Label: Victor – SGS-37
Format: Vinyl, LP
Country: Japan
Released: 1984
Genre: Electronic, Classical, Folk, World, & Country
Style: Minimal, Contemporary, Experimental
Mesmerising display of hypnotic traditional Japanese drumming from avant-folk pioneer Eitetsu Hayashi. Maybe better known for his debut (and unfortunately very hard to find) release ''風の使者 / Messenger Of The Wind', Hayashi's repetitive, primordial drumming is a prime example of the power of minimalism. One side houses 'Strikes The Air & Is Gone', a full length of original work centred around traditional Taiko drumming, with Hayashi on the O-Daiko (big drum) and popular Japanese artist Midori Takada on percussion. The big, bellowing hits and nervous percussion really induce a trance-like effect and could be deadly on the dance-floor in capable hands. Flip-side the same crew offers a live recording, again featuring another intense percussive workout plus subtle synth additions and a interesting rendition of a Korean folk song. Killer record, tricky to find! (Vinyl & Sleeve NM // With Insert).