Dimension - 1994 "Third Dimension"

The Third Dimension offers more of the J-fusion + smooth jazz flavors they've become synonymous with. Perhaps the frequency of releases started to catch up with them, as only the core members are present for performance (save a single guest on choir duty, t3). This means no drummer or bassist, leaving Akira Onozuka (keyboards) to handle the detailed programming throughout.

Despite the vague feeling of cheapness that hangs in the air, this album actually rocks. There are still mad fusion bangers like "Lost in a Maze" and "Buster", and a weird new category of 'songs that are otherwise average except the incredible solos', for tracks like "Fly into a Passion" and "Yellow Sunshine". Moreover, acid jazz influence from Second shines through in "Yellow Sunshine" and "6-TRIP". "Illusion" gets special attention from me for having such an exquisite hook in the chorus.

Overall great album, and Dimension's industrial-speed release schedule hardly seems to hamper much at this point. Great if you love fusion and drum machines; this album sounds so wonderfully 90s.

Track listing:

1.   Lost in a Moze
2.   Fly into a Passion
3.   Yellow Sunshine
4.   Illusion
5.   Real Box
6.   6-TRIP
7.   Buster
8.   Going Back
9.   Rendezvous

Personnel:

Takashi Masuzaki - Guitars
Aika Onozuka - Synth bass, Keyboards
Kazuki Katsuta - Sax
Yuko Hamaya - Vocals