Tetora

cont: do the the splits watch your brain go splat, here i think you dropped your hat, cant move, i think you need a slap, just updated your facebook status, all CAPS, need some water remember don't use the tap

i.
 
                en in het wakkerende licht verliest hij de tranen van ons dageraad
                als zij opkomt in het oosten, een land vergeten
                door zijn jammerend verloop van zonden die hij pleegt en
                daardoor niet langer een almenum ziet voorkomen,
                zoals het zonlicht dat op zijn snuit zal schijnen in een
                deinum dat hij vergeet door de dauw zijn druppels, de knikkers
                van zijn ogen, die nu samentrekken als het pluis
                van uitbloeiende paardenbloemen ook gevolgd zal worden.
 
         ii.
 
                gij, verlaten wolf, zal u nu treden in verzonken
                voetstappen van uw voorgangers en huilen naar een maan
                als eenzaam als dat u bent, vanaf momenten dat uw vader
                u verliet, zal u eens weten van zijn angst en zwaar
                verlatenheid, als ook hij het goud neerslaat op pas
                geboren jongens die zijn naam niet zullen dragen in
                vereniging en samenhorigheid als een sprei van eeuwig
                sneeuw waarvan u nu uw poten optrekt als het ons is.
 
         iii.
 
                dat blauwend maanlicht waar ginds u naar ijlt, een lach
                verborgen onder een aamborstig en ook deerlijk wenen
                van de stem die hij niet langer hoort als zijn gelaat dan
                ook vertrekt bij dit geluid, dat volgens u zwaarmoedig
                valt en de keel een rapaille van beknelling geeft, weet u
                zeker dat zijn oren niet meer spits staan als uw zoekend
                grienen naar uw broeders langs een horizon fluit, als
                geroezemoes door de morgen haar bloemend glorie.
 
         iv.
 
                een vader sterk naar zijn zoon, hij die nu zonder kracht en
                passie is en hij die alleen zijn gedrag van een aantal open
                boeken kiest, hij beantwoord niet zijn roeping in de naam
                van de Heer, hij zingt niet langer een ‘heilig, heilig, heilig
                is de Heer van de hemelse machten’ als in een tijd van
                eeuwig broederschap, gevleugeld zes keer en gewaad
                in het wit van hemels pracht en praal in sterrenlicht.
 
         v.
 
                u blijft enigszins een eendelijk kind verstoten van de
                vader, hoewel zijn borst nu open staat voor zielen zoals
                de uwe, zelfs verbrand en verkoold door het zwavel van
                de hellenacht, zelfs nu staat hij nog in vuur en vlam voor
                een morgenster gevallen door de gouden poorten van zijn lieflijk hemel. 

nah I'm team #LittleButtTwerking as in it's little but not flat, got just enough fat to make wanna get a tat 
 
Disclaimer: aint got nothing against big booties

it is announced at 摩天楼オペラ(matenrou opera) one-man live tour "The Fifth Element" tour final at Akasaka BLITZ at 2015/06/17 that their new digital single "君と見る風の行方(kimi to miru kaze no yukue)" will be available for download through iTunes since 2015/06/18, which is with concept Air and is composed and written by Vo.苑-Sono-
 
 
their 2 new digital singles (titles not yet finalized) will be released at 2015/07/20 and at 2015/08/21 respectively, and their new maxi single (title not yet finalized) will be released at 2015/10/21 (1,200yen), for which concept will be Water, Earth and Fire, although details have not yet been announced
 

 
 
"君と見る風の行方(kimi to miru kaze no yukue)" lyrics:

見上げれば　満天の星空が広がって
一粒の命みたい　瞳の上を滑っていく
大きすぎて見えないことばかりだね　この世界は
二人なら　二人なら　もっと遠くまで見えるのかな

空をつきぬけ風になって　雲の上まで飛んでいきたい
星の海と背中合わせて　駆け抜けたい
ため息代わりに雲を吹き　涙の代わりに雨降らせ
君と生きる世界の中で　目で見える希望を探そう

今日が少しつらくても　負けているわけじゃない
明日には笑っている　そうやって生きられるはずさ

肌を撫で　通り抜ける　この風を　知っている
少しだけ　見せてくれ　その自由　その力を

空をつきぬけ風になって　雲の上まで飛んでいきたい
星の海と背中合わせて　駆け抜けたい
ため息代わりに雲を吹き　涙の代わりに雨降らせ
君と生きる世界の中で　目で見える希望を探そう

My goldfish is dying!
Finally found a copy! 
 

