January Birthdays 
Daikaiju - Phase 3 LP/CD (Ding Dong Records)
The long-awaited third LP from this (at one time) Alabama-based quartet. Overall this is an incredible album! Named Phase 3, as it’s their third record, the energy is intense throughout. From the cover art to the overall feel of the music, it’s different than their previous two releases, yet when listening to the album, you know you’re hearing, Daikaiju.
The first track, “Awakening the Gateway” serves as an introduction. Why would there be an instrumental intro to an instrumental album? This is the best description I can think of. It’s reminiscent of what you would have heard in the 90s when hard core bands began embracing metal. While it may sound like the song is misplaced, I can assure you it is not. It sets the mood perfectly.
For those looking for songs that possess a familiar ‘surf music’ vibe, I think “Magic Wanda,” “Kaiju Surf Team Rescue,” and “Red Tsunami” -befitting names- fit the bill. The other numbers evoke the spirited power you’ve come to know and appreciate when your soul needs a sonic bludgeoning. A slight reprieve is offered in the slower tempo of the seventh track, “Ten Thousand Years of Twilight.” It harkens back to “Jellyfish Sunrise” from Phase 2. The onslaught begins once again with “Gullwing Rides Again;” the album’s Spaghetti Western-inspired track.
Four of the songs have been released previously as singles; “Spiral Serpent Strike,” “Deluxe Electric Ninja Mistress,” “Cock Lobster,” and “Red Tsunami.” It appears to me that they have been reworked in some form or fashion. The album was self-released under their label, Ding Dong Records. There are ten tracks at a 36-minute runtime. The CD is housed in a cardboard sleeve with a gatefold cover. The LP is on black vinyl and in a gatefold sleeve as well.
The band maintains a relentless touring schedule. They have given their shows the apt appellation, “attacks.” It behooves every one of you to engage in this spectacle at least once.
Purchase physical or digital media at: https://daikaiju.bandcamp.com/
As reviewed in Colorado Instrumental Fanzine Issue 1
—Matthew
Purchasae Colorado Instrumental Fanzine Issue 3
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Last edited: Jan 30, 2025 11:51:17
