Most commonly know for being the guitarist in Loudness, this is Akira Takasaki’s first solo album from ’82. I have been fortunate enough to see Akira play a solo show, and he is an amazing player that can play all styles. This album is firmly in the rock/metal universe with occasional trips to what the hell was that.
First track and the title track is a good old metal romp with lots of Akira ripping guitar. Second track, Steal Away, starts with a “what the hell was that moment”, before we enter Prog territory (reminds me of Yes), then a quick switch and it sounds like Blackmore era Deep Purple. The vocals are well dodgy, but luckily the guitar playing is exceptional. Macula is next up and starts with weird space noises that flow into a slow Brian May style traditional arrangement. Side 1 close out track, Ebony Eyes, sees a return to more familiar metal territory – but again – in true Uli Roth style, the vocals are pretty bad.
Side 2 starts off with the weirdest of instrumental duets with violin and guitar – it’s pretty pointless other than novelty value. Gunshots is next and is a fusion/metal crossover, and if there was more of this on the album I would be a happy bunny. A funky Mid Day Hunter is next and is an ok piece, but it feels as though it’s just a backing track for Akira to noodle. Show Me Something Good is the penultimate track and is just a bog standard plod rock track but with the not-so-good vocal. Last track Say What? closes out the album and is the best piece on the record with the best groove and playing.
The album has its moments but ultimately it’s not that great. His later albums are pretty good albums but this…meh!!!
6/10 from The Grooveman.