 
Sadie - Oboreru Sakana
Rentrer en Soi - Wither
Rentrer en Soi - Karasu Iro no Taiji (First Press) (weird packaging tbh)

SuG - 39GalaxyZ 
Canzel - A ROUND E.P.V.

 
DELUHI - The farthest
BLACK CAT - BLUE SPHERE～Saigo no Kuchizuke～

Hey Tetora, nice review!
 
People should see this as a natural step from kannivalism's 'helios' and even more as a refined, atmospheric evolution of kei's solo effort 'silk tree'. BAROQUE always evolved, always changed in sound/concept. baroque from 'sukebe boy' is not the same as baroque from 'SUG LIFE', as it's not the same of 'non-fiction' or 'PLANETARY SECRET'. 
 
The problem here is expectation. If it was labeled as a kannivalism release, it wouldn't receive half of the flak it did. That being said, this may not be an easy listen for the average VK fan. This is as far away as we can get from VK, and I'm glad they choose this route, as I find this album an exceptional, cohesive piece of music.
 
I believe it was made to be listened in one go, as each song compliments each other. There's a whole sense of grandeur, of greatness through the whole album, that makes you understand why they went with this album's name. It starts with a sweet melody in 'PURIFY' (they did the same on the releases mentioned above) that paves the way to 'PLANETARY LIGHT' and 'DREAMSCAPE', two highlights of this album. However, it really peaks when 'SWALLOW THE NIGHT and 'SILENT PICTURE' starts, halfway through the album. both are rocky, guitar-focused songs that takes you back to kei's classic style of composition.
 
The "overused" auto-tune may turn some listeners away, but I assure you, don't let that youtube preview turn you away before giving it a listen. It has a purpose, it FITS the experience they wanted you to have. I do agree that some tracks would sound better with a little less tho ('CELEBRATE' falls into this category).
 
In the end, this is a really great album that should not be missed because of one's misconception of how a band should evolve. Everyone has a right to turn away from a sound they don't like, but as they named their tour, If you "open your world and see the light" of BAROQUE, you may enjoy the ride.

I love them, they're one of my new favorites. I honestly wasn't expecting much when I gave Providence of BIONIC a listen but I was blown away. All 4 tracks were so catchy and awesome that I decided to buy their first mini album, however, that wasn't really on par with BIONIC. Not to say Causality is bad, it was just OK. When the preview for A.P.O was uploaded, I caught myself listening to it on repeat for days. When I listened to the full version however, it was totally not what I was expecting the rest of the song to sound like. I still like it, but part of me was expecting a bit more from A.P.O. Now when the preview for Last Song... got uploaded, I also played that on repeat forever and it made me hyped for Providence of LUV because it has that catchy/upbeat feel to it like Providence of BIONIC has. LUV was what I thought it would be, which is good. Clarity is such a banger. I think it's cool that they were able to show different sides(?) of their music through the 3 Eyes of Providence mini albums. I don't think heavy songs are their forte, but that's just my opinion. I can't wait to hear what they release next. 

the LOTUS is a band created in 2014 with Noveau Perfum a new division of PS Company. the Lotus have disbanded on 2017.04.26.

