Words by Brandon Pestano

Introducing ‘For Damage’, the spellbinding new psychedelic jazz album from Japanese collective Yaryu. Incorporating elements of progressive psych, new age, spiritual jazz and improvisation, the mystical seven track album takes the audience on a euphoric journey that resembles a dreamlike out of body experience in the realms of heightened awareness. 

Existing within the same universe as 1970’s Japanese psych musicians such as Osamu Kitajima and Fumio Miyashita, Yaryu craft an ethereal atmospheric soundscape that elevates the consciousness of the listener into an ambient trance like state, playfully walking the line between experimentation and structure like a juggler riding a unicycle on a tightrope, balancing chaos and control in perfect harmony. 

Yaryu was founded by Hyozo and Hajime Orikawa, who embrace a welcoming collaborative ethos that includes holding regular workshops and live performances that have seen over 200 musicians participate in their array of live performances and recordings… 

“Yaru helps people realize their ideas and perform. Rather than focusing on someone standing out in terms of creativity or instrumental skill, we place importance on the best expression possible among the members participating at the time and in the performance environment. Even if you have a weak sense of rhythm or pitch, we present ensembles that allow you to enjoy and appreciate the sound itself. Participants’ motivations vary, and the members who participate in each project are fluid. Anyone who agrees with this philosophy can call themselves Yaru.” 

‘For Damage’ has a therapeutic essence to it, feeling like a cosmic spa that washes away pre-existing thoughts and allows you to exist in the eternal moment within a peaceful flow state synergistically aligned to the pursuit of alchemising your awareness, as all good spiritual jazz has the unique ability to do. Upon listening to the album for the first time it was an overcast rainy day in England, but that could not prevent the transcendental power of Yaryu to instantly transport me into a world of vibrant energy and magical possibility, inspiring me to stand outside and listen intently whilst the literal and metaphorical water washed over me. 

Three personal favourites from the project would be the serene opening track ‘Up The Creek’ which blends flute and the traditional Japanese Koto. Followed by ‘Negare’, a quintessential psychedelic track with a relaxing fusion of trumpet, percussion and shimmering guitar. Followed by the final track ‘Shirabe’, an epic 20 minute song that honestly deserves to have its place in the Spiritual Jazz hall of fame for how excellent it is. 

‘For Damage’ is due for release on October 25 under labels Centripetal Force (North America), Cardinal Fuzz (UK), and Ramble Records (AUS).