Far East Family Band

Exploring the Cosmic Realms of Far East Family Band

The Far East Family Band, a pioneering group in the Japanese space rock scene, released their album "Parallel World" (多元宇宙の旅) in 1976. This album was produced in collaboration with Klaus Schulze, a figure known for his work in electronic music and a founding member of both Tangerine Dream and Ash Ra Tempel. Recorded between November and December 1975, it showcases the band’s unique fusion of progressive rock and cosmic sounds.

A Unique Collaboration

The lineup for "Parallel World" features Fumio Miyashita on vocals and guitars, alongside Masanori Takahashi, better known as Kitaro, who contributed keyboards and percussion. Akira Ito, Hirohito Fukushima, Akira Fukakusa, and Shizuo Takasaki complete the ensemble, each bringing their expertise in various instruments. The album employs an array of vintage analog synthesizers, including Moogs and Mellotrons, creating a lush soundscape under Schulze’s production. The recording process took place in The Manor Studios in the UK and Studio Panne-Paulsen in Germany, highlighting an international collaboration.

Musical Structure and Themes

The album features a blend of styles, merging elements of the Berlin School of electronic music with symphonic progressive rock. Side A includes an expansive 20-minute track that unfolds into a cosmic journey, incorporating pieces like "Metempsychosis" and "Kokoro." Side B is dedicated to the album's title track, "Parallel World," which is further divided into six segments. This structure allows the music to explore themes of existence, reality, and consciousness, aligning with Eastern spiritual philosophy.

Technical Aspects

Klaus Schulze’s role as producer and engineer is crucial to the album's sound. His influence is evident in the album's ethereal soundscapes and intricate layering. Schulze's assistant, Günter Schickert, also contributed to the engineering, providing expertise in echo-guitar techniques. The meticulous production results in a rich auditory experience that captures the essence of 1970s progressive and space rock.

“Parallel World” was released on vinyl under the MU Land label, catalog number LQ-7011-M, and is regarded as a significant release in the realm of Japanese progressive music.