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

Single: ‘TAMI;’ Video Released: July 23, 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 in modern society. 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 the title track and its accompanying music video from its latest folk-rock album, ‘TAMI.’ The prolific composer-producer and his esteemed bandmates have created a revolutionary eponymous tune and accompanying music video. Both transcend 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’ as a song 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 eponymous 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 upbeat Arabic instrumentation, which drives the song’s overall melody, and Matsumoto’s vocal harmonies give the track an ethereal feeling. As the musician’s vocals grow in strength through their unity with the instrumentals, the tune’s imagery shines through its video’s stellar cinematography.

‘TAMI’s video alternates between Matsumoto and his bandmates’ performing the song on stage, with the instrumental solos being vibrantly emphasized. The animated interactions between the musicians on stage are interwove with meditative visuals of both the singer and his fellow neighbors in his community celebrating their heroes and native culture. Whether the collective’s frontman is emotionally singing against backdrops of gardens with religious statues or soothing flowing water and homes, he empowers viewers to open their eyes to the joys and inspirations of modern life.

The energetic track opens the record in an upbeat mediaeval manner, particularly through Matsumoto’s ethereal lyrics, which are sung in English. The artist 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.

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 singles and music videos, as they blend traditional vocals and instrumentation with modern influences in a way that’s both innovative and respectful of their roots. The titular song and its accompanying video’s cultural and political boundaries 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.