Search - aiko shimada :: another full moon

A slow haunting cd

Steffan Ziegler | Seattle, WA USA | 12/16/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Perhaps the most difficult thing about Aiko Shimada's work is finding a category in which to place her. The songs start simply, built on a structure of simple repeating guitar rolls. Each is slightly unbalanced by an oddly dissonant note that threatens to send the whole song falling. But then, with the introduction of subtle layers of horns, percussion, guitar and keyboard, Shimada rounds out the music into off kilter songs whose original dissonances only serve to slingshot it around the sun. A very unique and interesting sound emerges. It is a sort of melodic jazz, but with tinges of Portishead and Mazzy Star here and there. The work is wonderfully composed, the simple songs betray hours of careful construction. Notable standouts are the marvelous distorted drum track, "Cosmo's tune," the wonderfully eclectic guitar solo in "i ask you, blue moon," and the complex pairing of guitar and horns in the bridges of "air" and "lost balloon." Aiko's shaky untrained voice tends to add an air of uncertainty and perhaps tinges of fear, and her simple, almost naive lyrics are touching in their honesty. All together it equals a slow, haunting work that grows better with each listen."

A Real Band

Spider | Ballard, Washington | 04/14/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Some vocalist/songwriters can be overwhelmed by the sheer weight of musicians in the ensemble. Ms. Shimada, though, has an impeccable sense of structure. This CD is so rich and deep that it will probably become part of the fabric of your life. Beautiful!"