Kazuashita cover

Kazuashita

Gang Gang Dance · 2018

42 min · 10 tracks · experimental music

A vibrant tapestry of sound where experimental textures intertwine with ethereal vocals and rhythmic innovation.

Top tracks — play these first

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    J-TREE — This track exemplifies the band's signature fusion of world music influences with ambient soundscapes, creating a transcendent listening experience that captures the essence of Kazuashita.
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    Kazuashita — As the title track, it encapsulates the thematic core of the album, weaving together haunting melodies and introspective lyrics that reflect personal and collective journeys.
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    Salve on the Sorrow — This song stands out for its poignant lyrical content combined with lush instrumentation, serving as a cathartic exploration of grief and healing that resonates throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The album showcases innovative textures and strong vocal interplay, making it distinct within its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a brief ambient interlude before transitioning into the rhythmic and melodic complexity of 'J-TREE', which features layered vocals and intricate percussion.
  • Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements, creating a dialogue between the music and the lyrical content, particularly evident in 'Young Boy (Marika in Amerika)'.
  • The final track, 'Salve on the Sorrow', concludes with an extended instrumental section that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of introspection.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • vibrant soundscapes for exploration
  • short interludes that surprise
  • immersive tracks with rhythmic depth
  • ethereal vocals inviting introspection

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • want fast-paced, high-energy tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Kazuashita marks Gang Gang Dance's first album in six years, following their 2011 release Eye Contact. The band returned to the scene amidst a shifting musical landscape, seeking new creative directions while still embracing their avant-garde roots. This album represents a period of reflection and evolution for the group, showcasing their unique blend of genres.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 ( infirma terrae ) 1:24
  • 2 J-TREE 5:51
  • 3 Lotus 4:54
  • 4 ( birth canal ) 1:43
  • 5 Kazuashita 8:07
  • 6 Young Boy (Marika in Amerika) 4:21
  • 7 Snake Dub 3:22
  • 8 Too Much, Too Soon 5:46
  • 9 ( novae terrae ) 1:22
  • 10 Salve on the Sorrow 5:27

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata