Genshi Shinbo - Live Retrospective Part 2

“PINK FLOYD Hidden Gem ‘Obscured by Clouds’ 50th Anniversary + ‘Animals’”
December 30, 2022 (Fri.) EX Theater Roppongi

Led by Kogure ‘shake’ Takehiko, Genshi Shinbo is a Pink Floyd tribute band. Following the first part of this blog series released the other day, I bring you the report of this incredibly deep live performance where many Pink Floyd fans gathered at EX Theater Roppongi on December 30, 2022.

In this second part, I’m going to share with you the report on the reenactment of Pink Floyd’s hidden gem album Obscured by Clouds, which is also the main theme of this time.

The album Obscured by Clouds, released in 1972, was created as the soundtrack for the movie La Vallée. As a soundtrack album, it features a variety of tracks, from pop and familiar tunes with explosive Gilmour guitar solos, bold synthesizer introductions that foreshadow “Wish You Were Here”, and solid rock tunes reminiscent of “Animals” and “The Wall”, allowing listeners to experience various aspects of Pink Floyd. This live reenactment, where the band and the audience trip together in a deep space, is indeed a unique experience. What kind of night will it turn out to be?

1. Obscured By Clouds

The opening starts instrumentally, as expected from a soundtrack album. The relaxed mood created by Yoshitaka Mikuni’s organ sound, reminiscent of the early psychedelic era of “A Saucerful of Secrets”, combined with Kogure ‘shake’ Takehiko’s guitar sound, creates a thrilling atmosphere.

I never thought the day would come when I could enjoy this reenactment by a live band. The percussion by Reika Tomita, which adds a more mondo music feel, is truly delightful.

2. When You’re In

The live reenactment flows directly into an instrumental that feels like a continuation of the first track. With a heavier sound than the original, it draws us deeper into the album’s world. Even without significantly changing the arrangements, the dynamism experienced in live performances surpasses that of Pink Floyd’s records, showcasing the unique charm of live music. Performing this ultra-niche number in front of a large audience at high volume is an impressive sight. Even Nick Mason, who has been doing his self-tribute band for Pink Floyd recently, would be astonished.

3. Burning Bridges

Next is a soft psychedelic tune from the third track of the album. The pleasant organ, Kenneth Andrew’s whispering vocals, and Kogure ‘shake’ Takehiko’s vocals gently intertwining evoke a soft rock feeling. The floating slide guitar maintains the manner of the Floyd Trip, showcasing Genshi Shinbo’s unique style. Their love and passion for Pink Floyd are immense!

4. The Gold It’s In The?

This is a rare Floyd power-pop tune (maybe?). It’s an unreasonably fun track that rocks hard. The performance, including a powerful guitar solo, feels more energetic than the original, not just because it’s live. I hope Genshi Shinbo releases a studio version as a single! It would be great to spin it at club events! The excitement from many Genshi Shinbo fans eagerly awaited this song.

5. Wot’s... Uh The Deal

Returning to a softer track, Kogure ‘shake’ Takehiko’s acoustic guitar and Harunobu Okubo’s piano intro and solo were truly beautiful! It’s beautiful, but the piano solo retained a UK rock feel, which has been characteristic of Genshi Shinbo.

Following the piano solo, Kogure ‘shake’ Takehiko’s electric guitar solo was also excellent (when did he swap guitars?). The interplay between Yoshitaka Mikuni’s organ and Harunobu Okubo’s piano at the end was delightful. The soulful chorus by Reika Tomita and Rio Takagi adds a bit of a suburbia feel. I think many longtime Pink Floyd fans don’t listen to the album Obscured by Clouds a lot like The Dark Side of the Moon, which is a masterpiece. However, this dreamy performance likely made many longtime fans want to take out the vinyl or CD of Obscured by Clouds, a hidden gem.

6. Mudmen

Amidst the growing love for Obscured by Clouds, a soft instrumental begins. The ensemble is led by Kogure ‘shake’ Takehiko’s guitar solo and Harunobu Okubo’s drum sound like Nick Mason, with organ and synths creating a mondo feel. It’s a blissful moment that evokes the happiness of listening to side A of Meddle or side B of Atom Heart Mother! It’s a happy moment to feel the affection for Pink Floyd.

7. Free Four

This is another up-beat tune from the album Obscured by Clouds. The first half, starting like T. Rex’s “Metal Guru”, sounded even more like T. Rex with Reika Tomita’s addition on acoustic guitar. The guitar, shifting to a boogie reminiscent of David Bowie’s “The Width of a Circle”, blended Gilmour and Mick Ronson influences, making Kogure ‘shake’ Takehiko’s play truly touching. Kenneth Andrew, who sometimes evoked David Bowie, and Yutaro Ogida dancing together, showed they were genuinely enjoying the reenactment. It was just fun without any need for reasoning! If Genshi Shinbo releases “The Gold It’s In The?” as a single, this song should definitely be on side B!

8. Stay

This is a hidden gem that feels like a compilation of the best early 1970s rock ballads. Hearing a song like this live may never happen again! The thrilling piano play and wah guitar, along with the superb vocal and chorus work by Kenneth Andrew, Reika Tomita, and Rio Takagi, make this deep reenactment by a tribute band truly special.

9. Absolutely Curtains

The fantastical instrumental number that concludes the album. Genshi Shinbo’s reenactment creates an illusion as if we are inside the recording sessions of the album Ummagumma! The moment of Floyd tripping, surpassing the original with heavy intensity!!
With Katsumi Kashiwabara’s drum sound reminiscent of the live version of “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun”, and the shamanic loud sound effects like mantra, all the audience must have felt baptized by Obscured by Clouds.

That’s all for this second part of my event report. I’m astonished by the unprecedented deep live reenactment, and there’s no time to soak in the afterglow as the show goes on.

I’ll bring you the details of the stunning finale, wrapping up 2022 for Japanese Pink Floyd fans, in the third part.

Before putting down my pen on the second part of this blog series, like the first part, I’d like to revisit the information about the event on June 18, 2023, which was provided in the flier on the day.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1973 masterpiece The Dark Side of the Moon, a live event titled “The Dark Side of the Moon 50th Anniversary Event - PINK FLOYD TRIPS at Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall” will be held.
In addition to the reenactment of The Dark Side of the Moon, it will include the reenactment of the concert film Live at Pompeii, which makes me, who was already immersed in the reenactment of Obscured by Clouds, really look forward to it. Live at Pompeii is a video work capturing a no-audience live performance held at the ruins in Pompeii, Italy, before the release of The Dark Side of the Moon. Experiencing Genshi Shinbo’s reenactments of masterpieces like “A Saucerful of Secrets”, “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun”, and “Echoes” at the Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall while basking in the sunset is a dream event. I’m already looking forward to it as I write the report for the third part.

Genshi Shinbo “PINK FLOYD Hidden Gem ‘Obscured by Clouds’ 50th Anniversary + ‘Animals’”

Members of Genshi Shinbo:
Kogure ‘shake’ Takehiko (Guitar)
Yoshitaka Mikuni (Keyboards)
Harunobu Okubo (Keyboards)
Yutaro Ogida (Bass, Guitar, Vocals)
Katsumi Kashiwabara (Drums)
Kenneth Andrew (Lead Vocals)
Reika Tomita (Chorus)
Rio Takagi (Chorus)

Lastly, let me introduce an item that will delight Pink Floyd fans, available at Sound House!

Foxgear / Muffin

This is a fuzz/distortion pedal influenced by the Big Muff used by Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour in the 1980s. I would love to play “Young Lust” with this.