The Outer Rim Relaunch: No More Hibino and Kim

We just received an interesting newsletter update from The Outer Rim founder and Metal Gear Solid series bass player Jeff Curry. Apparently The Outer Rim has some shows lined up, and I was immediately curious as I know the group had been on somewhat of a hiatus due to saxophonist Norihiko Hibino and keys player Hakuei Kim’s availability. As it turns out, the two have stepped down from the band to make way for Gustavo Anacleto (saxophone), Hiroya Morooka (keys), and an entirely new addition, Frederic Viennot on “synth and stuff.” The group has already hit a couple of venues this month, and is set to perform at the Tokyo Groove Nights Vol. 1 event on April 30, 2010 at the Kick Back Cafe in Tokyo, Japan.

I think most of us are wondering what the group sounds like without Hibino and Kim, and the answer is pretty much the same. They’ve posted a new video on YouTube (update: the above video is old… their new video, which you can find on their website, was breaking the site!) featuring the new band members. In fact, “Island Body” sounds great. It’s been too long since we’ve heard new music from the group (they were featured last on the Ninja Blade soundtrack), so this is good news even though I’ll miss Norihiko Hibino and Hakuei Kim. I hope this doesn’t mean the end of videogame tie-ins for the group, though!

Feel free to check out the band’s website for more information.

What do you think of the change of roster? Is it worth swapping out members in exchange for a more productive band?