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Outer Limits — The Silver Apples on the Moon
(Musea FGBG 4193.AR, 1987/1997, CD)

The Silver Apples on the Moon Cover art Outer Limits were a Japanese band from the 80s and this CD is a reissue of their swan song recorded live at NHK FM Radio Studios on 15 April, 1987. Consisting of two instrumentals and three vocal tracks, Outer Limits performed an energetic set of King Crimson influenced rock. The weakest element of this recording are the heavily accented English vocals. The only way I could understand the lyrics was to read along with the music. But that is a minor complaint as Outer Limits took King Crimson riffs and transformed them into a style of their own resulting in a more melodic music. Overall their music is aggressive and complex interspersed with the outstanding electric violin of Takashi Kawagushi. The low point of the album for me was "Marionette’s Lament," where the band seems to have lost a bit of their focus. Fortunately immediately following is "Misty Moon" which over its 11 minutes grows from its lyrical violin and driving bass to a majestic climax that would have had the audience on its feet and screaming for more. The final track (encore?), "Beyond Good and Evil," is more of the same with an ambient interlude about half way through followed by multi-tracked “classical” violin. The Silver Apples on the Moon is sure to please the discriminating listener and comes highly recommended.

by Henry Schneider, Published 1997-12-31

After an almost decade-long stint as the reigning and most visible band in Japan's prog scene, Outer Limits decided to throw in the towel at the end of '87. Their sound encompassed a lot of territory, but describing them as Crimson influenced symphonic prog wouldn't be far off the mark — yet it still wouldn't come close to being a comprehensive description of their rich and varied sound. (The reader may want to refer to the Belle Antique article in issue #9 for a more detailed description and recommendations on their four studio albums.) This live set, originally recorded for radio in '87, was released as their swansong in '89. Many of the band's best known tunes are here: "Misty Moon," "Beyond Good and Evil," the singles "Platonic Syndrome" and "Marionette's Lament." Only an excerpt from their sidelong classic "The Scene of Pale Blue" is included, though. In all, a good live set, though I'd still recommend the first and third studio albums (Misty Moon, The Scene of Pale Blue) as a better place for the beginner to start.

by Peter Thelen, Published 1997-05-01

Filed under: New releases, 1997 releases, 1987 recordings

Related artist(s): Outer Limits

 

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