Rabbitoo - National Anthem Of Unknown Country (2014) [Hi-Res]

A five-piece band led by guitarist and composer Motohiko Ichino that brings together musical talents from varied jazz careers, Rabbitoo are fast becoming one of the freshest and coolest bands on the Japanese scene. While all the musicians have solid jazz credentials (three have graduated from Berklee College of Music, and different members have played with the likes of Terumasa Hino, Michiyo Yagi, Peter Brotzmann and Ryosuke Hashizume), it's also clear that this group of musicians have musical interests that go beyond jazz, with the album also embracing elements of post-rock and electronica. National Anthem Of Unknown Country is a truly impressive debut and should become one of the year's essential releases.