Made in Melbourne cover

Made in Melbourne

Casiopea · 1994

55 min · 12 tracks · funk

A vibrant fusion of jazz and funk, layered with intricate melodies and rhythmic complexity that defines Casiopea's signature sound.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Fightman Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Passionate Voltage — This track exemplifies the high-energy vibe of the album, featuring intricate guitar solos that highlight the band's virtuosic musicianship. Its infectious groove makes it a standout piece that captures the essence of Casiopea's sound.
  • →
    Final Chance — With its dynamic rhythm shifts and melodic interplay, this track showcases the band's ability to blend complexity with accessibility, making it a prime example of their artistic direction during this era.
  • →
    The March at Metro — This composition stands out for its unique structure and engaging tempo changes, reflecting Casiopea's knack for creating music that is both sophisticated and compelling. It's an exploration of their signature style infused with a sense of urgency.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends intricate melodies with energetic rhythms, showcasing Casiopea's jazz fusion prowess.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a fast-paced rhythm section, immediately establishing the album's energetic tone.
  • Several tracks feature extended instrumental solos, allowing each member to showcase their technical skills.
  • The last three tracks gradually decrease in tempo, creating a sense of resolution as the album concludes.
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
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • steady mid-tempo groove
  • vibrant energy for gatherings
  • engaging background for work
  • melodic exploration of themes
  • inviting sing-along moments

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek minimalist soundscapes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Established Casiopea's international presence in jazz fusion during the 1990s.
Themes
Australian tour experience· 1990s jazz fusion· Melbourne nightlife
Moods
Energetic· Chill
Career context
By the time 'Made in Melbourne' was released in 1994, Casiopea had already established itself as a prominent act in Japan's jazz fusion scene. This album marked their return to a more energetic sound after exploring softer styles in previous records, showcasing their ability to adapt while remaining true to their roots. It is one of the band's key releases that embodies their evolution during the 1990s.
Stylistic neighbors
Chick Corea· Weather Report· Pat Metheny Group

Tracklist

  • 1 Fightman Start here 5:05
  • 2 Passionate Voltage 3:09
  • 3 Final Chance 3:52
  • 4 New History 4:48
  • 5 Once in a Blue Moon 6:15
  • 6 Time Stream 4:23
  • 7 The March at Metro 4:54
  • 8 Akappachi-Ism 3:53
  • 9 The Bass Greetings 6:17
  • 10 The Sky 4:05
  • 11 Top Wind 4:38
  • 12 Messengers 3:48

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata