Review by bartyMJ published , edited

Ruins

Ruinzhatova - Close to the RH 2003

C Japanese Chaotic Avant-Prog (first play)

"Taking the chaos of Ruins and supplementing with a melodic guitarist/bassist led to something a little different for what's perhaps a mini-supergroup of avant-garde Japanese music. While some of the album is original, there are covers, starting incongruously with a bit of Kraftwerk in Ruins style! Their signature twist is given to King Crimson and Yes, as well as shorter nods to various others. On original tracks there is typical kicking-a-drum-kit-down-some-stairs work on tracks like FTVR and DNA but also plenty of melodic and talented work e.g. DSFC. Above all though its raw improvisational energy and creativity. By no means a prog essential, but for anyone interested in avant-garde niches, its worth a go. You've not heard Close to the Edge like this!"