Lisa Ronson - Emperors of Medieval Japan

by Lisa Torem

published: 9 / 11 / 2015

Lisa Ronson - Emperors of Medieval Japan

Label: Maniac Squat Records
Format: CD

Stunning solo debut album from native New York-raised, but now London-based vocalist Lisa Ronson, which includes guest appearances from Reeves Gabrels, Earl Slick and Morgan Fisher

Review

Lisa Ronson is the daughter of David Bowie guitarist Mick Ronson. That she has a charisma and translucence that even shines through on a recording may have something to do with being raised amongst world-class musicians. Her debut, ‘Emperors of Medieval Japan’, is a sonic time bomb of enchantment. Beginning with the short, but seductive ‘Electra’, Ronson weaves a mystical, sometimes distorted spell. On this first track, she speaks of strangers against a cacophony of distorted, cosmic ambience. On the title song, a floodgate of emotion oozes from the whole ensemble, which includes Reeves Gabrels (The Cure, David Bowie), Earl Slick (John Lennon, Yoko Ono, David Bowie), Morgan Fisher (Mott The Hoople, Queen) and, throughout, marvellous Terry Edwards (PJ Harvey, Yoko One). Guitarist programmer, Paul Cuddeford (Ian Hunter, Bob Geldorf) fascinatingly blends the spooky/delicious sounds together like a mad chemist. But, here, specifically, heartbreak electric guitar rivals fuzzy bass. Ronson’s utterances are pure and fluid as she echoes the intrepid players: “Bellicose and serene/Unbroken for ages eternal.” She is so immensely powerful. In ‘One Lunar Month’ beautiful, rhythmic images juxtapose industrial textures; there are delightful transitions between Ronson’s solo and the muted chorus. ‘CKSB’ is set off by wild percussion and more bewildering electric guitar. “I know people who collect stuff/Build ships out of matchsticks/That’s not what my baby likes to do…” Ronson’s voice ranges from sweet to insistent to persuasive as she recites street-smart poetry against waves of dissonance In ‘Oblivion,’ we’re treated to eccentric melodic shifts and sounds that move like a jagged see saw on a cinder block. ‘Shopping and Fucking’ is a tour de force. Ronson can express sarcasm, humour and hostility in a solitary breath. “I felt this empty ever since I was three.” Electric instruments dance like dervish drunkards under her command. ‘Shakin’ All Over’ is highly imaginative and nothing like what you’d expect. Terry Edward’s badass sax makes an especially strong impact. ‘Get to You’ features more blistering guitar, which cuts deep early on. Ronson’s vocals are sweepingly evocative and delicate, sharply framed by pretty piano. ‘Je Deteste’, a journey of painful discovery, is enhanced by beatnik pulsations and mirrored by Ronson’s raw, vulnerable fragments of observation: “And finally she became nothing/It’s all she ever wanted…” Lisa Ronson's attention-getting 'Emperors of Medieval Japan' cleverly fuses together contemporary technology and universal themes.