By Brian Kim
Strange things are coming to Chop Suey on the night of May 7th. Hailing all the way from Japan, legendary psychedelic noise-makers Acid Mothers Temple will be bringing their mind-bending, tripped out jams to Seattle, accompanied by Denver’s Tjutjuna and our own local sonic shamen, Master Musicians of Bukkake.
Acid Mothers Temple are very likely one of the most prolific and enduring forces in psychedelic music. Over the span of nearly two decades, the group has released dozens of records under a handful of pseudonyms and altered lineups, all of which fall under the umbrella of Acid Mothers Temple and the leadership of guitarist Kawabata Makoto. From ambient, droney, abstract noise orchestrations, to more structured, if not still largely improvised, pieces easily classifiable as psychedelic rock, the group has been said to perform amazingly live, melding cosmic aural journeys with intense energy and a fascinating stage presence, all at incredibly high levels of volume. Their albums frequently include lengthy tracks entering the 20 minute range, adventuring and exploring through hazy, dream-like states until eventually evolving into explosive, epic climaxes. While exactly what Acid Mothers Temple play or what particular formation of the band will appear may be anyone’s guess, one thing is certain beyond a doubt: minds will be blown.
Lysergic space rockers Tjutjuna will be touring alongside Acid Mothers Temple, hot off the release of their sophomore record, Westerner. This Denver-based quartet serves up a potent dose of mind melting, state altering psychedelic rock. Westerner will be the band’s first release in three years, and also marks the departure of founding guitarist Adam Shaffner. Despite the change in lineup, the group continues the jammy exploration of sound they began with their debut self titled release undeterred.
Perhaps the best possible local addition to this already superb bill, Seattle’s own Master Musicians of Bukkake will also be taking attendees through mystic soundscapes, although in a distinctly different style. Featuring members of renowned acts such as Earth, Grails, and Asva, Master Musicians of Bukkake create a unique world filled with rich textures and mesmerizing atmospheres, drawing on influences from African and Middle Eastern rhythms and melodies as they wander through the spiritual and uplifting, and the dark and ominous. The mysterious group has also recently released a music video for “White Mountain Return”, the first track off their forthcoming release Far West, which is due in June on Important Records. “Which Mountain Return” appears to continue where the group left off at the end of their most recent album Totem Three’s final track “Failed Future”, a striking departure into the realm of synthy, John Carpenter inspired noisy psychedelia.
Those who desire to venture into the deep and sprawling unknown are summoned to attend this evening of music and mysticism. The prior ingestion of psychotropic substances is optional. Tickets are $12 advance, or $15 at the door, purchase online at http://www.strangertickets.
Watch the sinister new Master Musicians of Bukkake video at http://youtu.be/zof_tW4HrT0
Find more details on the Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/
