Japan. The Art of Sankyoku

ENSEMBLE HOUGAKU SHIJYUUSOUDAN's latest album, 'Japan. The Art Of Sankyoku', is a delicious buffet of traditional Japanese music that will transport you to the serene gardens of Kyoto faster than you can say sushi. Reison Kuroda, Yuiko Terai, and Noriko Hirata bring their A-game to this cultural feast, showcasing their mastery of the koto, shamisen, and shakuhachi like seasoned sushi chefs. The album kicks off with the enchanting "Sankyoku Dai-Ichi," a mesmerizing blend of melodies that feels like a tranquil tea ceremony for your ears. The intricate interplay between instruments on tracks like "Tsuki no Kyoku" and "Kokin Otome" is as delicate as cherry blossoms in spring, each note a gentle brush stroke on a traditional silk painting. While some may find the lack of modern production tricks a bit jarring, true connoisseurs of world music will appreciate the raw, unfiltered beauty of ENSEMBLE HOUGAKU SHIJYUUSOUDAN's performances. This isn't your typical J-pop fare – it's a deep dive into centuries-old musical traditions that will leave you feeling enlightened and possibly craving a bento box. In conclusion, 'Japan. The Art Of Sankyoku' is a must-listen for anyone looking to expand their musical horizons and experience the rich tapestry of Japanese culture. So pour yourself a cup of green tea, sit back, and let the sounds of ENSEMBLE HOUGAKU SHIJYUUSOUDAN take you on a transcendent journey through time and tradition. Arigato, Pitchfork gives it a solid 8.5 out of 10.