Ongaku Cafe (The 2000s): 101A – Lethe (2008)

BAND: 101A

ALBUM: Lethe

LABEL:  Labe+film.4 / Distributed by higashimusic.com

CATALOG #: FLM4-0005 

DURATION: 45:25

RELEASED ON JANUARY 6, 2008 

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1. 雪の世界 (Yuki no Sekai)
2. Migration
3. Heart
4. Lethe
5. Eugene
6. Miranda Lethal Weapon
7. 詩片 (Shihen)
8. Serpent
9. Shellfish
10. Lull
11. * Sex Slave (Live) Bonus Track

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The following review was done back in 2008:

The band 101A has been getting attention not only in Japan but also in Europe and now through International audiences thanks to distribution from new Japanese music distribution company Higashi Music.

The group first appeared in Tokyo back in 1997 with the band decay (produced by Takahashi Yukihiro, a former member of Yellow Magic Orchestra) but with members “K” (bass and programming) and Noah (vocals and guitar), the group would make their first steps known as “101A” in 2000.

The group would release several mini albums and their music which consists of compositions blending rock and electronic music.

In 2005, the group would perform in the United Kingdom performing at famous clubs in England such as the Metro Club and the Bull & Gate and more performances in the UK throughout the year.

In 2006, the group would take part in the popular Japanese music festival “Fuji Rock Festival” and sharing the stage with notables such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sonic Youth, Mogwai and Isis.  Also, a release of their second album “one day” which they collaborated with rock band Guitar Wolf, envy and BUFFALO DAUGHTER.

In January 2008, the band would release their third album “Lethe” which is an album that showcases surreal electronic programming by K,  sometimes angelic and sometimes raspy vocals of Noa but also showcasing her densely intermeshed guitar playing.  Clatter percussions by Sally and an overall feeling of going through the darkness, emerging to the light with their surreal music.

The album starts out with the track “Yuki no Sekai”.  Which starts out with guitars, drumming and with keyboards which then leads to soft and smooth vocals by Noa.  Very angelic and assisted with the keyboards which sets an ambience of something whimsical, while the guitar clangs and the beat of the drums sets up a mood of action.

The second track “Migration” features “K” on bass and again, a track with Noa’s angelic vocals but near two minutes into the song, you are greeted with a clatter of percussion in a frenzy, as the bass line just grooves in the background while Noa’s vocals stay angelic but becomes buzzy and then more bass and frenetic drum playing.

But then you get into the title track “Lethe” (the fourth track on the album) which features Noa talking but a pulsing of sounds in the background.  Taking the listener to another world, relaxing, hypnotic and leading up to the next track “Eugene”.

Where the other tracks feature angelic vocals, “Eugene” goes into common rock territory with a cool melody and an overall cool rock n’ roll track.  And the same can be said with the next track “Miranda Lethal Weapon” where the first two tracks on “Lethe” show pureness, “Miranda Lethal Weapon” showcases a dark, sexy side to Noa’s vocals.

And then you are back on a trip on the surreal world with the seventh track “Shihen”, with her singing angelically once again, while playing the guitar.  A very calming song with no percussions or bass.  Just a few tweeks at times to the music but mainly focusing on Noa’s angelic voice and guitar strumming.

The ninth track on the album “Shellfish” features cool, dynamic percussions but again angelic vocals and a song that is different from the other tracks on the album.  In a way, a style reminiscent of Kahimi Karie.

And the tenth track “Lull” features a mid-tempo track.  A bit of an artistic, live house, mellow rock song and also experimental on the musical end on K’s end.

There are also a few instrumental tracks such as “Serpent”, as well as a live version of their song “Sex Slave”.

As for the CD insert, the CD is bundled in a cardboard, double-fold sleeve with album credits and track notes by the band.

I listened to this album repeatedly for several hours because I have read previous reviews of their albums talking about being in another world when listening to their music.

So, I want to just sit back and enjoy the music, let my mind focus on the various sounds and things integrated into the overall music, focus on the vocals and then focus on the overall music once again.

All in all, I actually found a good balance of up-tempo music that balance things from hardcore, frantic guitar and bass playing and drumming but you get to be a part of the other side of the spectrum musically, as the music heads into the light and to the dark.  Definitely, helped by the sweet and warm vocals by Noa but proving to the listener that warm and sweet can immediately change to chilling and dark but yet retaining that incantory style.

All in all, 101A’s music is pleasing, you get a balance of rock music but also a balance of easy listening to experimental and a bit of industrial as well.

So, I’m definitely pleased and wonder to myself, why has Europe received this band for live performances and we Americans have not.   We definitely need to change that because I would love to see this band perform live stateside in the near future.

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