Kanpai Records Sampler

Written by Matthew Johnson

Artist: Various Artists
CD Title: Kanpai Records Sampler
Label: Kanpai Records
Reviewer: Matthew Johnson
Date: 11/7/04

Kanpai Records is a new label devoted to electronic music produced and inspired by Japanese artists. Judging from this sampler, they’re off to a decent start. Ambient legend Bill Laswell makes an appearance with Hoppy Kamiyama on “Sospirando,” a mix of Arabic textures and deep, slow beats. It’s thick and heady, like Moroccan hashish. Peas, on the other hand, mixes big beat and British pop sensibilities on “Certifiable,” which ought to appeal to fans of the Chemical Brothers and Fatboy Slim. Appogee’s “Y Illuminative” is pleasantly mellow, with gentle drum ‘n’ bass textures accented by strummed guitars, while “Night Rugby” by the Saboten is laid back and jazzy. While it may be too early to tell if Kanpai Records is going to succeed, they seem to be off to a good start, and Bill Laswell’s involvement is enough to offset their questionable decision to release an entire album of Kitaro remixes.

For more information, visit the label at www.kanpairecords.com.