released 25 January 2012
Guitar : Shingo Sekiguchi Bass : Daisuke Toi
Drums : Michihiro Nakajima
All tracks composed and mixed by Shingo Sekiguchi
Except track 04 composed by C.Lauper / R.Hyman
Recorded by yasu2000 at bigturtle STUDIOS
Mastered by Chihei Hatakeyama at Nature Bliss Studio
Photography by kaol codama
2011 vusik
vusik.info
Directed and coordinated by Takahiko Kakiuchi
modesty.jp
Designed by Ryo Sugi
www.sceneryofdesign.com
Released by Nature Bliss Inc.
www.naturebliss.jp
In the three years that have passed since the release of Vusik's Cinematic Scenery Is Here, guitarist Shingo Sekiguchi has been busy as part of the soulful hip-hop outfit Ovall with an album and EP that have earned plaudits both in Japan and overseas. Now he's back with his second solo project under the Vusik banner, titled Silent Rain, Silent Sea. Whilst he engaged a number of guest musicians and vocalists on his previous album, this time round he opts for a simple guitar trio, with bassist Daisuke Toi and drummer Michihiro Nakajima providing the backing, and the result is a much more unified sound throughout the set.
The album's title combined with the artwork and other track titles such as An Impressive Scene, Place For Someone, Squall, Calm Boat and Return would suggest that this is something of a concept album, and musically there is also a certain unity running through the set. It's an album that flows effortlessly from start to finish with Sekiguchi creating a wonderfully ambient mood.
The album opens with the title track, a blissful statement of intent with a steady shuffling drum beat over which the main guitar melody is supplemented by some extra loops and effects that create a beautiful dreamlike mood. This is followed by An Impressive Scene, an uplifting mellow and hip tune you can't help but nod your head to with some really exquisite guitar work.
Photograph is a solo guitar tune that has a nostalgic feel, while Squall is slightly more uptempo, but has such a nice vibe going you wouldn't mind getting soaked in the downpour.
Silent Rain, Silent Sea is an altogether stronger and more confident set than Cinematic Scenery Is Here and has something of an ambient new age vibe to it that makes it an ideal late night listen.