During an insanely prolific period between 1980 and 1985, Koshiro Yoshimatsu recorded, arranged, composed and produced some forty musical releases most of which were released on Japan’s DD. Records label. That output included his own pieces as well as those of his contemporaries and friends. It formed the label’s catalogue which is made up of 222 cassette releases, quixotically presented with photocopied artwork and typewritten liner notes. While the label and Tadashi Kamada, its former boss, faded into obscurity and almost disappearance, K. held onto his self-recorded masters in a meticulously curated home archive. However, it was their friendship, which sprung from a chance intersection via classified ads of PUMP, a Japanese communications magazine, which morphed into a cassette sharing society (The Recycle Circle) that led to the burst of activity which forms those recordings.

Labyrinthine recording legacies of uniquely prolific artists, whatever their profile, present a unique challenge to compilers. Just getting a handle on the depth of material, let alone selecting the correct cuts that capture the essence of the music is a mammoth task.

‘Violet’ is a piano led vocal piece that rolls exquisitely, it’s almost perfect pop. Melodic and emotional with a lightness that draws you in. ‘Jerusalem’ from 1981’s ‘Euclid Cocoon’ is built around a bubbling rhythmic centre that froths and warps around the affected vocals in a hypnotic no wave mantra.

‘1848’ is different again, more classical piano based track with crashing backing that sit in competition but also complement each other to make for a challenging but satisfying listening experience. ‘Escape’s’ electronic basis twists the sounds in a more slow techno direction. Synth driven but diving slightly off in the beats.

‘Pastel Nostalgia’ from 1983 is taken from the cassette of the same name and uses an at times unsettling, creeping piano line over a minimalist atmosphere drone it’s Yoshimatsu turning up the avant garde. ‘Poplar’ closes things out with a complete about turn in style and tone. Playful guitar and spirited arpeggios dance across the track evoking nature and freedom.

Phantom Limb have expertly provided a super accessible ‘in’ to the work of K. Yoshimatsu with Fossil Cocoon, capturing a flavour of the depth and breadth of his sound perfectly.

Pick it up now on their Bandcamp