We were gone on travel last week when I got the notification that Fluid Japan had released their new single, “Equilibrium,” on Bandcamp. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that on PPM I’m sometimes privy to music long before it reached the public ear. “Equilibrium” was one such time, and I’ve been waiting patiently for the chance to extol its virtues here on PPM; even a day late and a dollar short.

Right out of the gate, the compulsive drum programming; shot through with sizzling cymbal hits that never let up, established the urgent framework that the song was built upon. The contrast between the frantic percussion and the placid drone chords of the synths and the chorused vocals of Todd Lewis intoning the title, encapsulated the carefully balanced tensions of the song.

Then, the squelchy synth bass and Jan Linton’s eBow guitar entered the mix. Linton’s guitar drone wove an impulsive melody that leapt and darted among the frenetic drum programming like an expert danseur in full flight. Reiko Minamikawa’s crystalline electric piano notes descended on it all like delicate snowflakes as Lewis’ voice soared within the confines of the piece until it all dropped out, save for the pulsating bass in the coda. Let’s all listen.

The poise and dynamism of this song is quite a calling card for the Fluid Japan collective. This time out, prime mover Todd Lewis was abetted by his c0-writers Jan Linton [eBow], Heather Heimbuch [vocals], and performing double duty, electric piano and vocals from Reiko Minamikawa, who also modeled for the cover photos. Building together an impressive Art Rock edifice here that legitimately dazzled the ear with its ability to balance its disparate components marvelously in attaining the qualities of its title. The download is available on Bandcamp for any price you’d care to name, but you know the score. Pony up, not down. D.J. hit that button!

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