The first time I listened to the 11 tracks on the Akatsuki album I just closed my eyes and opened my ears…granted I have a weird way of being pulled in by music but I truly do only have one word to describe Akatsuki, spellbinding!

Listening to ‘Tamayura No Michi’ (the first track) my mind was automatically transported to Japan, wishing I was there. The slow tune of the fue (flute), the mild drums beating here and there and the solid, melodic and captivating voice of Yoshie Sunahata made it absolute perfection. I may not have understood what was being said, but I definitely felt the passion behind each and every word, note and beat.

Their passion then only showed more abundantly as each song passed. The chaotic drumming and yelps in ‘Stride’ got me on the edge of my seat as if I were waiting to find out what happens next. I felt as if my heart was beating in time with every note in their track ‘Akatsuki’ (which is very befitting since Kodo can be translated to mean ‘heartbeat’); and I was once again mesmerized by the slow hypnotic voice of Yoko Fujimoto and Yoshie Sunahata in ‘Yoshino no Yama’. I felt my entire body just relax as my mind focused solely on the song; something I have no doubt you will experience in your own way.

My absolute favourite however, had to be track number 7, ‘Ogi Oiwake’. The song is constructed so beautifully with the instruments and singers in complete unison with each other. What really drew me in though, was that it was not your typical composition, it felt more like a story; a journey that female singer Yoko Fujimoto was taking me on. Add that to the repetitive string of notes by the fue, shamisen and later on a quick set of drum beats, and the song had a beginning, middle and end that I had to hear from start to finish.

Finally, what better way to finish the album than with their upbeat track ‘Sora’! It was like being at one of their summer festivals, in a kimono, playing our equivalent of carnival side games and waiting for the fireworks to start as a group of musicians entertained the crowd. I guess that may sound somewhat clichéd and stereotypical but it was the first thing that came to mind…and being an Aussie I LOVE anything that reminds me of summer with a good beat and ‘Sora’ definitely did that with its North Eastern musical influences. It also, maybe, brought on the feeling of wanting to dance, but I don’t for see that ending well for me!

Either way it is a two thumbs up from me for this album, Akatsuki, and a must listen too for all you guys out there who are up for some cultural experience and broadening your knowledge and taste in music. Akatsuki is definitely a journey worth experiencing that promises to bring some emotion, enlightenment and passion into your lives for 49 minutes and 14 seconds.

Also if you are interested in finding out more about the Kodo group you can visit their website at www.kodo.or.jp and be sure to get tickets for their upcoming Indianapolis show at Clowes Memorial Hall Sunday the 27th of February. Tickets can be found on the Clowes Memorial Hall website  and they will also be promoting and selling their Akatsuki album a the performance.

Hope you have a good one,