This week here at Organ is KOENJIHYAKKEI week, why/ Because we said so that’s why, does there have to be a reason to shout about such a fine band? Okay then, there is a reason, they have a new album on the way, this is something to get excited about. We’ll have a first taste on a new track for you later this week here on the website as well as via the Resonance FM airwaves next weekend on the Other Rock Show, and you may well hear a new track when Marina Organ DJs and that Henry Cow flavoured Lindssy Cooper celebration at London’s Cafe oto next weekend (more about that tomorrow, w’re busy today), for now, a taste of things ot come and a bit about the fundraising   

“Some bands you just have to hear. Japan’s KOENJIHYAKKEI (aka Koenji Hyakkei aka Hundred Sights of Koenji) are just such a band. Headed by vocalist / composer / drummer extraordinaire Tatsuya Yoshida (of the renowned bass and drum duo RUINS) and emboldened by overcharged reeds, glittery keyboards and a soaring front-woman speaking in somersaulting tongues, KOENJIHYAKKEI blend progressive rock, jazz fusion, symphonic rock and neoclassicism with the energy of hardcore punk, the volume of metal and the attitude of rock in opposition.”

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Here’s some words from Mark, Mark runs Skin Graft Records, probably the finest record label in the world…

“Hi Everyone –  This is Mark writing. The video up top is just a sample of the 62 minutes of music KOENJIHYAKKEI have recorded for “Dhorimvishka”, their first new album since 2005’s “Angherr Shisspa”. I’ve heard the entire thing and it is incredible.

Now – historically Koenjihyakkei’s albums have been issued on CD – and “Dhorimviskha” will continue in this tradition, however we’ve issued recent releases from Yoshida’s Sax RUINS and RUINS Alone on vinyl as well.  – But due to “Dhorimvishka’s” length, the sound quality would be greatly compromised if all 62 minutes were squeezed onto just two sides of a single Vinyl LP.

Unfortunately, despite all of the “vinyl comeback” hype, we’ve seen declines in the demand for physical formats of music year after year – so much so that many albums have not yet recouped their initial manufacturing and origination expenses.

So that’s where you come in. All of the songs have been recorded, mixed and mastered – and the album is already being scheduled for release digitally and on compact disc – but if you would like to own “Dhorimviskha” in a slick, deluxe Gatefold Sleeved Double Vinyl LP edition, here is your chance to help make that happen.

For the next two weeks, we’re asking for your help to fund the manufacture of a vinyl release of “Dhorimviskha” through a Kickstarter campaign created by SKiN GRAFT and KOENJIHYAKKEI”.

A few key things to understand about KICKSTARTER and CROWDFUNDING:

• Kickstarter is an all-or-nothing platform. If we don’t raise the funds before the end of the campaign, we get $00- and the album will will not be released on vinyl.

• If you pledge support, you won’t be charged until the end of the campaign, and even then – only if the campaign is successful.

• You actually get something tangible in return for the investment. We can accept pledges from all over and will ship rewards worldwide.

Even if you don’t have a turntable, you can pledge funds and get a the CD version or Digital Download in return. And you’ll get it before the official release date!

You can see a complete list of rewards, preview some of the artwork and make a pledge / pre-order at this direct link HERE. We’ll continue to post updates at the Kickstarter page as the campaign goes on.

The band and I appreciate that funding a campaign such as this requires a bit of a leap of faith. If the community sees us through to a successfully funded campaign, we’ll do our best to meet or exceed everyone’s expectations. Please help us spread the news, we’ve only got two weeks to see this through. Below are links to some assets that can be used to help get the word out.

Thanks Everyone!

Mark, Tatsuya and all of Koenjihyakkei
( Kengo, Keiko, Taku, Kei and Ah )