© 2024 Lawrence Tuczynski

All information courtesy of Sam Scali

Title: Exciting Fantasy - Godzilla vs. Battle Mothra
CD Label: BKM
CD Number: G.R.F.GMB1
Music Performed by: Bukimisha Weird Secret Society
Music Composed by: Akira Ifukube
Number of tracks: 2
Running time: 33:38
Number of discs: 1
Year of release/manufacture: April 30, 2023

REVIEW

May 10, 2024

This CD-R features two tracks - each of them an a cappella medley combining Akira Ifukube's film score motifs into extended vocal suites, similar in spirit and structure to the maestro's "Symphonic Fantasia" concert works.

The first medley consists of 11 cues from 1992's GODZILLA VS. MOTHRA. The cues are not arranged in strict film order, nor are they randomly pieced together. Rather, they are meticulously arranged to work together as a continuous suite. As always, Bukimisha uses their vocal talents to skillfully emulate the original arrangements, handling melody, rhythm and percussion with authority, grace and style, while sustaining the dark, dramatic mood of the maestro's 1992 score.

The second medley is constructed in a similar vein, combining eight key motifs from 1964's MOTHRA VS. GODZILLA (U.S. title, GODZILLA VS. THE THING). As with the previous suite, the themes flow together seamlessly and the results are breathtaking, as Bukimisha vividly captures the score's haunting blend of sadness, desperation and triumph.

The disc's vocal showcases, "Sacred Fountain" (originally composed for The Peanuts' female voices, and later The Cosmos) and "Mahala Mothra", work particularly well, and are given a fresh perspective when performed by Bukimisha's male chorus.

Once again, Takeo Yahiro and his friends have created a truly unique listening experience with their heartfelt interpretations of the music of Akira Ifukube. Fans of the maestro's work as well as film score enthusiasts in general will find this release fascinating.

Bukimisha CDs are available to non-Japanese buyers through BOOTH (The International Indie Art Marketplace) by using a proxy service or other intermediary: https://bukimisya-maal.booth.pm/

Exciting Fantasy - Godzilla vs. Battle Mothra (G.R.F.GMB1)

  1. Godzilla vs. Battle Mothra Fantasy (medley of selected motifs from "Godzilla vs. Mothra", 1992)

    2. Sacred Fountain (M30)
    Main Title (M2)
    Infant Island (M8)
    The Mural in the Cave (M11)
    Battra Attacks Nagoya (M14)
    Larva Mothra's Birth (M18)
    Godzilla Appears (M17)
    Mesa March (M32)
    Adult Battra's Birth (M31)
    Mothra vs. Godzilla II (M34A)
    Ending (M37)

  2. Mothra vs. Godzilla Fantasy (medley of selected motifs from "Mothra vs. Godzilla", 1964)

    3. Mothra on the Hilltop (M7)
    The Giant Egg Washes Ashore (M4)
    Mothra Sets Off (M18)
    Mahala Mothra (PS19)
    Reflections of the Little Beauty (M6)
    Sacred Fountain (PS99)
    Adult Mothra vs. Godzilla (M21)
    Ending (M26)