shiro CHRONICLE
1. Irogoto
We open PutaTuri's new album with some throbbing bass, followed shortly by the loud, fuzzy guitars that characterize much of the band's music. It's very harsh, at least until Ryutarou enters, singing in his distracted, depressed way. This song sounds a lot like something off 'Traumerei'. It doesn't ever really go anywhere, and even the chorus isn't very notable. In it's favor, there's a lot of cool sound effects going on, a nice guitar solo, and Tarou sounds better than ever. But the song just has no punch, and lasts too long. Average fare, no matter how you look at it.
Rating: 3/5
2. National Kid
Good lord, have we been invaded by Dir en Grey?! It's loud, distorted and pounding. The difference is that Tarou sounds nothing like Kyo, and the song suddenly becomes punk pop afer the first 30 seconds or so. What is going on here? It's confusing my brain. The robot-ish sounding vocals are annoying, and the muddy guitars just sound... amateurish. Thank god this is a quickie at only 3:26. Ruined a good guitar solo, too.
Rating: 1/5
3. Mizuiro Girlfriend - no edit version-
Okay, I can accept the fact that Plastic Tree is now a punk/rock-pop band. This song is actually pretty catchy after you listen to it a few times. It's a nice vocal performance by Ryutarou, and for once the guitars aren't overwhelming. The percussion is cool, if simple. I think this version is a bit faster than the original, but don't quote me on that. It's nowhere near as innovative as their work on 'puppet show' or 'parade,' but it's acceptable.
Rating: 4/5
4. Moshimo Piano ga Hiketa Nara
This was the b-side of the horrendous 'baka ni natta no ni' single. Punkish again, with those filtered vocals that permeate jrock these days. It was cool when hide did it, but can't you people think of anything else?! This song is sort of bland, with nothing interesting or unique about it. It's okay from a technical standpoint, except for the repetition... I don't hate it, but it's sub-standard fare.
Rating: 2/5
5. Sunday
What do you know, it starts off loud, just like every other song on this freaking album. Diversity, people! Then it adds keyboards and Tarou's sleepy vocals. This at least isn't a Xeroxed punk song like the others. I like the dreamy quality of Tarou's vocals, and the melody is far less predictable than the previous tracks. However, it still doesn't have a really enthralling chorus like 'sink' or 'slide' or any of their great songs. Furthermore, it doesn't make me feel anything. Well, boredom, but that doesn't count, does it?
Rating: 3/5
6. Seiza-zukuri
Too... many... cymbals! God, doesn't their drummer know how to do anything else? This is rock-pop, without the punk flair, and it seems a bit less annoying than some of the tracks. Less annoying, but equally boring. I hate albums that bore me. I'd much rather listen to something captivatingly HORRIBLE, than this repetitive, mediocre stuff. This album has no variety. I can't think of a thing to say about this song that I haven't already said.
Rating: 3/5
7. baka no natta no ni
Make it stop make it stop make it stop please god please smite me it just started and my head wants to explode lalala i'm a little teapot...
Yes, it really is this bad. I wish I was lying. The least creative, most repetitive song ever written. I hate it more everytime I hear it.
Rating: 1/5
8. Himitsu no Carnival
God, does every song on this album have to start with distorted guitars?? Just once, couldn't we have some piano, or strings, or SOMETHING ELSE? I'd even take bongo drums at this point. Tarou sings in a way that makes me think he's mimicking hide, albeit poorly. That nasal, sneering tone just doesn't work for you, Tarou. This makes me think of a Pierrot song. Except Pierrot doesn't suck, and has never written a song even half as bad as the ones on this album.
Rating: 2/5
9. Picasso-gokko
At this point, I'm only listening to about half of each track. Why? Because I value what little sanity I have. God, are they trying to sound like a metal band?? It's like Nightmare, Dir en Grey and Plastic Tree got together, had an orgy, and this is their scary mutant love-child. If you can make out Tarou's vocals through the mess of guitars, bass and percussion, good for you. Because I refuse to. Sadly, it does sound like it could have had a good melody if they hadn't obscured it behind a wall of pointless noise.
Rating: 1/5
10. Barrier
It's a fast, loud song blah blah blah rock overtones blah blah Tarou singing in a depressed way etc etc boring chorus NOTHING EVEN REMOTELY DIFFERENT ABOUT THIS TRACK!! I could be listening to the same song over and over for all I know (and care)! Blah.
Rating: 1/5
11. Saishuu Densha
Whaddya know, acoustic guitar!! And Ryutarou's voice is clear and understandable. It's a miracle! The melody is pretty, the phrasing lovely and emotional, and has a nice beat. The chorus has some nice high points, even if it doesn't build much. After 41 minutes of white noise, this song is refreshing, like a breath of cool autumn air. It's the only song on the album I would listen to on a semi-regular basis. Well, and maybe 'mizuiro girlfriend'. Overall, don't waste your money buying this album. And if you already did, all I can say is I'm sorry.
Rating: 4/5
