ANGEL IN HEAVY SYRUP

Music

FEATURED SONG

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My Dream

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Released: Jan 1, 1991

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My Dream
3:37
4,182 plays
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Naked Sky High
7:55
4,136 plays
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A Series of Water Mind
4:21
3,475 plays
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Kimi Ni
7:51
3,094 plays
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First Love
6:43
624 plays

Total Plays: 16,816 / Plays Today: 1See All Featured ►

General Info

Genre: Progressive / Psychedelic / Shoegaze
Location JP
Profile Views: 32263
Last Login: 3/27/2013
Member Since 6/10/2006
Website VIEW ALL BLOG ENTRIES
Record Label Alchemy Records (Japan)
Type of Label Indie
Bio
One of the more unique and melodic bands to arise from Japan's famous noise-rock scene, Angel'in Heavy Syrup (named after canned fruit) specializes in a drawn-out, retro psychedelic style. The all-female quartet formed in Osaka in 1990, produced by Jojo Hiroshige, a heavyweight amongst Japan's noise rockers. Despite "guitar terrorism" being music critics' favorite phrase to describe him, Angel'in Heavy Syrup's sound shares very little in common with that of their producer's. The band draws heavily on progressive and psychedelic rock while working in a number of jazz influences as well. The jazz and psychedlic roots especially point to influences by Soft Machine and Gong. Most Angel'in Heavy Syrup songs are epic and meandering, often layering sheets of guitar noise over entire songs - perhaps the heavy syrup coating the angelic melody. The band's vocal sections give way to stretched-out instrumentals with plenty of complicated lines from both guitarists and somtimes accented with liberal helpings of improvization. Nakao and Toda often act as the other's complement; while one forges ahead with the melody, the other plays contrasting parts ranging from improv to noise freakouts. Vocal sections feature bassist Itakura, whose soft, airy tones recall British female-fronted dream pop and shoegaze bands from the 1980s and 90s. For listeners more familiar with such groups, a comparison to Lush is not far off the mark. Takahara completes the quartet on both drums and flute, and while her presence on percussion is not commanding, her polyrhythmic flourishes set her style apart while tacking on an extra touch of jazz. After being founded by Itakura and Nakao, Mandrake Yoko joined on drums in 1990. The band was singned to Hiroshige's own Alchemy Records, and their debut Angel'in Heavy Syrup I appeared in 1991. A record deal with Subterranean shipped the album to the US in 1992. Soon after, the band's first lineup change brought Takahara in on drums and added Toda on guitar. This culminated in the 1993's Angel'in Heavy Syrup II, which further refined their ethereal style. The band recorded two more albums, both continuing the Led Zepplin album naming trend, with IV landing in 1999 after Takahara's departure. Angel'in Heavy Syrup has been largely silent since, aside from the issuing of a best-of in 2002. With Toda and noise artist Masonna recording together as Christine 23 Onna and Itakura taking up residence in Belgium, Angel'in Heavy Syrup appears to have fallen into indefinite hiatus status.
Members
..Itakura Mineko-Bass, Vocals,.. Nakao Mine-Guitar, ..Toda Fusao-Guitar,.., ..Takahara Tomoko-Drums.. ......
Influences
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Sounds Like
..This tribute page is a fan site. PLEASE do NOT send mail to the band as it will remain unanswered. Contributions of photos & interviews are greatley appreciated..