Review by Kate
Album Review: Last Gig And Rare Takes by The Original ItaRoh 1st Face 痛郎
Alright, buckle up, because we’re diving into Last Gig And Rare Takes, a hidden gem from Japan’s rock scene back in 1990. Released under ZIKS-Product, this record feels like someone accidentally dropped acid at a karaoke bar and decided to make an album about it. In the best way possible, of course.
The brainchild of Ita-roh (also doubling as producer alongside N. Ide), this thing is a chaotic yet oddly cohesive mix of raw rock energy and introspective vibes. Let’s break it down real quick before I ramble too much.
The Tracks That Stuck With Me
First off, there’s “海” (Sea)—and yeah, you guessed it, it’s kinda about the ocean but not really. It starts with this dreamy guitar riff courtesy of 大橋義典 that just floats. Then comes 井手宣裕’s vocals, which are part melancholy poet, part guy who stayed up all night thinking about life. The bassline? Smooth as butter melting on a hot pancake. This track stays with you because it’s got layers—it’s moody, reflective, and somehow makes you wanna cry and surf at the same time.
Then there’s “奪い損ねたのは子供の頃の僕なのかもしれない” (Maybe It Was Me As A Child Who Failed To Take It). Try saying that title five times fast after a few beers. Anyway, this one hits different. The drums by 浜田一孝 punch through like a heartbeat, while the lyrics feel like reading someone’s diary without permission. There’s something brutally honest here—a mix of regret and nostalgia wrapped up in crunchy guitars and soaring melodies. Honestly, if this song doesn’t give you goosebumps, check your pulse.
Why It Works
What makes this album stand out isn’t just its sound—it’s how personal it feels. Every note seems like it came straight from the soul of these musicians. K. Hama deserves props for mixing tracks like “2914,” “奪い損ねた…” and “逃げる風のカケラ,” giving them that extra oomph they needed to shine. And let’s not forget 井手宣裕 pulling triple duty on bass, vocals, and liner notes—he clearly didn’t sleep during this project.
Final Thoughts
Listening to Last Gig And Rare Takes feels like finding an old cassette tape in your attic and realizing it’s secretly brilliant. Sure, some parts might feel rough around the edges, but that’s what gives it charm. Rock albums like this don’t come around often anymore—they’re like rare Pokémon cards of music history.
Now, would I recommend this album? Absolutely. But only if you’re ready for a sonic rollercoaster ride through emotions, existential crises, and killer riffs. Oh, and fun fact: rumor has it the band broke up shortly after recording this. Classic rock star move, right? They went out with a bang, leaving behind a piece of themselves for us weirdos to discover decades later.
So grab your headphones, crank up the volume, and thank me later. Or don’t—I’m just happy you read this far without falling asleep.
