Japanese Gum - "Talking Silently" Ep (Marsiglia Records)

Marsiglia Records unleashed Port-Royal upon an unsuspecting music scene a few years back and it seems they are up to their old tricks again. Japanese Gum are another Genoa based band and one that has all the right ingredients to follow in Port-Royal's footsteps. Mixing crystal clear beat programming with syrupy vocals and glazed melodies, this duo's "Talking Silently" ep is a captivating listen from start to finish. They elegently meld shoegazer structures with cutting edge beats a style that is most evident on the excellent "..And Talk Silently".

"Could The English Rain Wash It Away", meanwhile, deals with the current political climate in Northern Ireland. It's rare for music, that is primarly electronic, to strike such a chord. But admist the chiming melody and crisp processed percussion, Japanese Gum certainly get their point of view across using a filtered sample of a television news report. The fact that the best track here is actually a remix of Port-Royal's "Speznaz Paul Leni" shouldn't detract from the overall quality of this ep. Featuring whiplashed beats and static hisses over the original Port-Royal music, Japanese Gum have turned this track on its head and made it completely their own.

It's an impressive release, clocking in at just under 25 minutes and spread over 6 tracks, from the Italian duo (until recently they were a three piece outfit). Although not a million miles away from Port-Royal's epic sound, Japanese Gum certainly show enough originality. After the Marsiglia ep, Port-Royal went on to create the sprawling "Flares". My money is on Japanese Gum doing something similar, keep your eyes peeled for this lot!.

Rating = 83%

"Paul Leni (Deep Mix)" mp3 - Japanese Gum / Port-Royal

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