Yuuyami Suicide/Barairo no Sekai(Single)
Before I start reviewing, I should point out that there are 3 versions of this single, and the track order will differ depending on which one you buy. That being said, I'm reviewing the limited edition, which comes with a DVD featuring a clip of "Yuuyami Suicide." The DVD is all-region compatible, so even if you don't live in Japan, you can still watch it.
 It's...Kirito! |
1. Yuuyami Suicide (Sunset Suicide)
I really like the title of this song; it's kind of beautiful in a haunting and creepy way. The song starts with a lot of brass and bass, giving it a big-band kind of sound. The tempo is even kind of swing-y. This is a new style for Pierrot, and they pull it off well. The verses seem pretty dark, but things brighten with the bridge, and even more so when the chorus kicks in. I can't say it's a happy song, but it is upbeat. As always, Kirito sings with a lot of innuendo in his voice. His phrasing is particularly good here. In the middle of the song, everything drops out except the bass and percussion, then there's a pretty nice guitar solo.
As for lyrics, this song deals with someone who is standing on the brink, ready to jump, but can't because "you" are holding him back. Kirito is the master of telling this sort of story and making it match the music. I can't find anything to complain about in this track, and I admire Pierrot for being versatile enough to try a new style.
Rating: 9
2. Neogrotesque
That is SUCH a Kirito title. This is a harder song, more akin to "Creature" and some of Pierrot's other previous works. Not that there's anything wrong with that. The bass is very prominent in this song, as are the guitars. Kirito growls and spits out the lyrics. Unlike many j-rockers, his vocal talent only seems to improve with time. The second verse has a cool effect where the music drops out and comes back in in time with the beat. It's neat, trust me. I really like the screaming guitar lines in this song; they compliment the mood perfectly.
This song seems to be taking a stab at recent Japanese pop-culture. Kirito sneers at what he calls "healing" music, as well as singers who can only do remakes of old songs rather than writing new ones. Hirai Ken definitely comes to mind here. Kirito further points out that if loud music ("noise") is soothing to you, then you're a monster just like him. Guess I'm a monster. ^_^
Rating: 9
3. Barairo no Sekai (Rose-colored World)
This is the theme song for the popular anime "Get Backers." However, Kirito insists that in the context of Pierrot's upcoming album "ID Attack" the meaning will greatly change. This is an upbeat, driving song that reminds me of "Creative Master" for some reason. It is definitely the happiest song on the album. There are some strange choir-voices in the chorus, but they are only slightly distracting. The guitars, bass and percussion pound away at your senses, while another little guitar riff underscores it all. Good stuff, and much better than some of the crappy jrock that has come out lately.
Obviously, the song makes use of the old metaphor "seeing the world through rose-colored glasses." However, Kirito turns this into a positive image, and goes on to say that if the world is headed for destruction, he'll "bend" an new path for "you." Awww. That's sweet. I love Kirito's lyrics.
Rating: 8
