Lisa Ronson
Emperors of Medieval Japan
(Maniac Squat Records)
Ms Ronson has undergone one of our 20 Questions sessions and we will run this soon, but here is the brand new album and some estimable musicians especially guitar aces are to be heard, including the illustrious Bowie/New York Dolls/solo career axe genius Earl Slick and also Bowie / Tin Machine stalwart Reeves Gabrels. Add to these fine players Morgan Fisher, Paul Cuddeford and sax star Terry Edwards and the scent of quality already tweaks the nostrils….but this is Lisa Ronson’s record and a step on from former project The Secret History ( whose last album we own at JLTT HQ )….
Now London-based after a spell in New York, Ronson does not lack lyrical stimuli. Her fans have dubbed her style ‘Post Synthetic’ ..which smacks of laboratories, a tad. At 37 minutes, this collection does not outstay its welcome. Lead track ‘Electra’ has an immediately other-worldly spoken-intro ambience, awash with spacey synths. Then we are into the stealthy sci-fi patter of the title cut. It’s like the start of a film with artful deep sax growls and noble electric guitar spirals which hint at the blues then drop away as the controlled story-telling vocal commences, dipping into drama. Almost a more tuneful Siouxsie approach, sans shrieks. If a Blade Runner atmosphere appeals to you, you will surely relish this ! and with the wildest sax this side of the Blockheads, to boot.
Electronic beats kick off the third number ‘One Lunar Month’ and it’s already clear that Ronson’s voice sounds exactly right over this almost retro-futuristic musical backdrop. She does not sound strained and achieves a melodic conspiratorial delivery. It’s post-Bowie, natch – Dad was a Spider From Mars – BUT we maybe haven’t heard a female voice before that sound so very cool in these settings.
Feedback guitar brings in ‘ CKSB’ and I am reminded of the very underrated ‘Heathen’ Bowie release. Lisa intones thoughts as part of the vocal here, it is SO cinematic, listeners. Romantic but eerie. The very busy ‘Oblivion’ will likely garner some Radio 6 airplay but sounds a little too New Romantic for me. Clever vocal arrangement. The guitar dives in and out, waspish and restless.
Cosmos funk informs the pumping ‘Shopping’ and the best vocal on the album happens here, it really works a treat. Crying out for an anime video….
An electro take on classic British rock 45 ‘Shakin’ All Over’ evokes that strange version of ‘Money’ that a was a hit a few decades back.
‘Get To You’ has keening guitar runs (Slick?) and a surefooted solemn but lively rock beat. Another fine vocal that sounds passionate but controlled. This style is Ronson’s forte – at least on this set. Easily the best song here and one of the best arrangements. Worth buying the album for this triumphant effort. The guitars weave and snarl, wonderful ! Must be a stage favourite?
‘ Je Deteste’ is all mystery, with more of that docking-spacecraft guitar sound.
A sci-fi journey of sound, no over-the-top singing and though not everyone’s cup of tea, its own sonic style.
Pete Sargeant
Lisa Ronson’s debut solo album ‘Emperors Of Medieval Japan is released on Friday 6th November 2015 on Maniac Squat Records. For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/LisaRonsonMusic/
(Thanks to Sam and Mel)
