Since the 1970s, Japan has had a large underground Heavy Psych and Noise Rock scene, and since I am, as usual, unfamiliar with it, I cannot enlighten anyone on who the pioneers were, or who started it. That said, High Rise are among the large number of impressive Japanese rockers following a largely noise-based Heavy Psych sound. High Rise II is the band's second studio album.
The music the band plays is a rather noise-laden, distorted variation of Deep Purple's music. But this is no clone band, as they have their own unique ideas. High Rise II is an album full of typical 70s-sounding riffs, yet quite powerful and noticeable drum lines, and a lot of noise and distortion, sometimes similar to a 90s Norwegian Black Metal band. That makes this album a lot less listenable to a classic rock fan who swears by clean production, as it has more noise than a badly produced NWOBHM tape, which explains why the whole scene never got enough exposure.
The album is very enjoyable for the fact that these guys churn out straight-up Hard Rock songs, never once to slow down and sing a cheesy ballad. The riffs are quite chord-based and simple, but memorable enough that you'd remember the song next time you play it. Especially the main riffs in Pop Sicle and Monster a Go Go. The whole album is filled with Acid Rock-esque guitar solos. In fact, it is filled to the brim with it, and in later parts of the album, the vocal and rhythm sections are overshadowed by the solos. The 13-minute song Pop Sicle is a long solo-fest, but never induces a single yawn. The bass guitar is buried by the rhythm sections most of the time, but you can hear it rumbling when the lead guitar plays, and is apparently not a big part of the music here. The drum lines, as previously mentioned are dynamic and energetic, and play a major part in the music. The vocals are mildly sung out, probably in Japanese, probably in English, but since I never bothered to check the lyrics sheet anywhere online, I don't know. That is because the vocals are there just for the sake of it. The whole album would have sounded as good if it was solely an instrumental album.
The album is very enjoyable for the fact that these guys churn out straight-up Hard Rock songs, never once to slow down and sing a cheesy ballad. The riffs are quite chord-based and simple, but memorable enough that you'd remember the song next time you play it. Especially the main riffs in Pop Sicle and Monster a Go Go. The whole album is filled with Acid Rock-esque guitar solos. In fact, it is filled to the brim with it, and in later parts of the album, the vocal and rhythm sections are overshadowed by the solos. The 13-minute song Pop Sicle is a long solo-fest, but never induces a single yawn. The bass guitar is buried by the rhythm sections most of the time, but you can hear it rumbling when the lead guitar plays, and is apparently not a big part of the music here. The drum lines, as previously mentioned are dynamic and energetic, and play a major part in the music. The vocals are mildly sung out, probably in Japanese, probably in English, but since I never bothered to check the lyrics sheet anywhere online, I don't know. That is because the vocals are there just for the sake of it. The whole album would have sounded as good if it was solely an instrumental album.
Overall, a good album for Noise Rock fans or even Psychedelic or Hard Rock fans, provided they can handle the noise in this record. For others, there are certainly better alternatives.
7.5/10
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