Kyoto-born vocalist/guitarist, Masaki Batoh first gained prominence after forming the experimental Japanese group GHOST at a Tokyo university back in 1984.  The psychedelic outfit, which rarely ever retained a consistent lineup, didn’t begin releasing it’s first recorded material until the very early 1990s, but they have a reported history as nomads, roaming around Tokyo, inhabiting such environments as the ruins of ancient temples and abandoned subway stations (no doubt an inspiration for Akron/Family’s last full length).  Outside of the group, Batoh has continued his experimentation through solo releases and collaborations with acts like, former Galaxie 500 members, Damon and Naomi, as well as Swedish multi-instrumentalist, Helena Espvall of Philadelphia band, Espers.  GHOST‘s roots are deeply steeped in improvisation and, in 2006, they played and recorded their first 100% improvisational release, Overture, to a crowd that was locked in complete darkness with them at a converted warehouse in Yokahama Bay, called Nippon Yusen Soko, and not permitted to exit until the performance had completely finished.  Always pushing forward, embracing new inspirations, and consistently experimenting, Batoh even invented a device called the “springer” which “contains metal springs, a resonance box, plasma ball (light) and rotating machine to create a heavy yet theremin-like sound” – featured on the GHOST album, In Stormy Nights (Drag City, 2007).

For his most recent solo effort, Brain Pulse Music, Masaki created a completely new device which allows him to harness the power of human brain waves and transfer them into sound.  It is arguably, his most ambitious project yet.  Sound fascinating?  Well, Drag City records is now releasing these machines to the public.  This means that, if you have the loot, you’ll be able to strap one of these newfangled contraptions to your own dome and, while looking like Uncle Rico mid-time travel, you can explore whatever sonic mess you’re able to juice out of your own fucked up subconscious. Read the rest of this entry →