CINEMA - MINDSCAPE - 2004

CINEMA can be classified as either an offshoot or a reformation of the long-running Japanese symphonic project FROMAGE, who disbanded in1991 after more than a dozen years and numerous lineups. Guitarist Tohru Ohta, drummer Yuichi Taniguchi and keyboardist Yoshihiro Kitamura, who were all part of the final FROMAGE lineup came together to form CINEMA in 1994 (only Taniguchi was an original member of FROMAGE).

While CINEMA retain a symphonic string presence in the band, their orchestral arrangements are more sparse than their predecessor, and much of the non-traditional sound comes from synthesized keyboards which are played by no less than three of the band's members. Their delicate arrangements can be compared to other chamber-leaning symphonic groups such as VERDUN or VIRGINIA ASTLEY, although the occasional guitar riff is closer to the melding of symphonic and neo-prog found in bands like KAYO DOT, including the use of native Asian percussion.

Like their forbearers FROMAGE, CINEMA tour mostly in Asia and release material sporadically, with only three studio albums to their credit in the past twelve years.

CINEMA deserve recognition in the Archives due to the symphonic nature of their music, complex arrangements and diverse instrumentation, and their pedigree as a second-generation progressive band.
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