Mysterious minimal synth sounds from Japan. Not much is known about Tomo Akikawabaya. The Japanese minimal synth musician didn't take photos or give interviews, but released a handful of records during the early/mid-80's on his own Castle Records imprint. Each record would feature model Rena Anju on the cover and would list the bare minimum of information on the back. It would seem the history and sounds from Mr. Akikawabaya would be something that would disappear into obscurity, but thankfully Minimal Wave has done us all a favor and have compiled the tracks from these rare singles on The Invitation Of The Dead. There is something strange and beautiful about the album opener "Rebirth" - a long, slow-building ambient track that sets an otherworldly tone. This song alone sold me on the entire record, but I was pleasantly surprised by the uptempo vocal tracks that take up the bulk of the release. Songs like "The Invitation Of The Dead" seem to be inspired by early Gothic aesthetics, while "Mars" blends synthpop grooves with dark overtones. Comes pressed on white/black vinyl with gorgeous gatefold sleeve featuring cover photo by Alao Yokogi.

• limited edition of 999
• gatefold sleeve
• music label: Minimal Wave 2015

reviewed by CV Gates 11/2015