Gunka Daizensyu

Once in a blue moon, an album comes along that shakes the very foundation of the music industry. "VARIOUS ARTISTS Gunka Daizensyuin British English" is not that album. In fact, I'm not quite sure what I just listened to. From track one to track who-even-knows, this collection of songs is a mishmash of genres, styles, and languages that left me questioning my own sanity. Traditional Japanese war ballads mixed with modern British pop influences? Sounds like a recipe for disaster, and boy did it deliver. The standout track, if you can even call it that, is a confusing collaboration between a koto player and an accordionist that left me wondering if I accidentally stumbled into a Renaissance fair. The ethereal vocals floating atop a cacophony of conflicting melodies had me longing for the sweet release of silence. But hey, at least they tried, right? The sheer audacity of attempting to blend such disparate elements is almost commendable in its own right. Almost. In the end, "VARIOUS ARTISTS Gunka Daizensyuin British English" is a hot mess of an album that will leave you scratching your head in bewilderment. Pitchfork rating? Let's go with a generous 2.3 out of 10.