ANGEL IN HEAVY SYRUP - ProfilesArchive

About Me

One of the more unique and melodic bands to arise from Japan's famous noise-rock scene, Angel'in Heavy Syrup (named after canned fruit) specializes in a drawn-out, retro psychedelic style. The all-female quartet formed in Osaka in 1990, produced by Jojo Hiroshige, a heavyweight amongst Japan's noise rockers. Despite "guitar terrorism" being music critics' favorite phrase to describe him, Angel'in Heavy Syrup's sound shares very little in common with that of their producer's.The band draws heavily on progressive and psychedelic rock while working in a number of jazz influences as well. The jazz and psychedlic roots especially point to influences by Soft Machine and Gong. Most Angel'in Heavy Syrup songs are epic and meandering, often layering sheets of guitar noise over entire songs - perhaps the heavy syrup coating the angelic melody. The band's vocal sections give way to stretched-out instrumentals with plenty of complicated lines from both guitarists and somtimes accented with liberal helpings of improvization. Nakao and Toda often act as the other's complement; while one forges ahead with the melody, the other plays contrasting parts ranging from improv to noise freakouts. Vocal sections feature bassist Itakura, whose soft, airy tones recall British female-fronted dream pop and shoegaze bands from the 1980s and 90s. For listeners more familiar with such groups, a comparison to Lush is not far off the mark. Takahara completes the quartet on both drums and flute, and while her presence on percussion is not commanding, her polyrhythmic flourishes set her style apart while tacking on an extra touch of jazz.After being founded by Itakura and Nakao, Mandrake Yoko joined on drums in 1990. The band was singned to Hiroshige's own Alchemy Records, and their debut Angel'in Heavy Syrup I appeared in 1991. A record deal with Subterranean shipped the album to the US in 1992. Soon after, the band's first lineup change brought Takahara in on drums and added Toda on guitar. This culminated in the 1993's Angel'in Heavy Syrup II, which further refined their ethereal style. The band recorded two more albums, both continuing the Led Zepplin album naming trend, with IV landing in 1999 after Takahara's departure. Angel'in Heavy Syrup has been largely silent since, aside from the issuing of a best-of in 2002. With Toda and noise artist Masonna recording together as Christine 23 Onna and Itakura taking up residence in Belgium, Angel'in Heavy Syrup appears to have fallen into indefinite hiatus status.

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 6/10/2006
Band Website: VIEW ALL BLOG ENTRIES
Band Members: Itakura Mineko-Bass, Vocals, Nakao Mine-Guitar, Toda Fusao-Guitar, , Takahara Tomoko-Drums
Influences:
Sounds Like: This tribute page is a fan site. PLEASE do NOT send mail to the band as it will remain unanswered. Contributions of photos & interviews are greatley appreciated
Record Label: Alchemy Records (Japan)
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

WHAT IT MEANS?

I asked Mine what the meaning of "Angel'in Heavy Syrup" is. She said, "Canned fruit!" I asked Fusao about the apostrophe after "Angel." She said, "No meaning, no meaning!" -Joel's Favorit...
Posted by ANGEL IN HEAVY SYRUP on Sun, 11 Jun 2006 03:20:00 PST

ANGEL'IN HEAVY SYRUP BIO

Although guitarist, producer, and theorist Jojo Hiroshigeis one of the leading figures on the Japanese noise music scene, his protégées in the all-female quartet Angel'in Heavy Syrup could not be fur...
Posted by ANGEL IN HEAVY SYRUP on Sun, 11 Jun 2006 11:59:00 PST

ALCHEMY RECORDS LIMITED EDITION 2001

Alchemy Records This limited-ediiton release is a sampler of artists with recent releases on Alchemy. It was released (i think) at the tail end of 2000 and includes a "calendar" that is actu...
Posted by ANGEL IN HEAVY SYRUP on Sun, 11 Jun 2006 11:11:00 PST

GUITAR UNCONTROLLED compilation

Alchemy Records Released in 1997 by Alchemy Records [Japan]; the second in an Alchemy guitar compilation series. This one is females only, featuring three tracks by Hiroko Tanaka (Mady Gula Blue Heave...
Posted by ANGEL IN HEAVY SYRUP on Sun, 11 Jun 2006 11:09:00 PST

Christine 23 Onna

Christine23Onna Formed in 1993 as a duo by Yamazaki Maso and guitarist Toda Fusao from Angel'in Heavy Syrup, Christine 23 Onna is described by the band themselves as a "space mondo psychedelic group....
Posted by ANGEL IN HEAVY SYRUP on Sun, 11 Jun 2006 11:02:00 PST

SLAP HAPPY HUMPHREY

Alchemy Records (Jap) An interesting album released by Alchemy Records (first as an EP, then as a full album) in Japan, then reissued in the United States on Public Bath in 1995. The sound is essentia...
Posted by ANGEL IN HEAVY SYRUP on Sun, 11 Jun 2006 10:51:00 PST

THE BEST OF ANGEL'IN HEAVY SYRUP

Alchemy Records (Jap)Released: 2002.03.05 The most recent album from the band, released in 2002. This album compiles tracks from all four albums, drawing heavily from the second album, which has never...
Posted by ANGEL IN HEAVY SYRUP on Sun, 11 Jun 2006 10:41:00 PST

Land Of The Rising Noise Compilation

Charnel House Released: 1993 This compilation, intended as an introduction to various psychedelic and noise artists of note in Japan, was released by Charnel in 1993. The Angel'in Heavy Sy...
Posted by ANGEL IN HEAVY SYRUP on Sun, 11 Jun 2006 10:38:00 PST

Angel'in Heavy Syrup IV

Monotremata (US) Alchemy Records (Jap) Released: 1999.10.04 Japan has recently become a real breeding ground for bands that have rediscovered the progressive and psychedelic sounds of the '70s, ...
Posted by ANGEL IN HEAVY SYRUP on Sun, 11 Jun 2006 10:29:00 PST

ANGEL'IN HEAVY SYRUP (III)

Circular Reasoning (US) Alchemy Records (Jap)Released: 1995 The third album from Angel'in Heavy Syrup, released by Alchemy Records and Circular Reasoning (an imprint of Charnel Music) in 1995. This al...
Posted by ANGEL IN HEAVY SYRUP on Sun, 11 Jun 2006 10:24:00 PST