Vent du Midi (Bellaphon, 1987)

This long instrumental track by Japanese band Bellaphon, coming from their album "Firefly" has a very special mood and an even better structure. Based on a keyboard theme, "Vent du Midi" ("Southern Wind", more or less) also has a beautiful guitar work and a very diversified rythmic structure. Sure, you'll find some immediately recognizable '80s sounds, but the general effect is so good that you'll certainly forgive such a lesser fault.

Ther album tracklist reveals a French inspiration.

I really like the central break, giving a classical twist to the song and introducing a more lively part and a series of further changes. Those musical turning stages are IMHO the strongest point of the track, but I think this is one of those prog songs you just have to follow with your eyes closed and your heart open wide. Try and let me know...

Firefly (Bellaphon, 1987)

Here you are a Japanese band from the '80s, one of my favourite acts from Far East. Their sound is surely reminiscent of the contemporary British bands (and of Camel, too), but there's something unpredictable in some of their musical patterns and sounds. Take this "Firefly", for example, the title track of Bellaphon debut CD. You'll immediately observe the flushing collection of keyboard sounds, ranging from the vintage Hammond to the most unusual samples. And what about Taiqui Tomiie's drums? How many rythmic solutions, and how gentle his touch can be!

One of the best istrumental albums of the '80s, IMHO.

There are so many changes in this instrumental epic and so many different moods... but each one is graced by a different solo by Toshihiro Tanaka's electric guitar. Here, of course, you'll recognize the influence of some of the greatest instrument masters, but Bellaphon are perfect when it comes to choose the right effect for each passage and each interplay. Yes, this is maybe their greatest virtue: a very good taste. And this is not common, is it?