Review: Yaryu ‘For Damage’

The Land of the Rising Sun has no shortage of great jazz-related acts. Some of the best jazz I’ve heard have been from Japanese compilations. Likewise, Japan’s experimental music scene is also well documented. These two distinct stylings come together in Yaryu’s For Damage.

Less a band and more of a musical collective whose members number in over 200 individuals, the group has a keen musical vision of a sound greater than the sum of its parts. The record’s title seems to imply that this is for the troubled soul dealing with life’s damages, and thus, they may take solace in the gentle sound brought forth.

The brief and sunny opener Up The Creek sets the stage with calming keyboards and synthesizers. Ironically, the phrase itself has a negative connotation in the English language but appears to refer to floating on a river in the most tranquil of settings.

Wind chimes, watery stylings and haunting female vocals highlight Asobe, while the grooving Nagare sounds like the perfect soundtrack for an early morning walk on the beach. Utena picks up the pace a little but not to the point where the listener is jostled awake. Gandhara brings to mind the mellow funk of Can with dialed back yet consistent hand percussion and some lo-fi vocals.

an addictive sonic tapestry…

In the best way possible, Yaryu has the power to put you to sleep. There is a restraint in the music that maintains a mood which makes one feel as if they are hovering between that strange point of awakeness and dreams. Pleasing saxophone licks wreath Sacrifice with some sexy wah pedal guitar, while the nearly twenty-minute-long sprawling closer Shirabe is a shimmering array of ambient sounds, horn sections and enough of a 1970s vibe that will make you grow out your sideburns while rocking your finest brown turtleneck.

For Damage lacks the pretentiousness of what is often termed ‘New Age’ music. It really does capture a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere that helps calm a troubled mind. Yaryu have crafted a lovely piece of minimalist jazz and I encourage it, not only as a therapeutic listen but also as an addictive sonic tapestry. Wash the damage away with a trip up the creek.

Label: Cardinal Fuzz Records | Centripetal Force | Ramble Records
Band Links: Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram

Scribed by: Rob Walsh