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Tracklist
1. Cancer of Industry
2. Plecostomus
3. Monkeytail
4. Transmission Ends...Signal Lost
5. Dishonor
6. 20 Bucks
7. Exterminator
8. Just Say Know
9. Glory Hole
10. Back to the Mountain
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An album that twists and turns the imagination of the listener in as many ways as possible, 'Samsara' is the type of record that not only gives you a sore neck, but also provides the mind with a powerful workout as well. While Yakuza can rip along at a fast pace during cuts like 'Cancer Of Industry' they show that they can also settle into an abrasive foray into off-kilter doominess during the start-stop, highly dynamic 'Plecostomus.' A furious, thrashing segment collapses into sludgy, spacey sounds guaranteed to melt your mind.
The mellow sax of frontman Bruce Lamont provides an unexpectedly smooth introduction to a dramatic swelling of intense sounds on 'Monkeytail' and when Lamont kicks in with anguished, frantic screaming, it provides the perfect precursor to a drop from a hundred foot cliff into jazzy, reverberating, astro-mud. Yakuza has their dynamics down pat, knowing well how to build a song up and tear it back down again several times during the same piece without ever losing a sense of continuity. From grindcore to drawn-out, spacerock vibes, the group ensures the listener's stays captivated and although you won't find a lot of catchy hooks or flashy shredding, you will discover some of the most intensely dramatic sounds around.
Musicianship is a key factor throughout 'Samsara', with each of the band members showing an aptitude for giving each song part the right balance of technical ability and emotion. Widely varying mood swings give Yakuza a strong identity, especially during 'Glory Hole', where Lamont croons over a shimmering riff that's complemented by mood-setting ivory tickling. Yakuza often come off as the younger, angrier brother of Faith No More, their music might be a touch darker, but their propensity for moving in a plethora of directions without sacrificing their musical integrity makes for a distinct parallel.
Mastodon's Troy Sanders chimes in for an appearance on 'Back To The Mountain', being that Matt Bayles produced this album, you could say the gang's all here. Of course, being that Bayles was bestowed the board helm, everything sounds crystal clear and right up in your face. That's exactly the type of production required by a band like Yakuza. Each adventuresome sonic wandering is heard, and the skilled knob turning ensures that each band member's performance shines through with maximum impact. Ultimately, this record is best recommended to those who enjoy a good amount of aural diversity, a feature that Yakuza deliver in mass quantities of this highly enjoyable sonic venture.
Review by: Erin Fox
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