 
Vocal: Ray

 
Guitar: Ryuto

 
Guitar:Rian

 
Bass:翼 (Tsubasa)

 
Drums:伊織 (Iori)

 
Discography:
Mini-Album: Causality
2014.06.04 and 2017.02.13

tracklist
[CD]
1. D'zer
2. CRAZY SHADOW
3. モダンホラー
4. 天使の涙 〜selfless love〜
5. -百拭観音-
6. LUCIS
 
Mini-Album: Providence of BIONIC
2015.04.08

tracklist
[CD]
1. VIO-NIX[into the core]
2. 少年
3.【DERR:ZELD】
4. Grace
[DVD]
1. Grace
 
Mini-Album: Providence of JESUS
2015.05.13

tracklist
[CD]
1. ベヘリット
2. PANDEMIC
3. Lament.
4. A.P.O
[DVD]
1. APO MV

Mini-Album: Providence of LUV
2015.06.10

tracklist
[CD]
1. Heavenly
2. Clarity
3. NEVER ENDING SNOW
4. Last Song...
[DVD]
1. Last Song... MV

Single: Wish
2015.12.23

tracklist
[CD]
1. Wish
2. Magical Dancing Night
3. PLEIN (Regular Edition)
[DVD-type A]
1. Wish MV
2. Wish MV -MAKING-
[DVD-type B] @(2015.08.28 新宿ReNY)
1. VIO-NIX[into the core]
2. Grace
3. A.P.O
4. Heavenly
5. Last Song...

Album: Zoltax
2016.04.27

tracklist
[CD]
1.【26151220124】
2. ダムド『Awaking "-ELIZA-"』
3. HALION
4. Loveless
5. Ø -Zero-
6. corrosion
7. 玲瓏
8. THE BINDED THEORY
9. Wish
10. DECEASE
11. REBIRTHDAY『"-ELIZA-" in a coma』
[DVD]
1. Zoltax -Photo Shooting- (Limited Edition)
2. REBIRTHDAY -Music production document- (Limited Edition)
 
Single: 愛されたくて (Aisaretakute)
2017.01.28

1. 愛されたくて
2. See you
3. Another story
 
Members status after disband:
Ray has created a music and draw project called "Symphony N.0". Names are SAMURAI CAT and ZERO.

SAMURAI CAT
2017.06.23
1. SAMURAI CAT
2. 君が笑えば (Kimi ga Waraeba)
 
Ryuto returned to for after the band hiatus 少女-ロリヰタ-23区.

Rian is doing guitar support for K (ex.BORN) solo project and some session bands.

Tsubasa is doing bass live support for DAZ.

We all have moments when our creative juices are flowing or get inspired by something. So why not share here, if you want to of course, doesn't have to be new.
 
 
I got inspired by this amazing train of hotness to write a rap fyi don't read it if your not ok with sexual lyrics
 
I want ro thank kyo since she fills me with confidence. Also want hear it? plug it in here https://translate.google.com/

SADIE, since COLD BLOOD has been on a nonstop trail of hit or miss. Its either their music is too blatantly Dir en grey influenced or lifeless and repetitive. I was one of the many few who enjoyed GANGSTA for what it was  because it was a release that i felt strayed away from those cancerous attributes. With the announcement of their hiatus, they've dropped VOYAGE. I went in skeptical because often time when SADIE releases something that I deem listenable, they follow up with something terrible....This was NOT The case here. Lemme break it down.
 
Voyage: Starts off with an intro that gives off a farewell vibe and throughout the entirety of the song, this vibe is present even when there's the breakdown that meshes extremely well and does not take away from the feel. Mao's vocals for some reason is just amazing. I'll even dare to say this is the best he's sounded. Same can be said for the other members as well, especially Tsurugi and Mizuki who's guitar work shines. They clearly pulled no punches. AND GOT DAMN, My nigga....THAT SOLO. Anyways....The way the track fades out with Mao singing "la la la la" is so fitting....like, i wouldn't be surprised if they ended their final show with this song and the fans sang along while bawling their eyes out. Simply amazing.
 
10/10
 
Call of Pain: When this started, i thought it would be another filler B-side song along the lines of Setugekka but boy was i wrong. If anything this is a better, more thought out and creative version of those songs. To me It carries on the same Farewell vibe as Voyage but just in a different format but its still well done. I tend to often ignore SADIE b-sides but this is one where I will actually go back and listen to. Well done! 8.10
 
End Of The World: DAWG, THIS JUST HITS YOU IN THE FACE with that RAW SADIE goodness. Its heavy but it also does a great job at making you feel like the the title of the song. I could picture this playing as a soundtrack to some apocalypse type move. ALSO that breakdown......I have no words. Just my favorite reaction:  I really can't say much more about this track. Its just killer. EASILY My favorite song out of the whole release. They saved the best for last, which is brilliant.
 
