Acid Mothers Temple

Recorded at Reckless Records on the night before September 11, 2001 where the band is introduced by saying that they are playing in Detroit at the Detroit Contemporary the next night, this CD is a reissue of the out of print Eclipse LP of the same name. There are significant differences in appearance, however, in that the LP version boasted the track titles "La Novia Gentle Lift Off," and "Crash and Burned La Novia." The CD's two track titles are "Space Age Ballad/La Novia (Including in E)," and "La Novia-Speed Guru." The cover of the CD is also markedly different and is simulated to look like a comic book version of Amon Düül's Yeti full-length. Musically, Acid Mothers Temple, on tour in support of their brilliant La Nòvia offering, showcases their playing; this is among the most dynamic, colorful, and textural performance the best Japanese psych-rock band in existence has laid down.

The Day Before the Sky Fell In is a rare opportunity for fans and newbies alike to hear the great Acid Mothers Temple & the Melting Paraiso UFO process in action. Not intense speed freak rockism, but a droning, open-tuined improvisation that showcases the best, not only of "Speed Guru" and leader Kawabata Makoto, but the interaction between Cotton Casino (who played synth and sang and has since left the band for a solo career), bassist/coustic guitarist Atsushi Tsuyama, synthesist Higashi Hiroshi, who doubles on electric guitar, and Makoto. By the time the full-on improv free-form freak-out happens at about 18 minutes into track one, the listener is well primed for the roof to come right off the joint, and his head as well. When the feedback and drum explosions happen and the spacey electronics come in near the end of the track, you realize there is more coming; the band finds a way to wind it up and down yet again on the second entry, because in many ways, they never stop; this set is one long performance, wonderfully edited by Courtland Green and Makoto. The second cut begins in long, loping hard rock tone, psychedelically rambling in search of the lift-off point to break through the stratosphere. This is one of many Acid Mothers Temple live outings, but it is among their finest offerings anywhere. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide