Trying to describe the sound of Gocoo, the 13-member taiko ensemble led by Kaoly Asano, I am driven to geological comparisons: the rumble of tectonic plates shifting; the rhythmic pulse of surf on rock; and pure, primal eruptions of magma. This is music you feel more than listen to.
At a recent concert at Musashino Daigaku, the floor literally shook from the wave of bass energy, as layer upon layer of tuned drums -- augmented by didgeridoo virtuoso Goro -- wove a tapestry of rhythms on top. Given that taiko is traditionally a male activity, it's good to see that most of Gocoo's members are women, displaying a sinewy ferocity to match any male group.
While Gocoo's sound lies in traditional roots, this is not concert hall music, but music to move to, as attested by the band's frequent appearances at outdoor raves. Asano has purposely fashioned Gocoo to appeal to younger audiences skeptical of stodgy tradition.