Boris - Japanese Heavy Rock Hits singles series

Im afraid that I have to set aside some time to discuss a band that Im sure most of my readers know of. I said in a previous review of The Dogs that if I was asked who my favorite band is, I would have to say Boris. Is there anything this band cant do? I know that alot of old Boris fans arent too keen on the new material (I can understand mixed feelings about the split with 9DW but I myself think its brilliant) as apposed to albums such as Heavy Rocks or Akuma No Uta. I for one think Pink is one of the best records ever recorded. And with the release of Smile, it is evident that the band wishes to explore music even further than they have before, and they have explored deeple. We found ourselves with an almost radio friendly Boris... Almost.

The exploration continues with a 7" series entitled Japanese Heavy Rock Hits Vol. 1-4 released exclusively through Southern Lord. Four singles were recorded, but only the first three were sold as seperate units. To recieve the forth single, you must have been on the subscription for the series making Vol. 4 a rarity and instant collectors item (I believe subscribers also got an exclusive t-shirt). The first three singles have two tracks, while the last single only has one. Putting it all together, you could say that its Boris' new album with seven songs clocking in at just over 37 minutes.

Vol. 1 starts off with the track entitled "8". It starts off with that signature Boris tone riffing off somewhere in the distance before it kicks off into gear up close and personal with a full out rock song which with the aid of the vocals manages to pull off a dreamlike or if you will, an ethereal feel. The rock keeps coming with the singles second track "Hey Everyone" in much of the same style. Mean tone, airy vocals mixed with excitable rock vocals with distortion galore. Perhaps a little bit on the glam side, but if all glam rock was this good, I would be running a glam rock page.

Vol. 2 kicks in with H.M.A (Heavy Metal Addict). It was a killer song the first time I heard it. It has a quirky intro but a solid main riff, and by main riff I mean only riff. The structure of the song is extremely primative to say the least, which I thought was weird upon listening to it. Still I enjoyed it thoroughly. I watched the video on youtube for this and have begun to wonder if this track isnt a jab of some sort. Perhaps a point to be made about being one dementional and not exploring sound. Not cornering yourself. The video is posted at the end of the review if you are interested in seeing the antics behind my thought of the deeper meaning of the song. The deeper meaning behind it comes out more to the tracks B side "Black Original" which shows Boris playing with more of a dare I say Krautrock style sort of reminisent of Circle yet undiniably Boris.

Vol. 3 is something all its own. As its predecessers were based around rock grooves and additude, Vol. 3 opening track "16:47:52..." focuses on a more mild approach which can be heard on the She's So Heavy Split with Wata and Ai Aso with a trance like semi psychedelic folk with a Solo by Wata that all fans of Boris have come to adore. The flip side show Boris reverting back to its heavy drone style, with an interesting twist of adding vocals over the wall of feedback. Something Boris normally doesnt do. The track is somewhat simular to "Parting" on Pink, but a more raw style to it.

This leads us to the final installment of the series. Vol. 4 being free to those who subscribed for the series, one cant complain that it only has one song. But upon hearing the song, while leaving you needing more, the one song is definately enough. The track is entitled "Seasons" and the track sees Boris really step out of their shoes and play pure psychedelic rock that could easily be mistaken for something from the mid to late 60's. Masterfully written, the song is definately the stand out track for the series. Save the best for last was definately applied in this situation.

Boris continues to dominate the underground, and are right at that level where they could break the mainstream. I personally find Boris to be one of the most important bands in music today. With their musical experimentaion which ends up dominating any genre they touch, they will appeal to anyone at any time. They are a one stop shop band if you are of ecclectic taste. Shoegaze to rock, drone to pop, psychedelic to ambient. Where ever you wish to go musically, Boris is a good bet in my books.

I cant embed the video, so here is the link to the video H.M.A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEDKobNkkvA

http://www.myspace.com/borisdronevil