The second album (CD and LP) of PoiL Ueda is released. After releasing the debut record in 2023, the story continues with the epic story of Yoshitsune.You can order the CD and LP at PoiL - Bandcamp.
About the album Yoshitsune
The Heike-Monogatari depicts the epic tale of the hero Yoshitsune, who brought victory to his Genji clan in its epic war with the Heike clan. After years of war, the Heike clan was finally defeated at the naval battle at Dan-no-Ura bay. The Genji assumed power in Kamakura, south of modern day Tokyo, and ruled Japan from 1192 to 1333, establishing what is now known as the Kamakura period. Minamoto-no-Yoritomo was the general of Genji and the older brother of Yoshitsune, who swore his loyalty to Yoritomo. Despite Yoshitsune’s heroic service and solemn oath, Yoritomo still suspected that he secretly intended to take over the government, and ordered his assassination. Yoshitsune was forced into exile.
1. Kumo
(Scene 1: Funa-Benkei)
Yoshitsune and his faithful vassal Benkei are sailing at Daimotsu-no-Ura, a bay near Osaka in the Seto Inland Sea. As a storm forms around their boat, ghosts of the Heike clan appear. The ghost of Taira-no-Tomomori, the Heike commander who Yoshitsune killed in the Dan-no-Ura battle, tries to pull down Yoshitsune and Benkei to the bottom of the sea. Benkei takes out his beads and recites prayers, and the ghost retreats.
2. Ômine-san
(Scene 2: Yoshino-Shizuka)
Yoshitsune, at long last, arrives at Yoshino (today’s Nara prefecture) to reunite with his mistress, Shizuka. Yoshitsune tells her about the terrible situation he is facing, and must ask her to endure their separation once more.
3. Yoshino
(Poem by Yoshino-Shizuka)
4. Solo Ataka
(Scene 3: Ataka)
Yoshitsune, Benkei and their porters arrive at the Ataka border crossing (today’s Ishikawa prefecture) disguised as Buddhist monks. The head guard Togashi suspects that one monk (who is actually Yoshitsune) may not be who he seems. Benkei creates a distraction by shouting to his master Yoshitsune, "Go on porter, you loafer, get through there!" and beats him with a heavy stick. Although Togashi sees through the ruse, he is so moved by Benkei's faithful heart that he allows them to cross the border.
5. Kokô
Just after crossing at Ataka, Yoshitsune grabs Benkei's hand, thanks him for saving his life, and apologizes for forcing him into a difficult situation. Benkei is moved to tears. They continue their travel towards Michinoku (in the Tôhoku-area, in northern Japan) on a cold, rainy winter day, just before dawn.
