Susumu Hirasawa is a name that carries weight in the relatively short history of recorded music. His remarkable past as a member of the popular New Wave band P-Model, his prolific solo discography, and his soundtrack contributions to renowned works such as the anime movie "Paprika" and the 1997 anime adaptation of "Berserk" showcase his versatility, firmly establishing him as a significant figure in Japan and, hopefully soon, on a global scale.
The pinnacle of Hirasawa's artistic prowess can arguably be found in his album "Technique of Relief", a creation often hailed as his magnum opus and one of Japan's paramount musical achievements.
A standout characteristic of the album lies in its breathtaking sampling technique (of relief?!). While Hirasawa makes use of various World Music samples, the manner in which they are seamlessly integrated into this album's atmosphere transcends conventional categorization, almost resembling extraterrestrial-found artifacts. Tracks like "MOON TIME", "GARDENER KING", "Technique of Relief", and "MOTHER", extensively rely on sampling to fulfill their intended narrative.
The album's production exudes iNtEnSiTy in every note. Through an intricate interplay of reverb, synthesizers, and beats, Hirasawa crafts a soundscape that conveys not only intensity and space but also delves into realms of psychedelia and human essence, resonating with listeners on a deeply emotive level.
Exploring the depths of the album, one can't help but feel a distinctive sense of telepathic nostalgia and spiritual foresight that envelops the listener, akin to a prophetic deja vu spanning across past and future lives. The amalgamation of archaic and modern elements within the album's fabric, a remarkable feat for 1998, evokes a sensation of profound artistic vision that is beyond the reach of musicians who haven't truly mastered their craft. Indeed, Hirasawa had already reached the age of 43 at the time of recording this album.
A lyrical exploration of the album unveils a kaleidoscope of themes: our odyssey through dreams, suffering and transformation, the contrast between purity and agony, the yearning for spiritual reunion, and our pursuit for identity amidst cosmic vastness. Verses such as "Treading the path that dreams show to us, / Let us return far away to the end of this world" encapsulate the album's thought-provoking narrative.
The inaugural track, "TOWN-0 PHASE-5" (1), serves as an illustration of Hirasawa's consummate skill. His evocative, cinematic vocals elevate the track, while the multifaceted instrumental arrangements expands the auditory panorama into the recesses of imagination. Impeccably structured, this song undertakes a pivotal role as a foundational cornerstone, setting the tone for the overarching ambiance of the entire album.
"GARDENER KING" (3) epitomizes Hirasawa's genius. Within mere seconds (5-10?), the track unveils itself as a work of art, a defining feature of his musical craft that is both immediately memorable and infinitely profound. No discernible flaw emerges, as none exists; the song's seamless structure and lack of loopholes highlight the unmistakable clarity and precision of Hirasawa's artistic intent. Lyrics such as "Blow in great amount, oh wind most refreshing / Fill this shirt to bursting, 'till it billows like a sail" heighten the track's poetic elegance.
Right from the beginning, the title track, "Technique of Relief" (6), pulsates with a formidable string rhythm, intertwined with awe-inspiring strings that propel listeners skyward. The fractal cascade of synths following the breakbeat bridge at 3:08 stands as a breathtaking zenith in human musical creation. It's certainly one of my all-time favorite moments in music, period. I challenge you to hear it, now! Favorite lyrics: "Bestow the essence of existence, the techniques for salvation".
"MOTHER" (7), elevates the term intensity to stratospheric heights. Impeccable instrumentation, dynamic beats, and radiant synths coalesce in a symphony of transcendence. The composition walks the line of sonic limits, reaching an intensity that defies the confines of a stereo track. Lyrics like "Treading the path that dreams show to us, / Let us return far away to the end of this world" encapsulate the track's thematic core. [ Now you know why MF DOOM's lyrics fail to impress me, for as a spiritual child of the cosmos, my aspirations reach far loftier realms. Anyway, moving on... ]
Hirasawa's vocals, with a timbre that bears hints of antiquity, may occasionally feel incongruous with his youthful style. Yet, this anomaly is a testament to his distinctive blend of the ancient and modern, evident not only in his vocal delivery but also in his composition and sound engineering.
In conclusion, Susumu Hirasawa emerges as an unparalleled luminary in the Progressive Pop/Electronic music realm. "Technique of Relief" stands as a testament to his visionary prowess, blending past and future, earthiness and the cosmic, into a transcendent auditory experience. The album's evocative power, mesmerizing sampling, and profound thematic exploration establish it not only as a pinnacle of Hirasawa's career but as a monumental contribution to the pantheon of Japanese musical masterpieces.
Highlights: MOTHER (7), TECHNIQUE OF RELIEF (6), GARDENER KING (3), TOWN-0 PHASE-5 (1), GHOST BRIDGE (4), MOON TIME (2)
(Note: The last song, "WORLD CELL," bears a striking resemblance to Enigma's MCMXC a.D. Take this information as you wish.)
