Band: Rock of Asia; Musicians: Nikki Matsumoto: Vocals, biwa, sanshin, guitars, bass, programming and percussions; Yasuhisa Murase: Acoustic guitar; Kizen Ohyama: Shakuhachi; and Yuki Ishii: Violin

Album: ‘TAMI;’ Released: June 16, 2023; Producer: Matsumoto

The most groundbreaking musicians are those who can effortlessly blend traditional and modern vocals and instrumentals in a way that’s both respectful of their roots and innovative. Japanese singer-instrumentalist, Nikki Matsumoto is one such artist who does just that with his boundary-pushing musical collective, Rock of Asia.

The group is showing its command of intricately blending classical and contemporary vocals and instrumentals on its latest folk-rock album, ‘TAMI,’ which is now available on digital platforms. The prolific composer-producer and his esteemed bandmates have further evolved their original vision on this release to create a compilation of nine bold, revolutionary tracks. The record transcends cultural and political boundaries, which creates a truly insightful and contemplative experience.

Rock of Asia’s unique musical fusion blends Western instruments like the guitar and violin with Eastern instruments such as the koto, shamisen, sho, and erhu. As a result, ‘TAMI’ enthralling blends modern rock with an ancient, traditional essence that explores how Matsumoto embraces both contemporary and ancient values.

The new LP, which marks Rock of Asia’s fourth album, begins with its titular track, which thrives on its myid-tempo rhythm. The tune opens on an Arabic instrumentation, which segues into a stimulating melody from the Shakuhachi and a delicate plucking of the koto and violin.

The energetic song opens the record in an upbeat mediaeval manner, which are emphasized by Matsumoto’s ethereal lyrics, which are sung in English. The musician passionately croons in mounting harmonies about how no one wants to see their heroes become weak, which sets the tone for the rest of the LP – that people thrive in spirited vitality.

The ‘TAMI’ track is followed by the album’s medieval atmospheric sophomore tune, ‘Four-Legged Requiem.’ The song soulfully introduces a stronger bass than is predecessor and blends it with a fierce storytelling element that’s told through powerful vocals. Combined with lilting violin melodies from Yuki Ishii and rhythmic drumming, the track is dramatically rendered in a captivating way.

Another standout entry on ‘TAMI’ appears on its midway point with its fifth tune, ‘Eastern Eyes.’ The ballad skillfully blends the unique interweaving of the drum and violin, which delivers a distinctive vibe. Through the singer’s soulful vocals, the song emphasizes the importance of people supporting each other and declaring they’ll be “here to catch you when you fail.”

The record begins to wind down with is penultimate eighth entry, ‘Stranger in the Homeland.’ The emotionally haunting but equally tranquil violin supports Matsumoto’s continued sentimental vocals, which infuses the track with the broadest appeal on the LP. The tune highlights Rock of Asia’s ability to create a deep emotional connection through their musical compositions, which emphasizes their diverse and unique sound.

The musical collective’s latest album concludes with its ninth entry, ‘Tomorrow.’ The song is driven by the wistful sound of the Shakuhachi, which ties the record off with elegant splendor. The instrumental track gleams with hints of luminous, translucent hues. As a result, the tune’s sensitive, nostalgic tones remind listeners of the importance of blending diverse cultures and traditions without prejudice.

On their latest effort, Matsumoto led his fellow musicians in Rock of Asia to creatively blend Western instruments like the guitar and violin with such Eastern instruments as the koto, shamisen, sho and erhu. Their efforts honor both the traditions in his native Tokyo and his adopted home of Northern California during the 2010s.

‘TAMI’ is one of the group’s most enlightening studio albums, as it blends traditional vocals and instrumentation with modern influences in a way that’s both innovative and respectful of their roots on its nine bold, revolutionary tracks. The record transcends cultural and political boundaries, which creates a truly insightful and contemplative experience.

For more information on Rock of Asia, visit its official website, as well as its Facebook, Spotify, Bandcamp and YouTube pages.