Super Roots, Vol. 8 finds the Japan's Boredoms mining similar territory as on their Super Ae and Vision Creation Newsun albums. However, though the tropically and psychedelically informed sound of mutated drum'n'bass is present, the music on this EP is actually borrowed from a Japanese children's cartoon theme, written by Isao Tomita and Tsuyoshi Ishigouoka. The Boredoms perform a short, relatively straightforward version of "Jungle Taitei" and offer two remixes -- one from leader Yamatsuka Eye and one by electronica ...
Read More
Super Roots, Vol. 8 finds the Japan's Boredoms mining similar territory as on their Super Ae and Vision Creation Newsun albums. However, though the tropically and psychedelically informed sound of mutated drum'n'bass is present, the music on this EP is actually borrowed from a Japanese children's cartoon theme, written by Isao Tomita and Tsuyoshi Ishigouoka. The Boredoms perform a short, relatively straightforward version of "Jungle Taitei" and offer two remixes -- one from leader Yamatsuka Eye and one by electronica composer Yann Tomita. "Jungle Taitei" is probably as close to pop as the Boredoms have come to date, featuring drummer Yoshimi's clear, wordless vocal out in front, flanked by group harmonies and a hyper, retro-futuristic rhythm arrangement of ethnic percussion, splashing cymbals, and manic snare. Given that the song originated as a television theme, its catchy refrain comes as no surprise, but the Boredoms have little trouble transforming it into something completely their own. Fans might also recognize bits of "Jungle Taitei" that Eye used later in the Vision Creation Newsun remix album, Rebore, Vol. 0, such as the opening synth chord cluster. The two remixes aren't quite as immediately engaging, but are nonetheless interesting takes on the short song. Eye's "DJ Let's TRY & D.I.Y. Drum Machine Mix" opts to strip away the vocal harmonies, and in general strips away everything but percussion. The drum track begins as little more than an erratically timed bass/snare duo before a small orchestra of Eastern hand drums explodes with a flutter. If this mix emphasizes the exotic, Yann Tomita's "Laughter Robot's Hemp Mix" is pure, dreamy trip-hop. The beat slows down by half and Yoshimi's harmonies have returned, giving the track a full, lush quality. Super Roots, Vol. 8 doesn't have the impact of other Boredoms albums like Super Ae or even the Super Roots, Vol. 7 EP, but it is a fun diversion. ~ Dominique Leone, Rovi
Read Less