20/10
 
Overall, SADIE's VOYAGE is one of the best send offs before a hiatus, i've ever heard. From start to finish this single oozes of pure, fresh originality and is hella rockin. THIS is the SADIE that i missed since COLD BLOOD. For anyone who bad talked the band, VOYAGE is them making a statement with their middle fingers raised high. I wish them the absolute best and hope they come back stronger with a clear direction for their music (for once). Best release of 2015 so far. I can already tell I'm gonna be listening to this more than my other current fav releases this year. 

There seems to be some confusion here.
 
First of all, as we know, ad hominem is more along the lines of attacking someone or something`s character or attributes when it is not pertinent to the argument, and merely a insult for the sake of throwing an insult. I didn`t attempt to make such an argument in my previous post, and the latter of it was about some of the fandom in general, not you in particular as I do not know you.
But back to ad hominem, this form of `argument` falls more closely in line with calling someone an idiot instead of simply providing a counter-point to someone`s perspective, or, for example, calling someone deluded, drawing unsubstantiated comparisons like referring to someone as Lenin, and so forth. It also can be found in the same area as statements which use terms such as `garbage hole`.
 
As for the strawman arguments, I`m not certain what you are referring to as you don`t seem to want to mention them, or provide a counter-argument to them. I would consider a strawman argument something along the lines of your statement about Takadanobaba, which I never mentioned, and `the future of music` which I never mentioned either, and made no claims about. I also don`t see how any discussion of originality, creativity, value, would be inherently linked to speaking of the future of anything. The discussion did not go in that direction. I`m more than willing to give my full thoughts on any matter, so I don`t think we need to make assumptions, or put words into my mouth.
 
Regarding the classical music thing, I wrote this:
 
 
 
To signify that I was not displaying my own opinions, simply giving the same examples for different areas of music, and the criticism they have faced, which many people, including you, as you have proved, disagree with, in the same way that someone may disagree that Older Visual Kei has more value, creativity, etc... per square bandmember.
 
All the examples listed are indeed actual arguments made throughout the ages, and the same arguments have been made during every shift in what people now cast under the vastly liberal term of `classical`. They have been made by regular listeners, highly esteemed critics, highly esteemed musicians, and so forth.
 
And no, this is not a simple comparison that puts Rock and Baroque side by side, it`s a demonstration of how the same tired argument has dragged on for ages, yet every time their is a shift, many people seem to say `every time the argument was made before, it was wrong, but this time, it`s right`.
 
Anyway, hopefully that clears it all up, I`m here to discuss things, and share my interest in Visual Kei, etc... Not to feud over matters or get too far away from the point. I think your last remarks were more based around confusion in my earlier post.
 
Hopefully we can move forward, and if there are future posts, they will move thoroughly address previously made points and we can stay even more on topic.
 
Thanks.

The music industry shares many similarities between scenes and genres worldwide. We can bring up similarities between Visual Kei and Pop in the obvious, natural way, or we can try and push some kind of spin on it where the similarities are not natural, and are somehow a part of some `negative` part of Visual Kei, which makes no sense when actually broken down. There`s not much I can find that is exclusive to Visual Kei in terms of their dealings with the record industry that we haven`t seen and heard about, even in much larger degrees in other scenes and genres, even Punk artists signed to major labels, and `Gangster` rappers under major labels as well. Just seems like a lame pot-shot at Visual Kei in general, which people seem to love doing, along with being cynical about the whole thing, but that isn`t exclusive to the Visual Kei fanbase either. But on the other hand, had the article been about some other cultural or subcultural aspects, I am sure they would be much more inclined to just give people straight information instead of unsubstantiated rhetoric.
 
And let`s not forget the Indie artists outselling many major Rock artists at the moment, and staying on their Indie labels...
 
 
Yes, and we can take almost anything and lay the same sassy rhetoric on it (and I know to not take what you say as dead-serious, but I`m going to go on anyway):
 
Old-School Visual Kei is a void of originality, and a garbage hole of rehashed New Wave, Grunge Goth Mall Metal with some JPop hooks thrown in for posterity.
 
