A renound and accomplished pianist, H ZETT M is most famous for his roles in the bands PE’Z and Tokyo Jihen (東京事変). H ZETT M is the alias of Hiizumi Masayuki (ヒイズミマサユ機) and his recent solo album, 5+2=11 hit store shelves in January.

Sporting vintage clothes, a bow tie, a painted blue nose, and a fedora atop his head, saying that H ZETT M’s look is unique is an understatement at best. His music comes across as equally enigmatic. The self-proclaimed “ピアノ絶叫男” (“piano zekkyou otoko”, “piano scream man”), H ZETT M’s material is a blend of jazzy coolness, obscure vocals, upbeat electronic elements, and beautiful piano solos.

Tracks off of 5+2=11 drastically vary in sound. From “田園” (“Den en”, “Countryside”), a magnificent 4-minute piano solo, to “名前を書く” (“Namae wo Kaku”, “Name is written”) , a chaoticly-composed piece, to “君と歩いてく” (“Kimi to Arui te ku”), a relaxing song that utilizes “floating” piano chords and H ZETT M’s uniquely restrained voice.

As a whole, H ZETT M’s recent solo effort succeeds well in the areas intended. 5+2=11 supplies a comfortable mixture of artistic piano work, experimental elements, and more.

The cover art for 5+2=11 is really cool and different as well.

While no full-length H ZETT M PVs grace the internet, I strongly encourage you to visit his official sites at World Apart and BMG Records to check out some of the audio and visual samples that are offered.