Mudy on the Sakuban turned out an awesome showcase of their energetic instrumental rock during their 2008 appearance on Fuji Rock's newcomer stage, Rookie A Go-Go. And while that year's "Voi" EP was a good disc, it paled in comparison to how powerful the Nagoya quintet sounded in a live setting.
A better recording than "Voi" and 2009's "Kidnie" EP, the group's full-length debut, "Pavilion," begins with the blistering "Moody Pavilion." The track opens with a wave of fast-paced postpunk driven by the act's three guitarists before delving into a stretch of math-rock that escalates into a heavy, noisy climax. It's followed by lead single "Youth," a multitextured, melodic cut that strikes a good balance between being angular and catchy. A trait found throughout the album, this along with the four-minute running time of much of the material makes Mudy on the Sakuban's music more accessible than some of their like-minded peers.
A brief bout of background chanting is worked into the continually changing time signatures of "Sarliban." It adds a psychedelic edge to the already varied sounds creating one of the best moments on "Pavilion." Both "Sarliban" and frantic finale "Town" match Mudy on the Sakuban's on-stage intensity and are destined to be concert favorites for the band's growing legion of supporters.
Mudy on the Sakuban are gigging throughout Japan until June 6 in support of "Pavilion.''