Classic Rock is a void of originality and a garbage hole of ripped off Blues ideas this time brought to you by a white-man.
 
This era of `Classical` music is a void of originality, and a garbage hole of proletariat musical theory as well as recycled ideas from this other age of `Classical` music.
 
And so forth.
 
Yet people usually have the inclination in those cases to guess that the people talking are just going on in a pointless diatribe based on some temporary need to feel that their favorite music or era is the best.
 
Although that`s not always the case. Sometimes it might just be a case of not knowing what you don`t know.
 
Sometimes you just have to wonder what credentials people feel are necessary to make a statement on something. And it seems like downloading a few releases out of the hundreds, and clicking on a few PV spots gives people enough wisdom to go out to the Town Square and give their decree to the world.
 
Can the people harping on about their lack of esteem for Indie bands name the top VK Indie bands?
 
Can people even nail down Neo-Visual Kei so that they can make a statement on it?
 
Is it not obvious that without some actual measures and reasoning, almost all discussions of originality or value in Art are rhetoric and opinionated?
 
It would be nice to actually have discussions where people can just accept that people like different era`s of the music, different bands, etc... And not try and generalize things or try to departmentalize Visual Kei or it`s sub-genre`s.
 
Whether the poster I replied to is trolling or not, the post represents the actual way a lot of people `discuss` Visual Kei, and obviously only a certain small crowd of people want to read through how `Visual Kei isn`t original, it sucks now, I don`t like this band so they suck, it`s all about the looks, etc...` every single time they even think of clicking on a web page that includes the words `Visual Kei`.
 
And I also would like it if the bigger fans who seem to actually seem to be way more into than most, expressed themselves more (whether the lack is due to no interest, or not feeling comfortable, I don`t know.)
 
Just my thoughts. I posted the thread to see if it could spring-board into something interesting. But it seems like at most it`ll go down the same road. Ah well.
 
And in response to Perez. I have all the latest Cure and Shoxx, never saw anything about any relatively `new` subgenres, though I don`t always read the whole mag.

Is it the same Baroque that many fans have came to love?
 
Not exactly, it`s a turn in another direction, it isn`t the same line-up, it isn`t the same sound, and it would not fit in with their early discography.
 
Okay, they changed, but will I still be able to enjoy it; are they still `good`?
 
They have definitely dialed in and delivered what they were going for, but let`s be honest, there may be little or no correlation between their early work and this. The interest will not rely on being a long-time fan so much as it will rely on you simply also being able to enjoy their new sound. From a technical standpoint, the vocals and guitar are at a higher level than their early work, though again, the style is different.
 
So what`s the new sound?
 
It`s atmospheric, it`s wide, it`s meditative at times, `uplifting` at other times, and tightly tied together. The guitar and vocals are the center-piece, and they really play well together, like brothers. At first the other instruments may seem just like a backing band, but everything they do eventually began to hold more value for me. If you wanted to compare them to someone, you could loosely compare some of their sounds to bands such as U2, and certain tracks by The Who, amongst others who stemmed from that, but with their own, more modern, take on those sounds. The production is also very nice, the sound is spread out, every detail is nailed down, and it is a pleasure to listen to how each instrument is covered.
 
So do they come off as a copy of other, already established sounds? 
 
That`s going to come down to your own opinion, but I definitely feel as if they have done enough to establish themselves as having their own complete spin on these sounds. But I think, obviously, some people will not be getting enough of what they call Baroque on this album.
 
Okay, okay, it sounds pretty mellow, can I still rock to it?
 
It isn`t as rocking as other things they have done, though, while I definitely gravitate to a more intense rock sound, this album can hold my attention. The first tracks come off with lighter guitar, but I eventually get a refreshed feeling as SWALLOW THE NIGHT hits a harder guitar part, and the album picks up a little more. There`s also a nice solo in the final track, MEMENTO.
 
So are these the stand-out tracks?
 
Yes, SWALLOW THE NIGHT, MEMENTO, and PLANETARY LIGHT are my personal favorites.
 
Alright, so please sum up your thoughts on the album as a whole.
 
