Performer Notes

This is part of Tzadik's New Japan series.
Personnel: Agata (guitar); Agata (sound effects).
Recording information: Studio Musuem, Tokyo, Japan (10/2003-01/2004).
Photographer: Agata .
Spike is more a series of soundscapes and blasts of noise than actual songs. That probably won't come as much of a surprise to those familiar with Agata's work with Melt Banana, but in a solo context the playing takes on a different character. Agata has a deadly arsenal of effects, and isn't afraid to use them. His "guitar" often sounds more like some kind of ray gun that has been sampled and looped. "Ecco Feedback" sounds a hell of a lot like Jimi Hendrix's "EXP." Actually, this album almost never sounds like a person playing a guitar, which could be a plus for some listeners. Almost all the pieces are fairly brief, and would probably be insufferable were they not. This is not easy listening, but there is a great level of sonic detail in Agata's executions, and he clearly knows what he's doing with his effects. This should appeal to fans of Melt Banana and those who are interested in the outer reaches of guitar manipulation. ~ Sean Westergaard

Professional Reviews

The Wire (p.69) - "Adding further to the complexity with some violent stereo panning, Agata seems constantly determined to find new applications for his guitar."

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