A resolution I should have for 2019 is to post and support more prog and psychedelic rock music. There were some really stellar releases I missed last year and thanks to my friend and talented artist Scott Xylo, I’m reviewing a gem of an album. Kikagaku Moyo/幾何学模様 are a Japanese psychedelic band based in Tokyo. Masana Temples is their fourth studio album, released in October of last year. It is my first introduction to the talented group, and as a recommendation from Scott, I expected nothing less than incredible and that is exactly what I got.

Within 10 tracks, Kikagaku Moyo are able to meander and flow in between genres effortlessly, bringing influences from krautrock, folk music as well as jazz throughout their complex and layered production. The intensity of the guitar riffs and energy on tracks like “Fluffy Kosmisch” are accompanied by more sensual and delicate grooves on tracks like “Dripping Sun” and “Blanket Song.” I would have to go back in their discography to really see a progression of the bands sound, but as a standalone project, Masana Temples ticks all boxes for me. It’s a restless album, always shifting tempo and grooves, always giving the listener something new to anticipate as the tracks play on. The crazy sitar solo on “Nana” was a welcome surprise to me and the explosive change of pace on “Gatherings” makes it one of my favourite tracks on the album.

It is an excellent release and one I anticipate will be on heavy rotation in the foreseeable future. Thanks guys! Listen to Kikagaku Moyo’s Masana Temples below via Bandcamp, and make sure you support! Released on Amsterdam-based label Guruguru Brain.