Oukaranman
1. oukaranman
Kagrra's new mini-album begins with a flair of drums and an infectious chorus. This isn't a hard song, but it's not pop either. Just upbeat and fun. We bridge over to the verses with a great guitar riff that retains Kagrra's famous neo-Japanesque feel. Isshi sounds just wonderful here; his voice is strong, and he uses his falsetto occasionally to create nice highlights. The drumming is better than usual, and the guitars are superb. I just wish we could hear more of Nao's bass. Overall, it's a great song, very catchy and a nice way to begin the album. My only complaint is that it sounds a little too... typical. That doesn't take away from the fact that it's damned likeable.
Rating: 4
2. jajauma himedan
Things begin to get a little harder with this track. It's also quite fast, but the mood is a little darker and the melody is more unpredictable. The fact that the guitars drop out at times during the verses is a nice touch. The chorus is bouncy and has one of those patented Kagrra choruses that sounds like someone fused 15th century Japanese singing with metal. It's great! Isshi uses his falsetto very little in this song, and it's easy to hear that his voice has improved over the years. There's a fun little guitar solo in the middle (always appreciated), then a nice back-and-forth between Isshi and Izumi. Lots of detail to pay attention to in this song. The last, driving repetition of the chorus makes the song. Really.
Rating: 5
3. oumaga toki
This song belongs in a mech anime. I'm serious. It has this pounding, dark feeling accompanied by some swirling flute lines. It's creepy and cool. This is definitely the hardest song on the CD. Isshi sings in a much lower register, but also provides falsetto harmony. The guitars are crunchy throughout, and the percussion is lots of cymbals and little else. You really need to listen to all the cool things Isshi does with his voice, as well as the acoustic stuff going on in the background. Details! It's touches like these that define a really great song.
Rating: 5
 Nao, the bassist. |
4. haha e
You're probably expecting a ballad now. Well, you're right! This starts out gently, with Isshi singing tenderly, then slowly begins to add percussion and acoustic guitar. Then, suddenly, the scream of an electric guitar announces the chorus. Isshi sings this much louder and in a higher range. It's a great, emotional moment. Then, another quiet verse. Nice contrast between the loud and soft in this song, and it's never melodramatic. It's also never too slow or boring; in fact, at times it sounds nothing like a ballad. The swirling vocal lines and acoustics make this truly gorgeous. I can't find anything wrong with it.
Rating: 5
5. shichigatsu nanoka
Now, we return to the lighter side of things. This is another upbeat song, but it has a... disco beat?! What the f...? Yeah, it sounds like Kagrra meets Globe. Argh. Luckily, Isshi's vocal lines are actually quite nice, and the chorus is really, really catchy. However, it's still disco. From a visual band. Someone, please kill me. I guess I should be honest; I like this song. I just wish they had left all the synthed stuff out. Also, it's really long at 5:11. Something about it is just too limp to make it a great song. But it IS a change of pace.
Rating: 3
6. bonus track
This isn't a song; it's just an instrumental with some pretty piano and an annoying new age beat. The melody from 'Oukaranaman' is repeated. That's all.
Note: I have to point out the packaging of this CD. It's a cardboard foldout, with gorgeous artwork of a smiling woman in a kimono. There are cherry blossoms all around her, and the picture takes up all four panels when you unfold the box. It's stunning. You also get a sticker. ^__^ Definitely some of the best packaging I've ever seen.