Flower Travellin' Band

The Profile

Flower Travellin' Band are a Japanese psychedelic/heavy rock group formed in Tokyo in 1969, known for the landmark album Satori (1971) and a powerful fusion of raga-tinged guitar textures and proto-metal heft. The classic lineup featured Joe Yamanaka (vocals), Hideki Ishima (guitar), Jun Kozuki (bass) and Joji Wada (drums). They disbanded in 1973, reunited in 2007, and released We Are Here in 2008.

Founded by producer Yuya Uchida; reputation as a cult pillar of 1970s Japanese rock; key albums include Satori (1971), Made In Japan (1972) and Make Up (1973).

Two DeBaser reviews, two moods: one hails Satori as an Oriental-tinged heavy rock trip with trancey guitar work; the other dismantles Anywhere for shaky vocals and uneven covers, sparing only the Black Sabbath rendition. Expect love for raga-psych textures and sharp criticism of the debut’s execution.