Puppet Show
When I reviewed PARADE, I said it was my favourite PuraTuri album. However, looking at the track list for this album, I see a lot of really good songs. So, I honestly don't know if this album will score better or worse than the last one. And here I thought I had it all figured out.
 Ryutarou. Give him a hug. |
1. Intro
This is a 57 second intro that mixes strange circus noises. I can't really say anything about it. It's just bizarre.
2. May Day
This song kicks ass. It's loud and has some cool guitar riffs, and features a good performance by Ryutarou. The way he says "may day" is just so strangely cute. If you didn't know, the phrase "may day" is a play on words from the French "m'aidez" which means "help me." Ryutarou always sounds like he needs help, so this definitely works. The lyrics are a bit repetitive, but it never bothers me.
Rating: 7
3. reset
The first thing that strikes me about this song is the percussion. It's quite good. The next thing is the guitar work... it's sort of chaotic. Ryutarou's voice sounds filtered and a little electronic, which is probably my favourite effect. The way he says "oh yeah" in the background makes me giggle. The chorus "bai bai zenbu RISETTO" gets stuck in my head at least once a month. This song is faster than "May Day" and sounds more complex. I think this song would have made a good single. It wasn't, was it? O_o Can't remember.
Rating: 8
4. zetsubou no oka
This song at least sounds happy. Ryutarou never sounds happy. I worry about him. The vocals are very laid back and the accompaniment almost makes me think of lounge music. Or... well, elevator music. But the guitars are nice and rock-ish. Ryutarou likes to combine such incongruous elements in his songs. Ryutarou makes nice use of his falsetto here, which is much appreciated after hearing the harder songs. Nothing else about this song is very notable, but it's a nice addition to the album. I like it. Muchly. ^_^
Rating: 8
5. gentou kikai
I just realized that these reviews are getting more and more informal. I guess I'm getting more comfortable writing them. Or I'm getting more goofy. You decide. Anyway, this is probably one of the best songs on the album. It starts with strange sound effects and violin. Yes, violin. Sadly, that disappears and is replaced by guitars and drums, only to have a full string section introduced a bit later. This is one of Rytarou's subdued, depressed vocal performances, which he excels at. Actually, he doesn't sound too depressed. This song is 7:24 long, which officially qualifies it as an epic in my book, even though it doesn't feel epic. The melody is simple and elegant, the combination of acoustic guitar and strings perfect. This is not a ballad. It's not even that slow. It's just a nice, musical journey with that odd, PuraTuri flair. The end is even a little haunting (I mean the part with the overlapping voices). 'Tarou can sound downright creepy when he wants to.
Rating: 10
6. nukegara
I once took a quiz to see which PuraTuri song I am. This is it. It begins with acoustic guitar and Ryutarou singing. He sounds so sad, like he just lost his best friend. Sad... and scared. The second verse adds percussion, but not much more. You might think, "Okay, this is pretty but boring," and then the chorus explodes, threatening to annhilate your eardrums. It's that loud. Wow. The first time I heard it, it scared me. BANG! Like that. It keeps alternating between soft and loud, sad and angry. I think this is actually my favourite song from the album. And it does describe me pretty well. Not that I have sudden mood swings or anything, but... er... *sweatdrop*
Rating: 10
7. honto no uso (true lies)
Luckily, now we have an upbeat, happy song. (Warning: Do NOT listen to PuraTuri albums when depressed.) I like this song. It moves along at a nice pace and has just enough guitars. Above average percussion, too. The chorus is the best part of the song, with 'Tarou flying through the lyrics and using his lovely falsetto. There's the first really memorable guitar solo of the album too. This track was a single, and it shows. High quality work, but not as unique as some of their other songs.
Rating: 8
8. monophobia
This is something of a signature song for Plastic Tree. Which is odd, because it is really short at only 2:23. It opens with bass and guitar that only play a few notes, and Ryutarou singing in a way that is positively scary. For the second verse, the song kicks into high gear. The chorus is a few words screamed over and over, followed by a "yeah!" Then there's a brief guitar interlude. Then an even louder verse, followed by the chorus. *rinse and repeat* Not that I hate this song, but it's really nothing special.
Rating: 6
9. cream
Another famous PuraTuri song, this one more deserving of the fame. It's a little Beatles-esque, with nice guitar riffs and 60s percussion. (Lots of tambourine, mainly.) Ryutarou stays pretty quiet and I must say, he has lovely enunciation. The chorus heightens the 60s rock feel, and at this point I start to wonder if Ryutarou is an Eric Clapton fan. You know, the title... "Cream,"... the 60s motif... or is a happy coincidence? The world may never know. I do know that it's a great song.
Rating: 10
10. sangatsu itsuka (March 5th)
We start off with almost imperceptible bass, then we get loud, pounding, BANGING guitar and percussion. This of course drops out for 'Tarou to whisper the lyrics. The verses have a little bass and some drums, but it's close to nothing. Then the pounding starts again. What annoys me about this song is the lack of a melody. The clashing guitar chords just grate on my nerves, which is sad because Ryutarou's part is so darkly beautiful. The chorus is too amelodic though, and just makes my head hurt. This, coming from a renowned head-banger. (You don't want to see me during X Japan's "X" or "Orgasm.") This is one of the few Plastic Tree songs I dislike. Oh, and it's too long.
Rating: 4.5
11. Circus
Another 7 minute song? Sheesh. This one isn't as bizarre as "Soshite Parade wa Tsuzuku" from the PARADE album. In fact, it's a nice song with softly strummed guitar chords and pretty vocals from 'Tarou. Pretty, because he sings very delicately. At times, he can be very feminine in his vocal style. This never seems like a closing track to me. It gets stronger as it goes, as if it's building up to something, but you know it can't, because it's the last song. I really love the different movements this song has, all with their own emotions and themes. Good stuff, and a nice way to close a fine album.
Rating: 9
