The Other Side of Morning 音楽的特徴 (Shingetsu 新月, 1979)

One of the sweetest melodies I've ever listened to, one of the most delicate and clever prog ballad arrangements to date. That would be enough for my introduction, but there's something more I'd like to say. You'll also find in my little blog a post concerning "Oni", the fully synphonic opening track of the sole Shingetsu album, possibly their masterpiece, but this is something completely different.

 

Lead singer Kitayama liked fancy costumes and masks.

"The Other Side of Morning" really shows the other side of the band, a little more catchy, a little less intricated, definitely fresh and pleasant. Like a haiku poem, in a few minutes this song paints a magic and inner watercolour where natural elements and deep emotions merge, both driven by Makoto Kitayama's beautiful voice. A relaxing but never trivial experience I highly recommend to you all.

Oni 鬼 (Shingetsu 新月, 1979)

In the prehistoric era when there were no Internet nor Youtube providing pre-listening of nearly every music worldwide, I read somewhere with interest of this Japanese band, but it was simply impossible to find one single copy of their only studio album, at least in my country. When I finally got my hands on this CD, I wasn't disappointed at all. It's a fascinating, old style, melodic and sensitive progressive rock, featuring tons of keyboards (mostly mellotron) and 12 string guitars, but also Makoto Kitayama's soft and effective voice, singing Japanese lyrics in a convincing and warm tone.

...and what a beautiful cover!

"Oni" (鬼, meaning "demon") is the 9 minutes opening track of "Shingetsu" album (新月 "New Moon", also the name of the band) and one of the best. There's a sense of opening and unknown worlds in this song and I also appreciate the intricate and delicate instrumental weavings, alternating with calm and suggestive melodies. The early UK prog and the Italian scene certainly influence Shingetsu, but they had their own style. Such a pity they disbanded so soon... well, at least we have this very good record to listen to!