It`s very well done, the vocal effects are not overdone, though some may have preferred a clean feel. They play amazingly together, they have refined a new sound in a very short amount of time, and the album contains a great amount of variety, while staying unified, and giving off a tight, concept-album feel.
 
However, it is bound to have a hit-and-or-miss reaction with many fans, new as well as old. The band has changed a lot, and not everyone is going to like the sound. I personally, as a long-time fan, also enjoy this sound, and can go back to their older tracks whenever I want to revisit those days. This is not my usual style of music, however I grew to like it, and appreciate each track more with each listen.
 
It`s an atmospheric album that isn`t limited to certain moods or listening hours for me, and retains strong guitar elements that enable me to really keep listening over and over again.
 
Track Count: 9 
Listens: 20
Production Quality: 
Overall Rating: 
 
Worth the Purchase?
 
It`s not going to be something instantly worth buying for all Baroque fans. The best thing to do is to listen to the preview, and see if you enjoy what you hear from it, and know that the songs themselves offer more than just what the preview holds. Personally, the preview didn`t do justice to the album for me.
 
If you enjoy the sound, or feel like you could get into it, I definitely recommend it.
 
 
 
 
 

Is it the same Baroque that many fans have came to love?
 
Not exactly, it`s a turn in another direction, it isn`t the same line-up, it isn`t the same sound, and it would not fit in with their early discography.
 
Okay, they changed, but will I still be able to enjoy it; are they still `good`?
 
They have definitely dialed in and delivered what they were going for, but let`s be honest, there may be little or no correlation between their early work and this. The interest will not rely on being a long-time fan so much as it will rely on you simply also being able to enjoy their new sound. From a technical standpoint, the vocals and guitar are at a higher level than their early work, though again, the style is different.
 
So what`s the new sound?
 
It`s atmospheric, it`s wide, it`s meditative at times, `uplifting` at other times, and tightly tied together. The guitar and vocals are the center-piece, and they really play well together, like brothers. At first the other instruments may seem just like a backing band, but everything they do eventually began to hold more value for me. If you wanted to compare them to someone, you could loosely compare some of their sounds to bands such as U2, and certain tracks by The Who, amongst others who stemmed from that, but with their own, more modern, take on those sounds. The production is also very nice, the sound is spread out, every detail is nailed down, and it is a pleasure to listen to how each instrument is covered.
 
So do they come off as a copy of other, already established sounds? 
 
That`s going to come down to your own opinion, but I definitely feel as if they have done enough to establish themselves as having their own complete spin on these sounds. But I think, obviously, some people will not be getting enough of what they call Baroque on this album.
 
Okay, okay, it sounds pretty mellow, can I still rock to it?
 
It isn`t as rocking as other things they have done, though, while I definitely gravitate to a more intense rock sound, this album can hold my attention. The first tracks come off with lighter guitar, but I eventually get a refreshed feeling as SWALLOW THE NIGHT hits a harder guitar part, and the album picks up a little more. There`s also a nice solo in the final track, MEMENTO.
 
So are these the stand-out tracks?
 
Yes, SWALLOW THE NIGHT, MEMENTO, and PLANETARY LIGHT are my personal favorites.
 
Alright, so please sum up your thoughts on the album as a whole.
 
It`s very well done, the vocal effects are not overdone, though some may have preferred a clean feel. They play amazingly together, they have refined a new sound in a very short amount of time, and the album contains a great amount of variety, while staying unified, and giving off a tight, concept-album feel.
 
However, it is bound to have a hit-and-or-miss reaction with many fans, new as well as old. The band has changed a lot, and not everyone is going to like the sound. I personally, as a long-time fan, also enjoy this sound, and can go back to their older tracks whenever I want to revisit those days. This is not my usual style of music, however I grew to like it, and appreciate each track more with each listen.
 
It`s an atmospheric album that isn`t limited to certain moods or listening hours for me, and retains strong guitar elements that enable me to really keep listening over and over again.
 
Track Count: 9 
Listens: 20
Production Quality: 
Overall Rating: 
 
Worth the Purchase?
 
