SuG - BLACK

[Tetora 625]

 

INTRO:

 

SuG`s first album since leaving PSC and stating something along the lines of `we could no longer continue going on this way`.

 

These events can provide different interpretations of BLACK, which manages to carry on SuG`s identity while sounding vastly different from their previous works.

 

As an album it has much more unity between the tracks, with a heavier sound throughout the majority (B.A.B.Y. is the only song that really ties in with the Heavy Positive Rock sound that they may have been mentally typecast in). Among the 17 songs on the album, no two tracks are the same, typical of their adventurous and diverse approach to songwriting, yet the whole album fits together as one work with one identity, that falls under the album title very nicely, unlike their previous album, for example, which felt like it had a distinct A-Side and B-Side seperating the lighter more positive tracks, and the heavy, sharp tunes that start appearing midway through (I loved that album as well, none-the-less!)

 

MEMBER PERFORMANCES:

 

A really unexpected shocker upon my first few listens was the huge step up in each members performances, as well as their prominence in different tracks. I`m not sure if they were previously holding back on past releases to create a different kind of sound, or if they have really being putting in work, but each member really stepped out and shone on this album. Their tone is also excellent.

 

Click the spoiler if you want to see a breakdown of each member.

 

Bass (Chiyu):

 

First of all, as anyone who ever wants to actually listen to the bass in rock song may know, many mixes feature the bass at a near imperceptible (unhearable) volume stuck in the very back of a track. The bass on BLACK avoids this, and places the instrument in a clear location with the volume needed to really hear Chiyu play, which is well worth it as he really delivers on this album, and almost takes on a lead guitarist`s position (without over-doing it) when he steps forward to take control of a track, making him one of the bassist`s that I am now most interested in.

 

Drums (Shinpei):

 

I started really noticing his playing on Lollipop Kingdom, and he seems to have taken his playing even further on this release. The timing and fills are really unique and captivating. He has taken a spot in my current personal list of favorite drummer`s.

 

Guitar (Yuji and Masato):

 

Both the rhythm and lead guitar have really stepped up in terms of their harmony, as well as their own individual strengths, such as the chord selection in the rhythm, and phrasing in the lead (choice of notes etc...) which has set them apart. Yuji also composes almost all of the tracks by the way, with Takeru taking up two.

 

Vocals (Takeru):

 

As usual, Takeru delivers a unique sound and experience that is not for everyone (but hey, this is Rock music so shouldn`t non-conformity be understood rather than criticized?). On this album Takeru has an even more varied way of expressing himself, and there are a few highlights such as his long, clean notes that come across rich and clean. The lyric writing comes from a unique perspective and puts things in a different way, as usual, with some moments that I find really moving.

 

 

 

 

Details on the Sound:

 

A heavier sound, good use of electronic elements and guest arrangements, tracks that put aside the electronic elements altogether and focus on the band, and what is now a SuG signature: Absolutely amazingly deep production with a huge Sonic and Tonic range. The album is an absolute pleasure for me to listen to in terms of how much they can have going on at once, without emphasis on what is important being lost, and without taking away the listener`s ability to follow one individual instrument or input through-out.

 

The album features lots of different elements fused together, in what feels like a huge major release`s production combined with a rock band`s style and sensibility with the members in full control. The synth`s, strings, horn sections, and other elements really make the album interesting for me.

 

Also, the singles are spaced out and placed nicely to give them some renewed freshness, and avoid that `played out` feel. HELLYEAH originally by Takeru`s Uwakimono project is also re-done in a heavy rock style.

 

How does it feel and how much do I like it?

 

Despite being such a heavy album and some heavier lyrics, the album still seems so upbeat to me, and still has so many parts to either rock out to, or groove along with that it is indeed quite peculiar. With many other band`s the sound or themes might make the songs downers, or one`s you play in a certain mood, but I could really put on these songs in any mood and enjoy, though they will have different effects in different situations.

 

I`m not one for much comparison, but it`s definitely the album that I feel will get the most play from me out of their discography to date, and an album that leaves you waiting for what is next (while playing the tracks out).

 

Track Count: 17 (4 previously released as well as 1 re-done track)

Listens: 10

Production Quality:

Overall Rating:

 

Worth the Purchase?

 

With BLACK you get a unique experience that may not be to your taste, as the style, sound and delivery go to quite unique lengths. It`s a band and experience that really stand out, and do something different that mixes niche and mainstream experiences into something different altogether. Even watching the PV`s doesn`t give you the full idea of what the album is about, as there are so many different tracks each with their own unique feel. If you are a fan of their previous work, besides just the more colorful side, you will want to hear this. If you enjoyed the latest PV`s you are in for more than that, but you will probably enjoy yourself. There are instant stand-out tracks, and like usual with SuG, some growers that I appreciate more with each listen.

 

For me, personally, this has quickly become my favorite release this year (even beating out my favorite band!), and has been something I have immensely enjoyed. During my first listen, I felt like I was really experiencing something; something different. And the feeling only grows with each spin.

[MikuKun 83]

Great review, I thought this album was really good too, the only thing I do wish there was is a couple guitar solos but I understand that solos wouldn't really fit the sound they were going for. Great album nonetheless.

[Visutox 188]

Honestly, I tried this album because I was a bit curious but I've concluded that this kind of stuff isn't my cup of tea. Not a bad album though, it's definitely going to please the fans. I think that the production quality could have been a bit better but it isn't a relevant point since it's decent. And yeah, indeed a great review! 

[Pretsy 1343]

Niice review Tets as always :>

 

Speaking of the album itself, I liked it a lot - even though: am I the only one who hears Limp Bizkit's "Nookie" in "Night Market" (lol)? I thought I was hearing things until I read Takeru's take on the album where he mentioned the said band...