fakejazz.com

The Japanese post-rock quartet LITE achieve moments of brilliance throughout their debut full-length CD Filmlets. Guitarists Nobuyuki Takeda and Kozo Kusumoto make full use of the stereo spectrum, constantly playing off one another rhythmically, melodically, and dynamically. With the bass work of Jun Izawa underneath them, the wall of sound they create has so many exciting layers that it is impressive to just imagine the tracks performed live. Yet, the true standout performer of this quartet is without question drummer Akinori Yamamoto, who transitions time signatures in a way that have caused some to claim he's embodying the spirit of Damon Che. The two acts aren't unavoidably comparable; the compositions on Filmlets are less erratic than that of Don Cab and arguably more dynamic. LITE adapt to this dynamic aspect of the album well; the soft voicing of guitars and bass in "Dead Leaf" momentarily sound like a completely different line-up than the one that rocked out in the frantic "Human Gift," but both are equally effective. This multiplicity is what ultimately makes Filmlets so impressive. Of course, the musicians are technically impressive, as well. From the speedy slap-and-tap technique of Izawa in "On a Gloomy Evening," to the call and response stereo guitar work performed in "Spiral Gate," LITE constantly impress with their abilities. Yet what is certain to be taken away from Filmlets is how effortlessly LITE are able to stretch the post-rock genre dynamically without recalling the same quiet/loud formula pioneered by those before them. With regards to production, the arrangements force the listener to concentrate on the individual instruments rather than the overall timbre. In fact, the performance captured genuinely sounds like a quartet - something many post-rock acts have, for better or worse, moved away from.

LITE at Amazon & Insound