It`s not going to be something instantly worth buying for all Baroque fans. The best thing to do is to listen to the preview, and see if you enjoy what you hear from it, and know that the songs themselves offer more than just what the preview holds. Personally, the preview didn`t do justice to the album for me.
 
If you enjoy the sound, or feel like you could get into it, I definitely recommend it.
 
 
 
 
 

Is it the same Baroque that many fans have came to love?
 
Not exactly, it`s a turn in another direction, it isn`t the same line-up, it isn`t the same sound, and it would not fit in with their early discography.
 
Okay, they changed, but will I still be able to enjoy it; are they still `good`?
 
They have definitely dialed in and delivered what they were going for, but let`s be honest, there may be little or no correlation between their early work and this. The interest will not rely on being a long-time fan so much as it will rely on you simply also being able to enjoy their new sound. From a technical standpoint, the vocals and guitar are at a higher level than their early work, though again, the style is different.
 
So what`s the new sound?
 
It`s atmospheric, it`s wide, it`s meditative at times, `uplifting` at other times, and tightly tied together. The guitar and vocals are the center-piece, and they really play well together, like brothers. At first the other instruments may seem just like a backing band, but everything they do eventually began to hold more value for me. If you wanted to compare them to someone, you could loosely compare some of their sounds to bands such as U2, and certain tracks by The Who, amongst others who stemmed from that, but with their own, more modern, take on those sounds. The production is also very nice, the sound is spread out, every detail is nailed down, and it is a pleasure to listen to how each instrument is covered.
 
So do they come off as a copy of other, already established sounds? 
 
That`s going to come down to your own opinion, but I definitely feel as if they have done enough to establish themselves as having their own complete spin on these sounds. But I think, obviously, some people will not be getting enough of what they call Baroque on this album.
 
Okay, okay, it sounds pretty mellow, can I still rock to it?
 
It isn`t as rocking as other things they have done, though, while I definitely gravitate to a more intense rock sound, this album can hold my attention. The first tracks come off with lighter guitar, but I eventually get a refreshed feeling as SWALLOW THE NIGHT hits a harder guitar part, and the album picks up a little more. There`s also a nice solo in the final track, MEMENTO.
 
So are these the stand-out tracks?
 
Yes, SWALLOW THE NIGHT, MEMENTO, and PLANETARY LIGHT are my personal favorites.
 
Alright, so please sum up your thoughts on the album as a whole.
 
It`s very well done, the vocal effects are not overdone, though some may have preferred a clean feel. They play amazingly together, they have refined a new sound in a very short amount of time, and the album contains a great amount of variety, while staying unified, and giving off a tight, concept-album feel.
 
However, it is bound to have a hit-and-or-miss reaction with many fans, new as well as old. The band has changed a lot, and not everyone is going to like the sound. I personally, as a long-time fan, also enjoy this sound, and can go back to their older tracks whenever I want to revisit those days. This is not my usual style of music, however I grew to like it, and appreciate each track more with each listen.
 
It`s an atmospheric album that isn`t limited to certain moods or listening hours for me, and retains strong guitar elements that enable me to really keep listening over and over again.
 
Track Count: 9 
Listens: 20
Production Quality: 
Overall Rating: 
 
Worth the Purchase?
 
It`s not going to be something instantly worth buying for all Baroque fans. The best thing to do is to listen to the preview, and see if you enjoy what you hear from it, and know that the songs themselves offer more than just what the preview holds. Personally, the preview didn`t do justice to the album for me.
 
If you enjoy the sound, or feel like you could get into it, I definitely recommend it.
 
 
 
 
 

Is it the same Baroque that many fans have came to love?
 
Not exactly, it`s a turn in another direction, it isn`t the same line-up, it isn`t the same sound, and it would not fit in with their early discography.
 
Okay, they changed, but will I still be able to enjoy it; are they still `good`?
 
They have definitely dialed in and delivered what they were going for, but let`s be honest, there may be little or no correlation between their early work and this. The interest will not rely on being a long-time fan so much as it will rely on you simply also being able to enjoy their new sound. From a technical standpoint, the vocals and guitar are at a higher level than their early work, though again, the style is different.
 
So what`s the new sound?
 
