Phoenix Rising (G-Wave Records, 2013)
When you combine the talent of groundbreaking UK electronica act System 7 and Japanese progressive rock jam band Rovo you get a fabulous album titled Phoenix Rising . This collaboration brings out the best of both bands.
The album opens with the extensive ‘Hinotori (Album Version)’, which is a progressive rock guitar and electric violin jam recreation of System 7’s ‘Hinotori’.
On ‘Love for the Phoenix’ the sound switches to pulsating global electronica, mixing irresistible electronic beats and Middle Eastern vocal samples with drum set and soaring violin. The piece is loosely based on the classic System 7 composition from the first System 7 album (1991).
The album takes another surprising twist and this time in the fusion direction.
‘Meeting of the Spirits’ is a version of the clearly recognizable Mahavishnu Orchestra classic. The track showcases the outstanding work of the guitar and violin, backed by the great dual drummers of Rovo.
On ‘Cisco (Phoenix Rising Version)’ Rovo heads into mind bending space rock territory with beats that recall the classic Dusseldorf sound of Kraut Rock and interaction between guitars, violin and synths.
Electronic dance beats developed by System 7 open ‘Unbroken,’ although it morphs nicely into progressive rock with live drums, fusion guitar and superb violin.
Sino Dub (Phoenix Rising Version) mixes Steve Hillage’s unique guitar sound with a vibrant mix of trance electronic and live drums.
The album closes with the dreamy Unseen Onsen, a mesmerizing spacey electronic piece by Steve Hillage’s longtime companion Miquette Giraudy.
Rovo includes Yuji Katsui on electric violin, Seiichi Yamamoto on guitar, Yasuhiro Yoshigaki on drums, Yoichi Okabe on drums – percussion, Jin Harada on bass guitar, and Masuko Tatsuki on keyboards.
System 7 is the electronic dance project of the legendary Steve Hillage on guitar and programming , and Miquette Giraudy on synthesizer.
Buy Phoenix Rising