Cosmos Factory

Exploring "A Journey With The Cosmic Factory"

In August 1975, the Japanese progressive rock band Cosmos Factory released their second studio album, "A Journey With The Cosmic Factory" (謎のコスモス号), under the Toshiba-EMI label Express. This album marked a significant transition for the band as they moved from Columbia Records to a more progressive-focused imprint. The production team included Kei Ishizaka and Naoki Tachikawa, with sound engineering by Kenichi Kosuge.

Musical Landscape

"A Journey With The Cosmic Factory" presents a cosmic conceptual space-rock narrative. The album reflects an evolution in their sound, moving away from darker themes towards a futuristic blend of influences. The music draws from German Krautrock electronics reminiscent of Tangerine Dream and Kraftwerk, as well as space-prog elements akin to Pink Floyd and Eloy, and symphonic rock in the vein of the Moody Blues and Genesis.

At the core of the album is Tsutomu Izumi's extensive use of analog synthesizers, including the Hammond B3, Mini-Moog, and ARP Synthesizer. His inventive application of tape loops and sound effects creates a rich auditory experience. Hisashi Mizutani contributes electric and acoustic guitar, including a talk box for added texture. The rhythm section features Toshikazu Takeuchi on bass and Kazuo Okamoto on drums, both of whom incorporate various effects and instruments to enhance the album's sound palette.

Track Highlights

The album consists of ten tracks that are interconnected by the overarching theme of exploration. "Sunday's Happening" opens with a vibrant instrumental, while "Daydream" ventures into psychedelic territories. "Hiver," featuring narration by Campbell Gray, offers a melancholic winter atmosphere. Other notable tracks include "The Infinite Universe Of Our Mind" and "Journey Of No Destination," each contributing to the album's cosmic narrative.

Recording Details

The album was recorded at Toshiba-EMI Studios in Tokyo, Japan, utilizing a unique blend of instruments and production techniques. The gatefold vinyl format highlights Shimpei Asai's photography, complementing the album's thematic visuals. "A Journey With The Cosmic Factory" is a distinctive entry in the realm of Japanese progressive rock.

The album was released on August 5, 1975, under the catalog numbers ETP-72083 and ETP-72084.