "Summer 90", live eingespielt und nicht von bester Soundqualitat, ist ein sehr schoner Jazzrock. "Soshite" reizt sein Thema im avantgardistischen Jazzrock aus, fast schon magmaesk und absolut uberzeugend! （以下略） |
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Lars Hollmer Special Memorial Pageで、2001年のライブがレビューされています。(2001.9.24) http://www003.upp.so-net.ne.jp/maltid/2001/frame_04.html 2001年9月24日 プログレッシヴ・ロック解体新書 September 24th, 2001 Tabulae Anatomiese of Progressive Rock Head Pop Up 初見。キーボード×2、ギター、ベース、ドラムの5人編成。キーボードの二人は楽器の持ち替えをする。サウンドチェックの時は「ちょっと変わった雰囲気を持っているバンド」という印象を持った。本番では唯一の女性メンバーが黄緑色のローブに着替えていてアヤシサ倍増。しかし終始安定した律儀な演奏。PRRの方では「ジャズロック」と紹介していたけど、個人的には「王道プログレ風味をとりいれつつ、ベタにならないハードプログレ」。ギターだけフュージョンがかってる感じ。曲によって「そして！」と合いの手が入ったり、男声のファルセットヴォイスが入ったりで色々意表をついてくる。6曲目は中だるみも感じられたが、おねーさんのハジケ具合に目が釘付けだった。なかなか好印象。 Head Pop Up The first sight. Keyboard *2, a guitar, a base, and a drum five formation. When I inspected them during sound check, I had an impression of "the strange mood band a little." In a performance, an only woman member changed dresses to a robe of yellow green, and the strange mood increased. But the band was a stable honest performance every time. P.R.R. introduced them with "jazz rock ,"but It is such an impression personally"They takes in flavor of authentic progressive rock, but they are the hard progressive rock that isn't affected." Only a guitar player was a performance of the feeling that fusion taste. Depending on a tune "and!!" a shout entered it and added falsetto-voice of male voice and I was unexpected in various ways . In the sixth piece, I felt a slacken off,but I was riveted to the woman who played the piano by a big action. It was a very good impression. |