Guitar legend Steve Hillage and vocalist Miquette Giraudy’s System 7 have merged with Japanese progressive rock band ROVO to present Phoenix Rising for your musical edification and sensual head spinning. Of course, Hillage is notable for his work with Gong as well as his solo albums, but his work with System 7 has gained him attention in the techno world. After a groundbreaking tour of Japan in 2011 and a successful Tokyo show at O-East, the guitarist and Giraudy decided to take their collaboration with ROVO further by recording this seven-song mélange.
Arpeggiating bubbles from Giraudy’s snyth and a programmed electro bass drum beat lie underneath “Unbroken.” This is a track that starts with programmed synths leading to Hillage’s amazing flights on guitar, an electric violin melody from Yuji Katsui and drumming from Yasuhiro Yoshigaki. “Love for the Phoenix” is based on “Habibi” from System 7’s self-titled 1991 debut , featuring lots of synth plinking with Jin Harada’s bass and Yoichi Okabe percussion moving the newly incorporated beat along.
“Meeting of the Spirit” sees a straight ahead cover of the iconic Mahavishnu Orchestra song in Hillage’s opening electric picking. This is where the guitarist and violinist truly come alive. “Cisco” is a basic rocker, but beware because you’re bound to have your skull opened! As to be expected with these musicians, one can’t get a simple rock tune even when rocking out. About a third in the band begins to speed up under the deceptive design of Yoshigaki (I love how subtle this is!) and holds a wild edge until half way when the drummer is off on another flurry. Katsui holds to a tight melody as the rest of the players keep up with Hillage who just lets loose until the end of the tune. This one is not to be believed!
ROVO is a crackerjack unit that also includes Masuko Tatsuki on keys and their leader guitarist Seiichi Yamamoto. With Giraudy’s ambient sensibilities onboard mixing with Hillage in System 7 and ROVOs infectious need to jam, it all makes for a rather spectacular album in Phoenix Rising.
~ Ralph Greco, Jr.