It`s atmospheric, it`s wide, it`s meditative at times, `uplifting` at other times, and tightly tied together. The guitar and vocals are the center-piece, and they really play well together, like brothers. At first the other instruments may seem just like a backing band, but everything they do eventually began to hold more value for me. If you wanted to compare them to someone, you could loosely compare some of their sounds to bands such as U2, and certain tracks by The Who, amongst others who stemmed from that, but with their own, more modern, take on those sounds. The production is also very nice, the sound is spread out, every detail is nailed down, and it is a pleasure to listen to how each instrument is covered.
 
So do they come off as a copy of other, already established sounds? 
 
That`s going to come down to your own opinion, but I definitely feel as if they have done enough to establish themselves as having their own complete spin on these sounds. But I think, obviously, some people will not be getting enough of what they call Baroque on this album.
 
Okay, okay, it sounds pretty mellow, can I still rock to it?
 
It isn`t as rocking as other things they have done, though, while I definitely gravitate to a more intense rock sound, this album can hold my attention. The first tracks come off with lighter guitar, but I eventually get a refreshed feeling as SWALLOW THE NIGHT hits a harder guitar part, and the album picks up a little more. There`s also a nice solo in the final track, MEMENTO.
 
So are these the stand-out tracks?
 
Yes, SWALLOW THE NIGHT, MEMENTO, and PLANETARY LIGHT are my personal favorites.
 
Alright, so please sum up your thoughts on the album as a whole.
 
It`s very well done, the vocal effects are not overdone, though some may have preferred a clean feel. They play amazingly together, they have refined a new sound in a very short amount of time, and the album contains a great amount of variety, while staying unified, and giving off a tight, concept-album feel.
 
However, it is bound to have a hit-and-or-miss reaction with many fans, new as well as old. The band has changed a lot, and not everyone is going to like the sound. I personally, as a long-time fan, also enjoy this sound, and can go back to their older tracks whenever I want to revisit those days. This is not my usual style of music, however I grew to like it, and appreciate each track more with each listen.
 
It`s an atmospheric album that isn`t limited to certain moods or listening hours for me, and retains strong guitar elements that enable me to really keep listening over and over again.
 
Track Count: 9 
Listens: 20
Production Quality: 
Overall Rating: 
 
Worth the Purchase?
 
It`s not going to be something instantly worth buying for all Baroque fans. The best thing to do is to listen to the preview, and see if you enjoy what you hear from it, and know that the songs themselves offer more than just what the preview holds. Personally, the preview didn`t do justice to the album for me.
 
If you enjoy the sound, or feel like you could get into it, I definitely recommend it.
 
 
 
 
 

I haven't listened to the single nearly as much as you guys have, although probably enough for some sketchy initial impressions.
Title track is my favorite, but i didn't really have any problem getting into the other 2 either XD The intro of ライカランナ is, well, interesting.. it sounds like something right out of Persona 4 OST lol. 窃盗 is a re-recording and stands out for me as the song that exemplifies how the band has evolved. Comparing it with the original recording: in Akasha the overall production is less refined, Kou sounds less polished in terms of tonal/tempo precision, though (arguably) more spontaneous in execution. I don't think it's meaningful to decide which is better or worse; I'm just delighted to have both versions ^^
One criticism I can foresee people making would be that their song arrangement could have been more varied across the single, and there's definitely something to be said of that. Specifically all 3 songs here have an Aメロ(first verse) punctuated by rap/urban features, a mellow and ambient Bメロ, and finally a upbeat, dancey chorus. Of course, if you like it (which I do), the same thing can be deemed the band's signature sound. So I guess it really depends on the listener's taste and biases? I personally don't have any major issue with it.
Overall this is a thoughtful and coherent single!
Edit: Also looking forward to a full album. But seeing how none of the CRIMZON bands has released a full album after sooo long, I'm not too optimistic ._.

+1

"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 !

Tetora I love you.
 
You manage to write my exact thoughts when I have difficulty putting them into words. Like everything you mentioned I agree with 100%.

INTRO: 
 
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.

INTRO: 
 
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.

Me working as KAMIJO and MASASHI's staff!

Mi'ihen feat. Ito & Hipster Glasses