The Myth of the Mostrophus
Roy Okumoto
Roy is perhaps best known for his work in SPOCK's BEARD, and this new album is his fourth solo album. He invited a slew of guests for then album, and added at the end of the promo, "There's nothing better than to have a song – your song, which is like your baby – taken in and adopted by a great family of musicians that help nurture it to adulthood. I'm very excited by how this album came together and I hope people will appreciate every note written and performed." The album contains six tracks.
"Mirror Mirror" is the first cut. It's no surprise that keyboards are one of the main mediums of the sound, but Roy does a nice job developing the other instruments as well. Most of the mood is light, but he dips in and out of darker passages along the way, allowing the light to shine brighter when it does. The keyboards and bass work together in a samba and then lead guitars join in. "Turning Point" is a funky little jaunt with dancing bass, keys and guitars. The backing vocals work very well also. During the instrumental passage, the musicians show some real skill, backing in and out of tight passages with ease.
"The Watchmaker" features more of a traditional sound, with 80's keyboards buzzing about in a smooth melody high with positive vibes. Travel back to the 80's with this time bending song, reminding me of the pleasures of yesteryear. What a wonderful, uplifting song. "Maximum Velocity" is a much more mellow song with poignant, emotional vocals before the riff charges in. It begins a steady ascension in both tempo and plangency, through dualing solos of guitars and keys, while bass and drums thump away underneath, and ends on more funky notes. "Chrysalis" opens with light piano work and flute notes. Bass joins in with harmonized vocals. The vocals are absolutely beautiful, and the song will quickly get stick in your head.
The lengthy title track closes the album; a 22-mintute opus. It's easy to get lost along the way in this beastly offering, but if you pay attention to the central sound through several time changes. The song is so smooth that you barely have time to notice its length as the tale lingers on and the band plays with absolute prowess. It's an ambitious effort, but is met in the end. One thing that Roy has going for him is his seasoned sense of melody. He also created the right cast to support his work. I found this album to be energetic, lively, and full of life, as well as the kind of album you will want to listen to several times...it was most enjoyable.
8 / 10
Excellent
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"The Myth of the Mostrophus" Track-listing:
1. Mirror Mirror
2. The Turning Point
3. The Watchmaker (Time on His Side)
4. Maximum Velocity
5. Chrysalis
6. The Myth of the Mostrophus
Roy Okumoto Lineup:
Roy Okumoto - Keyboards
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