Yuka & Chronoship, one of the finest progressive rock bands frrm Japan with a third album titled “The 3rd Planetary Chronicles”. This is symphonic progressive rock at its best. The band leader is keyboardist, composer and vocalist Yuka Funakoshi. She uses a wide-range of keyboard sounds, from majestic symphonic and solo synths to exquisite grand piano.
Although influenced by earlier progressive bands, Yuka & Chronoship has develops its own sound, characterized by keyboards and vocals supported by electric bass, drums and guitars. Although the keyboards dominate most of the album, Yuka treats the listener to fabulous interplay with guitarist Takashi Miyazawa who sometimes sounds remarkably similar to Alan Holdsworth.
“The 3rd Planetary Chronicles” presents a variety of musical moods, from magnificent orchestral and mellotron passages to outstanding piano solos and transfixing crystalline electronics.
The fascinating album artwork is by Hideji Oda, a Japanese manga artist associated with the Nouvelle manga movement, known for “Dispersion”, “Coo’s World”, and “Miyori’s Forest”.
The lineup on “The 3rd Planetary Chronicles” includes Yuka Funakoshi on keyboard and vocals; lyricist Shun Taguchi on bass and keyboards; Ikko Tanaka on drums; and Takashi Miyazawa on guitar.
Sometimes we highlights some of the best tracks on the album. In this case, however, all tracks are equally memorable. “The 3rd Planetary Chronicles” is an exceptionally good progressive rock recording by some of the most talented musicians in Japan.
Watch the album trailer here:
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