A Myth is the second album from Wappa Gappa (Musea (France) FGBG4250.AR, 1998). The album contains eight symphonically-oriented progressive rock tracks. Production quality is improved substantially over the first album, primarily in the vocal mix, and is evident from the opening track "The Lion Hearted King" (Shishi-Oh). One will immediately notice how the instrumentals are knocked down when Tamami Yamamoto's vocal begins. Instrumental arrangementsare more delicately produced with imaging much improved over the band's debut (reviewed above). The booklet accompanyingthe compact disc contains stunning photographs of the band'smembers and English translation of the songs' lyrics.

Wappa Gappa's passion for soaring excursions during instrumental bridge featuring guitar and keyboard solosand time signature changes continues into A Myth. From Progression, "Female vocalist Tamami Yamamotohas a sweet earnestness about her delivery that's quiteendearing. While everything is sung in Japanese, hersense of conviction shines through." Vocal work is stunningin all respects, however, the strong Asian influence in"The Banquet" (Utage) does not seem to fit into the styleof the rest of the album.

While comparisons have been made to Quidam and Nexus in the music press, this is no more evident than in the orchestrally arranged ballad "No Mercy" (Mujou) which grows with passion during the song's choruses. Thestyle is equally apparent in the soaring vocaliseof "Pilgrimmage of Water" (Mizu No Junrei), with Tamami's incredibly clear lead vocal. This delicatestyle is also present in the acoustic guitar-based introduction to "The One and Only" (Yui Itsu) beforethe heavy electronic instrumental arrangement begins. Powerful soaring vocals seem to perfectly compliment the arrangement. "The Underground" is an impressive progressive rocker driven by thick guitar and somewhat subdued vocals. Melody and time signature variations add to the track's interest.

The epic 12+ minute title track is somewhat reminscentof Renaissance, combining Annie Haslam-style vocals with Yes-like instrumental arrangements. Very enjoyable asa progressive instrumental with loads of variation withinits construction, the track features equally stunning soaring crystalline vocals by Tamami Yamamoto. A Mythconcludes with the symphonic track "Floating Ice" (Rhuhyo).An atmospheric and ballad-like vocal introduction ultimately surrenders to a more dynamic progressive rock sound withtypical Wappa Gappa time signature changes and instrumentalexcursions.

You can order Wappa Gappa's A Myth from amazon.comhere. Their debut album appears to be available throughthe band's own website.

Wappa Gappa appear to stand apart from their Japanesecontemporaries (eg, Providence and August); this ismost evident in their songwriting and the symphonic textures produced in their arrangements. The group have alsoemphasised Tamami Yamamoto's vocals in the tracks, andthis is especially apparent in their second ablum. The album will clearly appeal to female vocal enthusiasts and fans of progressive bands Quidam (Poland), Nexus (Argentina), Sagrado (Brazil) and Vermillion Sands (Japan). Certain to appeal to a broad range ofprogressive rock enthusiasts, their second album joins their first and—worth a cross country journey—is a must listen!