"a strong vocalist abundant in ideas for stylizing his phrases, as well as creating catchy melodies." You said it all mate! One of the best "new" vocalist, seriously ! (his tone is...!).
I still have to listen to the b-sides but clearly the main track has grabbed all my attention, this is why I've bought the limited edition with this track only (but I refuse to listen until I've got my own copy, and it's hard xD). They really need to deliver a full album, they can do it since they've managed to pull out fantastic tracks during all their career. Guys, even if it's a damn best-of you will be forgiven xD !
The latest single by Shounenki, the band that mixes a rock sound with different musical styles, and a strong vocalist abundant in ideas for stylizing his phrases, as well as creating catchy melodies.
PHASE ONE (Initial SPOT to 5 listens):
At first exposure, the chorus instantly stood out, and I knew I was in for yet another Shounenki hook to get stuck into my head. As with their last 3 releases, I got that urge to hit replay. My main focus was on the main track, and the B-sides did not really grab my attention.
PHASE TWO (5-10 listens):
At this point I felt as if the song had a sort of honeymoon phase that had worn off. This single incorporates more pop elements ( I always thought the vocalist would make a good Top 40 writer, he can definitely create melodies that leave instant impressions, and stick with you), and I started to feel like there wasn`t enough behind the catchy vocals to really have staying power. Sometimes, with simply catchy songs, you go through a phase where you listen just for the catch, and after a while, the effect kind of dulls, and you move on to the next song, right?
The B-Sides still didn`t get my attention as much.
PHASE THREE (10-20 listens):
It was definitely a good thing that I took time away from spinning the latest Baroque and UVERworld to give this single more time.
My previous feelings dissolved, and I started to see more in all of the tracks.
From the interesting intros that provide their own unique feeling before flowing into the main atmosphere of the track, to the lyrics, and all of the other elements of the songs besides the vocalists melodies, everything started growing on me.
Shounenki is a band that can mix things up, without seeming like a variety act, they have a specific trademark already, and are able to stick to it, while always doing something different. Out of their last releases, this was the the work that took the longest to really grow on me, but now it is the single which I really enjoy the most in terms of getting play out of all of the tracks. With the other releases, since each track had their own feel, I would really stick to one over the others, but this release definitely flows beautifully, and I can put all 3 tracks in a queue, just letting them repeat over and over again.
From the pop-styled verses, to the rap input, to the lightly employed harsh vocals, and so forth, I really enjoy all of it, and am glad I gave the single time to really work on me.
If I had to make any criticism, it MIGHT be that the vocalist is a bit ahead of the rest of the band, including the guitarist, in terms of song creation, as even when they do use different styles, it is dictated by the vocals, and the guitar can kind of keep playing power chords styling`s (though the band is good). Some people may want the whole band to be able to switch styles like SID or UNiTE can. Though, some may appreciate that the tracks keep more of a rock anchoring, which prevents them from possibly feeling more like a variety act, and gives them a solid, reliable sound.
Track Count: 3 1/2 (3 Versions; all with title track, Limited containing an instrumental and DVD, Type A and B each having a unique B-Side. 926 yen each.)
Listens: 20+
Production Quality:
Overall Rating: (Consider it a 4 star minimum for me)
Worth the Purchase?
If you enjoyed their latest works, it is definitely worth checking out. The SPOT just gives you a taste, and there is a lot more to experience in the complete tracks.
Best New Tracks is a new series brought to you by MH's Official Reviewers (ORZ)! Every month we'll be recommending brand-new Japanese songs from the recently passed month, so stay tuned! Feel free to comment or discuss any of this month's picks and even offer your own as well! We're also trying out a new format this month, so let us know what you think! ; )
Visual Kei
"NONONON" by Anli Pollicino
"猿 (Saru)" by BugLug
"LOCUS" by Far East Dizain
"灰色の森 (Haiiro no mori)" by My BACTERIA HEAT IsLAND
"au revoir" by Nimo
"蕾 (Tsubomi)" by SCAPEGOAT
"SPiCA SPHiA" by パノラマ虚構ゼノン (XENON)
"九尾 (kyuubi)" by 己龍 (kiryu)
Rock / Metal / Punk / Etc.
"Hello,world!" by BUMP OF CHICKEN
"地下室の花 (chikashitsu no hana)" by cinema staff
"Kaedit Nos Pestis" by Sigh
"GET BACK" by THE ORAL CIGARETTES
"ELE!!!" by THE TURTLES JAPAN
"calling" by uchuu,
"私以外私じゃないの (Watashi Igai Watashi ja Nai no)" by ゲスの極み乙女。(Gesu no Kiwami Otome.)
"夏の落とし物 (natsu no otoshimono)" by そこに鳴る (sokoninaru)
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