ROMANTIC CINEMATIC

A cover suggesting a sharp collage, striking pastel colors, and a sweetly nostalgic interior: Kisugi's tenth album comes wrapped in an unmistakably 1980s sleeve. Its collection of romantic songs takes cinema as its theme. Shiina Kazuo's arrangements are joined by contributions from musicians around the Tatsuro Yamashita band, the rhythm section that underpins Kisugi's own band. Against taut backing, the warmth of his voice slowly infuses the music. Gentle and delicate, it has the curious power to color everything around it with his character. That effect rests on the consistent quality and style of the songs themselves.