2LP Deluxe Edition Release Date: 29/5/2026 Label: Black Editions
Description
Black Editions presents the expanded and definitive edition of White Heaven’s brilliant third album Next to Nothing. Originally released in 1994 by Tokyo’s Noon Disk, the full album was only ever available in a limited vinyl pressing of 250 copies. Since then, it has become one of the most sought-after artifacts of the 90’s Japanese underground and is regarded as a highpoint of Japanese psychedelic rock. Led by vocalist, songwriter and conceptualist You Ishihara, the album finds the group in a phase of refinement. Taking a more intricate and open approach, the music is buoyant and light yet at the same time, nocturnal and introspective. Next to Nothing marks the first time guitarists Michio Kurihara and Soichiro Nakamura appear together on record after having separate turns as lead guitar on the group’s first two albums. The pairing is revelatory as they weave luminous melodic lines, sometimes in parallel, sometimes opening into sustained intricate counterpoint. Bassist Koji Shimura and drummer Ken Ishihara shuffle and swing in parallel with a fluid, sinuous rhythm, while flourishes of synthesizer, mellotron and the introduction of Go Hirano on keyboards and piano deepens the group’s sound with orchestral colors and a soft cinematic haze. Across the album, clear, shimmering guitar tones and gentle chord progressions are layered with bright arpeggiated figures and darker minor-key passages. The songs develop through gradual changes in tone and dynamics as Ishihara's voice reveals a gentle yearning and wistfulness. An extended version of Burt Bacharach and Hal David’s “The Look of Love” serves as the album’s entrancing focal point; Stretching the song’s familiar lounge-pop swagger, the group renders it as a slow-burning, psychedelic meditation crackling with electricity as it drifts into the night.
Available for the first time on vinyl in over 30 years and for the first time ever digitally (a truncated four song CD EP was also released in 1994). Remastered and expanded to include a second LP featuring three previously unreleased song versions cut at 45RPM. Presented in a heavy tip-on gatefold with metallic and ink pigment foil stamping, spot colors as well as a gatefold insert. House in a custom vellum wrap with a mirror metallic sticker seal. Lacquers cut by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Mastering, pressed at Record Technology Inc.
A1 Midsummer Stroll
A2 Shadow Of The Sun
A3 Strange Bedfellow
B1 Look Of Love (Long Version)
B2 Wednesday
B3 Out There
C Midsummer Stroll (Diff Version)
D1 Look Of Love (Diff Version)
D2 Shadow Of The Sun (Diff Version)
Refund Policy
All original product is sealed or brand new condition. However, if an item is defective (sealed and unused) Please send us proof of item and we will be happy to exchange the defective copy for a replacement of the same item within the first week after receiving the return item from you. If a replacement isn't available, we will offer you a store credit or refund (your choice). There will not be a shipping charge for this exchange.
For international returns, any customs or import duties, taxes and all other charges paid on return shipments are the solely your responsibility. In the event you refuse your package, only the purchase price will be refunded. All costs, duties, fees, or taxes are your responsibility and will not be refunded to you.
If items are not delivered because you gave us incorrect information, or because your post office was unable to deliver the package because there was no-one to receive it, We will refund you for the cost of the items only, but not for the postage charges. Provided the items are still available, we can re-send the items at your request one time only and you will have to pay all shipping fees.
Requests for refunds must be made within 30 days of the purchase date. We will not refund after such date for any reason whatsoever.
All items must be in original condition and show no signs of use, and must be returned in original vendor packaging.
We do not provide a refund or replacement for items that have been scanned as delivered by FedEx, Post Office or SF Express. If your package tracks as delivered, but you have not received it, please inquire with your local FedEx, mail carrier or at your local post office branch.
We cannot accept unwanted/incorrect items that have been opened. Please make sure you pack your return securely. If an item is returned to us in an unsuitable condition due to poor packaging then we may have to send it back to you without a refund.