NHK' Koyxen - Dance Classics Vol. 1
Osaka, Japan-born producer and techno fiend, Kouhei Matsunaga, purely expresses his desire for pushing musical and sound boundaries on his album, Dance Classics Vol. 1. Without word or written verse Matsunaga, (or his preferred musical stage name, NHK or NHK’ Koyxen) analyzes and experiments with electronic programming and challenges himself with not only re-defining his idea of electronic sound but also a redefinition of the word genre as a whole. The first track, “587”, on Dance Classics Vol. 1 triggers with a salute to a simplistic charge of synthesized, groove oriented remarks then only to be solidified and properly co-existent with a significant down beat. The half time feel organizes itself comfortably with the dance genre but remains steady with the experimental crowd as it refuses to morph into a vocally powered half-time club vibe.
NHK is signed to the fairly recent London-based record label, PAN records. The European and more specifically, British music scene is saturated in Dance/ Electro/Trance music and can more often than not, be enjoyed on a distorted state of mind, which allows the music and the body to become more than just two separate entities. NHK’ Koyxen is rather amidst this scene in Japan, but being signed to PAN has allowed his experimental electronics to influence a vast audience beyond his local spectators.
Sticking primarily to consistent patterns and rhythms on individual songs allows NHK to show his gritty dedication to the genre of dance and techno. My personal favorite track on the record, “530” showcases an unwavering ghost note groove which proves to be the main composition of this flawlessly programmed jam. In totality, Matsunaga ends with an eerie yet defiantly catchy track which sums up a mind-boggling trip into a performers mind that transcends artistic medium. NHK is not only a seasoned electronic developer but also an illustrator and a human being. All three of which I believe he excels highly at. Dance Classics Vol. 1 is now out on PAN records and is one of which the avid techno/experimental devotee should obtain.