Masami - Final Days (1986)
Looks like we've got a theme within a theme going. Within this month dedicated to Japanese punk i've done multiple posts on Japcore legends Ghoul.
Next in the Ghoul firing line is Masami's self-titled solo project. He only put out this one record, Final Days, in 1986. Just a year after Ghoul imploded. Who plays on this record? I have no idea! Bloody typical.
I was surprised to find out that Masami's coma was three years long. Starting in 1989 during a gig
and ending in September, 1992, resulting in his untimely death. Sad stuff, indeed.
The first track, Random, opens with a questioning proposal...what's this bluesy shit? However, It doesn't take long for the track to bust into an English punk assault. Whoever played on this record definitely knew how to play...and obviously Masami wasn't ripping those smooth bass lines, pumping those heavy beats, or shredding those frets in his one-armed glory.
While the general theme is punk, this record defies sub-categorization. There's Oi chants, keyboards,
catchy chord progressions, bluesy solos, 60s rock riffs, English punk-isms, Big Country-esqu moments, Oi/street punk guitar rhythms, and gruff vocals. A very weird concoction. But hey, its what the Japs do best.
While not as angry, violent, or nasty as Ghoul. Masami obviously wanted to push the boundaries a bit more...and he certainly succeeded. Don't expect Motorpunk. This is very grand, epic, Big Country-like music mixed with Brit punk.
Here's a link from the great kyoukinonihon blog:
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