Genshi Shinbo - Live Retrospective

“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 that never fails to amaze Pink Floyd fans with their recreations of the band’s legendary performances. Given that even solo live performances by Pink Floyd members are rare in Japan, Genshi Shinbo’s shows, which deeply satisfy enthusiasts, are always memorable. The recent memory of spending an exquisite year-end on December 30, 2021, enjoying the albums Meddle and Atom Heart Mother in one night is still fresh.

Fast forward a year to December 30, 2022. Devoted Floyd enthusiasts, Genshi Shinbo fans, who lived for this day, gathered at EX Theater with high anticipation after a fierce ticket battle to witness another legendary tribute. This time, in addition to recreating the hidden gem Obscured by Clouds, they planned to perform several tracks from the newly remastered Animals. Furthermore, the brass section-enhanced Atom Heart Mother was also part of this luxurious performance.

The moment I entered the venue, a deep, immersive world unfolded. The merchandise shop, featuring t-shirts inspired by the cover design of Obscured by Clouds, was irresistibly attractive, making everybody impulsive shoppers. I ended up purchasing a t-shirt and a clear file to hold the flier for Genshi Shinbo’s next live show (details later in this article).

As I entered the venue, the album A Momentary Lapse of Reason was playing. The lights dimmed, and the first song began...

1. Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts I-V)

The show started with the opening number from A Momentary Lapse of Reason Tour, cleverly echoing the album playing in the venue before the show. Originally the opener of the album Wish You Were Here, the performance featured thick synthesizers by Yoshitaka Mikuni and Harunobu Okubo, accompanied by Kogure ‘shake’ Takehiko’s Gilmour-esque emotional guitar and Yutaro Ogida’s signature phrases. Goosebumps arose instantly! The sax solo by Yokan, who would later conduct “Atom Heart Mother”, was even groovier than before. The extended sax at the end deepened the song’s inherent sadness. I sincerely hope for a 50th-anniversary performance of Wish You Were Here in 2025 and to hear Genshi Shinbo’s take on Parts VI-IX!

2. Time - Breath (Reprise)

Next was a fan-favorite from The Dark Side of the Moon. The sound effects of clocks echoed, leading into Katsumi Kashiwabara’s heavy bass drum intro reminiscent of the album’s opening. The sound remained heavy and sharp throughout the song. The live performance brought heavy, sharp sounds with Kogure ‘shake’ Takehiko’s aggressive guitar play like Jimi Hendrix. It’s hard to imagine another Japanese guitarist playing rock guitar so cool.

The powerful vocal interplay between Kenneth Andrew and Yutaro Ogida during the pre chorus was equally impressive. This was my third time hearing “Time” performed by Genshi Shinbo, but this performance felt tighter and sharper, reminiscent of Pink Floyd after The Dark Side of the Moon. I was curious to know what the intention of this sound was, but I later learned it from the flow out of the fifth song! Outstanding!

3. The Great Gig In The Sky

Following “Time - Breathe (Reprise)”, it was a joy to hear Harunobu Okubo’s piano intro for this iconic piece. The piano, coupled with an edgy, rocking slide guitar, brought a new sensation. The vocal parts originally sung by Clare Torry were beautifully recreated by Reika Tomita and Rio Takagi, whose overwhelming singing technique moved the audience to tears.

Despite the main part’s slow pace, the tight, rock taste was evident, seamlessly connecting to the theme introduced from the fifth song onwards. That’s truly a live performance full of affection for Pink Floyd.

4. Wish You Were Here

The beautiful intro by Kogure ‘shake’ Takehiko on the 12-string guitar and Yutaro Ogida on the acoustic guitar made many fans feel the Floyd Trip they were looking forward to.

The guitar solo and scat, also by Ogida, were slightly extended, adding a live feel that was emotionally moving. The heartfelt twin vocals by Kenneth Andrew and Yutaro Ogida brought tears to my eyes.

5. Pigs (Three Different Ones)

The long-awaited remastered version of Animals album was released in 2022. The energy in the venue, filled with fans who had likely prepared for this performance by listening to the album, soared as this section began. It’s time to enjoy Animals. The intricate keyboard ensemble by Yoshitaka Mikuni and Harunobu Okubo was backed by a pulsating bass solo.

The fact that this flow started from this song was an unexpected delight. Reika Tomita’s cowbell added a 70s UK modern pop flavor. Despite the funky nature of the song, Kenneth Andrew’s vocals maintained a rock edge without becoming too groovy, effectively conveying the song’s bitter world. The performance thoroughly recreated the song’s harsh world.

6. Sheep

This is another track from Animals. Having heard an impressive live performance of this song in April 2021, it was thrilling to experience it again! I felt the same last time, but the overwhelming organ and synth sounds felt like it’s floating in the air, diving into a powerful flood, a thrilling sensation unique to Genshi Shinbo’s live shows. Kenneth’s vocoder-enhanced vocals deepened the Animals vibe. After the performance, Kogure ‘shake’ Takehiko announced they would revisit other songs from the album for the 50th-anniversary performance in 5 years, heightening the excitement.

After a break, the main theme of this live show, the 50th-anniversary performance of Obscured by Clouds, began. This truly remarkable live show will be detailed in the second part of this blog.

Before concluding this first part, I want to mention the flier distributed that day, announcing the June 18, 2023, live event.

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. The mere title is enough to make fans faint. The event will not only recreate The Dark Side of the Moon but also include a recreation of the concert film Live at Pompeii. This film recorded a no-audience live performance held at the ruins in Pompeii, Italy, capturing Pink Floyd’s highly experimental period before the release of The Dark Side of the Moon. Alongside the album Ummagumma, this work has been treasured as a glimpse into Pink Floyd’s live performances. This time, a major event will take place in the special space of the Open-Air Concert Hall, which has witnessed many legendary performances in Japanese rock history, and promises an intense trip for fans and non-fans alike, bathing in the sounds of The Dark Side of the Moon and early Pink Floyd live recreations. I will be writing the second part of this blog while looking forward to attending this event.

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!

TC Electronic / Viscous Vibe

Faithfully reproducing the legendary Shin-Ei / Uni-Vibe sound. Known for its use by Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, and Robin Trower, this legendary modulation effect is faithfully recreated. I would love to play the tremolo guitar part of “Money” with this.