Niningashi
Heavy Way
A long-lost Japanese acid folk gem, Niningashi's 1974 private press debut 'Heavy Way' shimmers with originality, deft song writing and a dream-like groove. Self-released by Kazuhisa Okubo in 1974, and featuring album artwork by his brother, it has slowly generated a cult following online, intrigued by its soft and enchanting sound. So few records were ultimately pressed that those remaining have fetched up to £1,500 online. All songs are written and composed by Kazuhisa Okubo. Niningashi was his first band, and 'Heavy Way' was their only album. It was honest and raw, deep and strangely funky, in an off-beat kind of way. Across nine tracks, Okubo and the 6-piece band put their own spin on the new folk sound of Japan, combining witty lyrics with electric guitar-driven solos and crisp, understated grooves.