Rube Reviews

Miki Naoe is a shortwave radio player from Japan. Using this rather unconventional instrument, Naoe has created a true work of art with his latest full length album Solos. Split into two lengthy pieces Studio and Home, Solos starts off as what many would describe as regular radio static. The static doesn't stay around for long as short, harsh blasts of noise build up into a rhythmic dance of epic proportions. Screeches and high pitched tones start to speak to the listener in a foreign language only the performer can decipher. The skill of Miki Naoe really shines through and makes you wonder why there aren't more albums like this around? The second part of the album isn't as brutal as the first but still manages to pack a punch to the eardrums. Subdued, but still inventive, Home continues what we hear on the previous song with tones, static, and frequencies all battling it out for pride of place.  Ingenious and completely satisfying, Solos is already a contender for the best