GOTHIKA - YOMI

On their newest album, GOTHIKA strays slightly from their usual path. The sound remains electronic and very distinctive; however, it is much more likely to be classified as ebm, synthpop or futurepop. There aren't many industrial pieces known from ZeitGeist, but it certainly does not make the album boring - the release is filled with surprises. While the western influence is still noticeable in GOTHIKA’s music, this time it blends with typical Japanese motifs. Even though 'yomi' is the mythical name for the underworld, the CD is not gloomy, but mysterious and atmospheric instead!

The first song on the album is Brocken. It has a longer, complex introduction and a characteristic, haunting bass line repeats each time during the chorus. Although its tempo seems rather moderate, Brocken really lingers in the mind and turns out to be a perfect opening track. At the same time it gives an insight on how GOTHIKA's sound has developed. There are few changes easy to spot almost right away: unlike the two previous albums, YOMI does not start with an instrumental intro. Also, andro returns to singing more in Japanese.

Kagome starts with powerful beats that may mislead the listener as they sound very, if not completely, European - which is intriguing once you realize that lyrics are fully in Japanese. Multiple effects gradually mesh together, making the rhythm thick and memorable. Vocals are additionally distorted in the verses, which provide an interesting result, and the chorus is so catchy that Kagome will definitely have a great impact during live shows.

Hong Kong Virginity brings a change in mood. The calmer, romantic beginning evolves during the vibrant introduction which resembles ‘80s style music. The song is imbued with a mysterious, almost melancholic atmosphere which is heightened by andro's emotional voice. All of these make Hong Kong Virginity one of the strongest songs on the album. The tempo may be a bit slower, but in fact it is a dynamic, riveting track that is rich in hypnotic, interesting synth layers.

The first strains of The Gossamer Years remind of GOTHIKA's origins. The melody imitates a traditional Japanese refrain. Much like Hong Kong Virginity, this song also unleashes a lot of emotions; the impressive clear voice of andro tells the story of longing and sadness. It is worth pointing out that The Gossamer Years is one of two songs composed by the GOTHIKA's vocalist, perhaps it is why the track may come across as incredibly personal.

Midway through the album is a strong punch by the name of Oxidiser. The song captures the listener's ear immediately due to its fast, pounding beats; the track is extremely catchy and danceable and never loses momentum. Without a doubt, Oxidiser is the most rebellious song on the album, yet it's not too aggressive. It suits the dance floor perfectly and could be successfully played in any European club. Powerful and wild, Oxidiser is another strong point of YOMI.

Listening to Babylon can bring on surprise and confusion. The song incorporates a number of bizarre, eight-bit sounds, invoking the memory of old computer games. Strange samples seem to be layered in slightly chaotic ways and they overpower the vocals at times. However, the song eventually benefits from these unusual arrangements - after all, experiments are the part of GOTHIKA's style. Babylon is a joyful, almost pop-like departure from the norm and its quirkiness may be explained by the fact that it is the second song on the album composed by andro.

At the first listen, Sunrise may sound unattractive, but give it another chance: it really is a brilliant, stunning track. andro's voice, free from any distortions, is paired with intense appealing melodies very typical of the futurepop genre. Sunrise is just one of those songs which grows on the listener.

It would be a good idea to pay some attention to the remixes since they are an inseparable part of many electro/industrial releases. YOMI includes several. Brocken, remixed by the Swedish group Covenant, grabs the most attention because of the fact that unlike the other remixes, it was placed in the middle of the tracklist. This is probably not a coincidence - Covenant is the leader of the synthpop/futurepop scene, so any kind of collaboration with such a famous band just requires highlighting. Remixed Brocken has an even more danceable vibe and surprisingly, it's sung completely in English. Another remix worth listening to is Oxidiser, reworked by the Estonian act Freakangel into a potential club hit. The track was reshaped with a harsher structure, yet it is still easy to listen to. Miroku, remixed by the Chilean band Vigilante, is also very absorbing: apart from typically electronic sounds, it incorporates piano and electric guitar effects.

YOMI is a powerful contribution of alternative electronic music on the highest level. The well thought out sound is spiced up with typical Japanese themes, adding a unique, exotic feel to the album – a kind of GOTHIKA’s trademark. It is worth supporting this duo in their international career; with their inimitable blend of Japanese and European styles they have already become a recognizable part of the independent electronic scene.