Godzilla Legend—Music of Akira Ifukube (Review)

Reviewed by Justin D Williams

Special guests Charan-Po-Rantan and Makigami Koichi (center) performed in Godzilla Legend—Music of Akira Ifukube at Japan Society on April 28, 2017. The concert was conceived and arranged by Inoue Makoto (far left) and performed by the band Hikashu and other special guest musicians. Photo by Ayumi Sakamoto. 

For the first time in the U.S., legendary Japanese composer Akira Ifukube’s massively influential monster music comes to life in the chamber pop/rock aural extravaganza, Godzilla Legend—Music of Akira Ifukube. Presented by Japan's popular techno-pop band Hikashu, this 90-minute tour de force performance features favorite themes and sensational musical set pieces from some of the most revered Godzilla movies of all time. Devised and arranged by Hikashu founding member INOUE Makoto under Ifukube's endorsement, the performance features narration by Inoue, who also plays synthesizers, and appearances by 'extreme vocalist' and multi-instrumentalist MAKIGAMI Koichi, current Hikashu front man, and rising star art-pop duo Charan-Po-Rantan. The one-night-only concert took place Friday, April 28, 7:30 pm, at Japan Society.

I have to say this was an event for any fan of Godzilla. The performance was spot on. When I arrived to get my ticket, and I was offer for plug just in cas I couldn't handle loud noises. I knew I was in for an experienced. The show kicked off with the tradition theme from the classic Godzilla movie. The band played the song perfectly and vocals by Charan-Po-Rantan was spot on. The sound production made you feel every single drum, trumpet, guitar riff and vocal. There was times I had to put the plug in my ears you really feel it. The concert didn't just show love to the Godzilla. The concert played themes from some Mothra and more. What makes this experience different is the band actually takes time to give you a history on Godzilla, the theme after each set. There was 5 sets focusing on Godzilla, a key battle or his threats. Overall this was a great concert and a true love letter to fans of Godzilla.

5/5