Description
Out now!
Double Rainbow is a split LP by Japanese singer/guitarist Kumio Kurachi and Glasgow-based acoustic bass troubadour Howie Reeve. Both Howie and Kumio share a certain indefinable uniqueness, but agree that their songs are ‘born from ordinary life’. The album title was inspired by a double rainbow which appeared overhead shortly after the pair first met in Fukuoka in 2018. On one side Kumio sings and plays all the instruments. On the other side, Howie collaborates with original NoMeansNo guitarist Andy Kerr, along with French saxophonist Cathy Heyden.
Kumio Kurachi
Fukuoka native Kumio Kurachi is one of the most endearing oddballs on the Japanese underground. When not dabbling in visual art, he practices a deeply weird brand of minstrelsy. The pairing of lyrics and theatrical vocal mannerisms with unorthodox guitar tunings inspired by the koto makes for a thoroughly arresting live performance. With 12 albums and unknown quantities of cassettes, compilations, and split releases to his name, Kumio has performed actively in Japan since the 80’s.
Past collaborators include Taku Unami and Tatsuhisa Yamamoto. Kumio has also played with Kazuhisa Uchihashi, Katsura Yamauchi, Tori Kudo, Jim O’Rourke, and Eiko Ishibashi.
Howie Reeve
“Howie Reeve is a unique and singular figure in the current British underground. Having spent over 20 years playing in a number of key Glasgow bands, since 2012 he has been performing solo on acoustic bass guitar, delivering a fragmented and dexterous music that takes in post-punk and avant-folk. Increasingly turning to songwriting, he further engages audiences with cryptic, intimate and unsettling lyrics. Resolutely DIY in his approach to music, he lives in Glasgow but appears to be perpetually on tour, whether in the UK, Europe or Japan.” – C Joynes
Howie has collaborated with, among others, Mike Watt (Minutemen/The Stooges), GW Sok (The Ex) and Alasdair Roberts.
https://howiereeve.bandcamp.com/
A joint vinyl release by: Redwig (Germany) redwig.org
Et Mon Cul C’est Du Tofu? (France) moncul.org
Triomphe Semoule (France)
Bar Marfil (Spain)
Release date: February 15th 2021, edition of 515.