Review: Anchorsong - Ceremonial (Tru Thoughts)

Whoever had the bright idea at Tru-Thoughts to release a 10th Anniversary version of 'Ceremonial' by Anchorsong deservers to have an event to celebrate - but where is it?

You have to go back to the Salamanda remix of Anchorsong's 'Windmills' (see review HERE) for his last release but back in 2016, the album called 'Ceremonial'.

At that time, I'm not sure everyone was in tune with or ready for a Masaaki Yoshida's Daedelus meets Carlos Niño at a Shinto wedding; or even his earlier ('The Storytelling', 2007) where his ambient, downtempo instrumental tracks were accompaned with a live string quartet.  

Whilst it was big on the BBC 6 Music playlists, even massive Japanophile like DJ Gilles Peterson said,"He's [Anchorsong] been in his own lane for some time".

Well, this is as good a time as any to re-appraise the Tokyo-born / London based Yoshida as these 10 tracks are more to do with Afrobeat and Highlife circa 70s Orchestre Poly-Rythmo than electronic hip-hop instrumentals that it got mis-aligned.

Of course, any pusedo-concept album like this must start with 'Eve' and 'Mother' whilst the other tracks, 'Oriental Suite', 'Kajo', 'Monsoon', 'Butterflies', 'Rendezvous', 'Last Feast' and the synth-acid climax 'Ceremony' all add to the party.

For an album built around his MPC and keyboards some of the best bits are the mix of ganelan and twangy surf guitars.

A true original and good to have it back - ten years afte!

BUY LINK: Ceremonial | Anchorsong

Artist: Anchorsong 
Title: Ceremonial 
Release date: 22nd January, 2016
Label : Tru-Thoughts
Catalog Number : TRU317
Format : Digital / Bandcamp

PS. Alway as good idea to remind us that Tru Thoughts ended 2022 with their best release of the year [Ed. that's because you're Edit was on it - see A Different Style EP by Biggabush] 

Review: Anchorsong - Windmills (Salamanda Remix) (Tru Thoughts Recordings)

Tru Thoughts ended last year with their best release of the year [Ed. that's because you're Edit was on it - see A Different Style EP by Biggabush] so what will 2023 bring?

Well, compared ot the 8 tracks on 'A Different Style' this release has a very different style with just the two; the original Anchorsong (aka Masaaki Yoshida) version of 'Windmills', a short and atmospheric track and a Salamanda remix.

Salamanda are new to me and the track itself has 'moved' to a gentle shinto water garden at the break of day with sunlight shimmering on the water (just like the cover image).

Apparently, Salamanda are based in Seoul, South Korea and have already found fans for thier electronic ambience on a number of labels around the globe and have a thier own NTS radio show.

'Windmills' was one of the many highlights on Anchorsong's 2021 album 'Mirage' so let's hope that there's more stunning remixes in the pipeline like this one.

Artist: Anchorsong 
Title: Windmills (Salamanda Remix)
Release date: 12th January, 2023
Label : Tru-Thoughts
Catalog Number : Digital / Bandcamp