Hisashi 2.0 - Flower In The Desert / Paradox Silence / Acid Rain / Dead Mans Party
Review by; DeeDee
The project Hisashi 2.0 is the work of ex Villder Na'ill member Hisashi, who played bass with them before going solo. The band were very much into ‘Visual Kei’, covering a lot of ’Luna Sea’ numbers, who were at the forefront of this genre. The Japanese style of music that started in the 1980’s, Visual Kei was all about breathtaking make up, big hair and exotic costumes, it was probably their answer to our Glam and Sleaze rock. I suppose ‘X-Japan’ were the most famous export, however not much of it was heard in the West. Hisashi has taken this influence and blended it with avant-garde expression, resulting in post new wave, alternative and Goth wizardry. Aided by vocalist Allsin, the project has recently given us a heap of re-arranged covers and exciting originals.
Flower In The Desert - This is a 3 track EP that appeared around mid October. The title song has a kick, with drums that provide an up-tempo beat, bashing with continuity. Pleasant choppy vocals tell of unapproachable love and the almost impossible task of finding a ‘Flower in The Desert’. Track 2, ‘Decadence Essence’ is a slow and enduring ride. Creeping into the darkness, full of wicked and murky references, it leaves you chilled to the bone. The 3rd one is a Luna Sea song, ‘Fake’ and the electro, pop favourite has had a decent makeover. Again it is more dark and mysterious than the original and Alcino Fonseca aka Allsin, delivers his trademark velvet like vocals, that are deep, rich and sensual.
Paradox Silence - Starts with an instrumental flow of a rhythm, before the vocals enter and add a layer of charm. The song gathers momentum halfway through, but retains its grace. A delicate balance, it soothes and calmly ends as euphonious as when it began. The other track on this single is a cover of The Smiths ‘Hand In Glove’. To be honest I was never a big fan of Morrissey and his band, back in the day. Comparing the original to what Hisashi has produced, I must admit this does stay close to the line and maintains that 80’s Brit, Indie vibe. However, there is more of an upbeat Latin and jazz injection, that actually makes this more listenable.
Acid Rain - Released last May, this is quite a mellow song, it wanders with warm chords and the mesmerising vocals of Allsin, who is also a part of the Portuguese band Skeletal Crew. Drifting in subdued harmony and having beautiful eerie guitar for company, it’s engrossing and has captivating lyrics. ‘The rain in drying sand, the season comes to end, Washing words in vain, my weak heart in pain.’ The B side is called ‘Distortion’ and is true Goth-edged terror with a sense of trepidation and dread. As with most of Hisahi’s work, the visual effects are brilliant. The video that is available on YouTube, therefore, really heightens the tenseness and leaves you rigid with fear.
Dead Mans Party - Is a cover of the ‘Oingo Boingo’ song, from 1985. The band were New Wave trend setters in the US and led by Danny Elfman, who is best known these days for writing film scores for Tim Burton, including Edward Scissorhands, Dumbo and Alice In Wonderland and also TV series like Desperate Housewives and The Simpsons.
This version came out to coincide with Halloween. With Allsin’s low and alluring, ‘Pete Steele’ (Type O Negative) vocals, it is rugged and mystic in adaptation. While the original was high energy, bouncy pop and had an almost Ska beat, Hisashi has adopted a more dark approach. Reflecting that the song was written to honour the Mexican celebration of Día De Los Muertos (Day Of The Dead). Highly addictive and having tongue in cheek humour, Hisashi, plays bass, guitar and keyboards on this cover. Do watch the video on YouTube, it features the handsome Allsin in glorious Halloween make-up and there are excerpts from the classic German horror ‘Nosferatu’, a black and white silent film from 1922.
On hold for a couple of years, the Hisashi 2.0 project is finally getting underway and a few tracks have now gathered to form the start of, what I hope is a long standing collaboration with Allsin and others. If, like me you push your boundaries and listen to an array of different music, then these items have to be on your list. The contemporary twists and added theatre are to be savoured.
5/5
#Hisashi 2.0
#Japan
#Portugal
#Review
#Visual Kei
#postpunk
#new wave
#goth
#allsin