少年記 - ココロモンスター

[Tetora 625]

 

 

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.

[Mihenno 4195]

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%.

[eiheartx 1310]

"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 !

[Mihenno 4195]

They really need to deliver a full album

 

+1

[hiroki 5521]

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 ._.

[Peace Heavy mk II 7200]

I really liked 窃盗 off of this single. It has the right mix of catchy and tacky to draw me back more than once. Not as good as "Bang Me," but still good nonetheless.