OOIOO
Feather Float
[Birdman]
Rating: 9.0
First of all, let's start off by saying that this record review is free of
negative criticism, or any negativity for that matter. Second of all, I will
tell you that I actually begin talking about this specific record in the
fourth paragraph, because as usual, there is some expository material of
possible entertainment and/or knowledge value to be gained first. Nothing to
complain about now? Great, let's move on. Next, I'd like to give a shout-out
to Japan. Ever notice how people say they'd like to "give a shout-out" to
something, but they never really do it? I'm following through: "JAAPAAAAAANN!"
Damn. Oh, Japan. Ohhhh, Japan! Sorry, I just haven't had enough. But you
must understand. My love affair for Japan is just beginning to blossom.
My liaison began with Buffalo Daughter and the super-smooth quirk-funk of
their exceptional second record, New Rock. Then I became more anxious
to get myself acquainted with the Japanese-American music maker crowd. Cibo
Matto's Viva La Woman took me a little while, but it became an
eye-opening record in its own right; more recently, I fell in love with
the high-pitched croon of Blonde Redhead's Kazu Makino. Then I became a fan
of the chirping vocals and shimmering sound pastiches of Takako Minekawa.
And finally, the Boredoms came along in my life and made me wonder how I ever
listened to rock without them. I will sacrifice a vital appendage if necessary
to see this band perform live once in my life. 1998's Super Are and
2000's Vision Creation Newsun were and still are landmark records in
fucked-up, psychedelic, gorgeous, dynamic trance-rock. I considered frontman
eYe Yamatsuka a god among men for quite some time, at least while immersing
myself in those albums. I always noticed the excellent musicianship of the
rest of the group, but I don't think I gave it enough credit to the quality
of the records, usually assuming that the mastery of craft was in Yamatsuka's
hands.
Here's proof that at least part of the rest of the band had something to do
with it. For those unfamiliar, OOIOO is a band featuring Yoshimi P-We,
one-half of the drum section of the Boredoms. Along the way, bandmates and
fellow Japanese women Kyoko, Maki and Yoshiko help her out on guitar, bass
and drums, respectively. But Yoshimi is clearly the driving force, taking
the production reins and performing most of the vocals and instruments.
Their second and latest record, Feather Float, may not be a defining
masterpiece, but I'll be damned if it doesn't make me a super happy guy. The
Boredoms are unmitigated genius, which may include joy, but OOIOO are
unmitigated joy, which needs not include genius.
See, according to the scientific and über-accurate Pitchfork ratings
guide, I've already labeled Feather Float "amazing," informing you that it
"will likely rank among [my] top three records of the year" before I've barely
said a word about it. This is all accurate as far as I can tell, although
who knows what the hell those year-end list things are like even in
October, let alone here in May. So allow me to explain, won't you? I
could go with a moment-by-moment, track-by-track analysis, but the feeling
of this record doesn't come through that kind of language. Instead, I'm going
to say what I love about it.
I love the energy. OOIOO's brand of rhythmic psych-rock on Feather Float
exudes definite soulful excitement. Yoshiko's drums rock the way Yoshimi's do
in the Boredoms; panicked, frantic, at times tribal, but always steadily
keeping the beat. The rhythms and activity of the music are nearly out of
breath, but never rushing to catch up. Every instrument, natural or electronic,
is used to drive the music forward. It's a sort of loose intensity; there's
power and vigor, but no pressure.
I love the contrast. When there is music, there is energy, but sometimes
there isn't music. This allows for the energy to rest and build again.
Throughout the record, these moments of silence give way to birds chirping,
crashing cymbals, and soft building drones, which all patiently await the
next explosion of activity. Feather Float could not have been arranged
differently and remained as effective as it is now.
I love the pure love of sound that is so obviously demonstrated on this
recording. Phasing effects and electronic tones are used liberally, but the
feeling remains organic and authentic. Sometimes a sound is repeated over
and over again as we revel in its glory; sometimes it's cut short to make
way for an even more glorious one.
I love the vocals. Yoshimi sings most of the vocals in OOIOO, with help from
fellow guitarist Kyoko, and they have nothing to do with lyrics. When words
are used, whether in English or Japanese, the language bears little relevance.
They just add incalculably to the end result. The aforementioned energy
translates into the vibrant, layered voices. The harmonies don't just soar,
they create rhythms. Sometimes sharp intakes of breath and brief yelps
punctuate the beat for emphasis. Sometimes the singers become so enthusiastic
that it doesn't matter if they're out of tune, and we're eventually singing
out of tune with them. When they are in tune, it's angelic and at times
breathtaking.
I love the name, and the title. OOIOO-- simple syllables which seemingly
emanate a sense of awe, or release. Feather Float-- fully
unpretentious, with a liberating, carefree connotation.
I love Feather Float. It's a record that causes me to gush over great
lengths. Hopefully by now I've given enough of the idea of how it sounds
without ruining the surprises and the pleasant new feeling of hearing it for
the first time. It currently stands on its own, not just as something to tide
over Boredoms fans, but as something to hold in high regard in your collection,
something even perhaps to introduce an uninitiated friend into the world it
represents. And it makes me want to make my affair with Japan a full-on
marriage. But we'll still need to get to know each other a little more before
we set the date, honey. And where the devil will we have our honeymoon?
-Spencer Owen