The debut from Japan's Maya Ongaku, Approach to Anima suggests that there's considerable life left yet in the psychedelic form. This group isn't here to draw up memories of the Sixties, but their tunes do manage to conjure up memories of earlier eras, when risk-taking was more appreciated, and a blend of folk and acid rock would be more widely appreciated. This album, out now on Guruguru Brain, should appeal to those broad-minded enough to consider that genre definitions are largely irrelevant for the best groups, like this one.
"Nuska" will earn comparisons to Obscured By Clouds-era Floyd, and maybe even The Incredible String Band, while "Description of a Certain Sound" takes that whole vibe and watches as it gently blows away in a breeze. Elsewhere, "Something in Morning Rain" is more accessible, nearly chamber pop, while the epic "Water Dreams" is low-key and of a style that suggests that of Piano Magic in some way. Maya Ongaku are interested in nuance and texture, and nothing here is too abrasive. The approach of the band is precise, with as much meaning imparted by what's been left out, and the spaces between notes, as what's been presented here on this fine release.
Approach to Anima by Maya Ongaku is out now via Guruguru Brain.
[Photo: Maya Ongaku]