Asriel - unveil album review

Because of some certain circumstances, I am unable to do some things. x_x It's like an indirect way of saying, "update your blog", "make a review or something" of some sort. And so, after some thinking, I decided on making a review on Asriel's debut album unveil since I'm getting kinda addicted with their music lately and not to mention, it's my first time reviewing their works.

And so I shall start. I'm going to make this as short and precise as possible since I'm not in the mood to type novel types of reviews which are kinda long. unveil is the gothic lolita-esque duo Asriel's debut album. It was released on May 27, 2009 under 5pb. records. It was able to garner #48 in the Oricon weekly charts selling for two weeks. 2,727 first-week sales with a total of 3,301 copies sold.

1. Metamorphose
2. Kegare Naki Yume (穢れ亡き夢)
3. Sen'oku no Hoshizuku Furasu Yoru no Sora (千億の星屑降らす夜ノ空)
4. Setsugekka (雪月花) (unveil Ver.)
   
5. Gemini
6. Omoi no Kakera to Shinjiru Kakera (思いの欠片と信じる欠片)
7. Mizu no Tsukiyo (氷の月夜)
8. Hokorobishi Hana (綻びし華)
9. Nageki no Ame wo Hitoshizuku (歎きの雨を一雫)
10. Tsuioku no Chikai (追憶の誓い) (Naked JAZZ Mix)
    
11. Al meila (unveil Ver.)
12. unveil

ELISA - Rouge Adolescence album review

I've made a review on her debut album  white pulsation so why not make a review for her 2nd album Rouge Adolescence? Besides, I also promised I'd do so. :P And actually, I'm not in the mood to type very long as much as I did with Red Moon and LINKAGE but I will still make the point. ;D

Ok should I start?

1. Prologue of Rouge Adolescence
2. Wonder Wind
3. Real Force
4. Dear My Friend -Mada Minu Mirai e- (まだ見ぬ未来へ)
5. Snowy Bell
6. Rinrinto (凛々と)
7. Absolute Perfection (Interlude)
8. Waterland
9. Seihitsu no Prophesia (聖櫃のプロフェシア)
10. Absolute Perfection
11. Itsukushimi no Bolero (慈しみのボレロ)
12. Epilogue of Rouge Adolescence

Mami Kawada - LINKAGE review

Okay so after a month and a half of listening to Mami Kawada's latest album entitled LINKAGE, I think I'm ready enough to give words about each songs on it. But just like what I've said I can't promise that the Mami-fanboy inside of me will be too bias for this review. ;p haha. Just kidding. I'll do my best to review this one.

1. succession

2. CLIMAX

3. PSI-missing

4. TOY

5. Kotoba, Kokoro no Koe (言葉、心の声)

6. Prophecy

7. in answer

8. masterpiece

9. Awareness (アウェアネス)

10. linkage

11. Mirai no Tsubu ~I'm formed~ (未来の粒 ～I'm formed～)

12. All in good time

13. DREAMS

Kalafina - Red Moon album review

Remember this long review? I don't suppose I could write something like that since this isn't the first time I'm reviewing a Kalafina album and I don't think I'd making some intro or refreshers that much. But I would like to note that it has been awhile since the last time I reviewed their release.

So should I start? Then go right ahead.

1. red moon
2. 光の旋律 (Hikari no Senritsu)
3. テトテトメトメ (TE TO TE TO ME TO ME)
4. fantasia
5. 春は黄金の夢の中 (Haru wa Koganei no Yume no Naka)
6. Kyrie
7. 闇の唄 (Yami no Uta)
8. 星の謡 (Hoshi no Utai)
9. storia
10. intermezzo
11. progressive
12. Lacrimosa
13. I have a dream

[2009.03.04] Kalafina - seventh heaven album review

Wow, I had all the time to make a review today! And I was already planning to make a review on this album after a week of its release but I was kinda busy w/ school life back then. And it is never too late to make a review, isn't it? :D

Seventh Heaven is the debut album of the J-pop group, Kalafina -- an all girl-group project by the famous musician, Yuki Kajiura -- and thus, makes her the over-all producer, composer, arranger, lyricist of this album. If you already have a background of what Kajiura's work has been way back (like her tandem w/ J-pop singer Chiaki Ishikawa to form the group and performed several songs for the famous anime series Gundam Seed and Gundam Seed Destiny, and her BGM works for Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle, .hack//series w/ the exemption of .hack//Roots since ALI PROJECT did the music scores for its OST of the said anime series), then probably you'll said to yourself, "Wow! It has been a while nee? This 44-y/o talented composer has done a lot since 1992!"

Exactly. This album has nothing but very much innovation of what Kajiura has done for almost 2 decades. And making this group, is very much of an advantage since Kalafina is composed of singers she had worked before (except for Hikaru and Maya) plus their voice are so fluid and it goes smoothly into your ears. And before I proceed to the review proper, for those who are not familiar w/ Kalafina, just like what I've said, it is composed of singers whom Kajiura worked before for making OST's for making anime. At the release of their 1st single oblivious, the group has only composed of:

Wakana Ootaki -- or much known as FictionJunction WAKANA
Keiko Kubota -- FictionJunction KEIKO

Their persona was, at first, hidden until the release of their 2nd single sprinter/ARIA, They were revealed and Kajiura has already recruited two more singers (by helding an Audition together w/ Sony Music way back May 2008) Hikaru and Maya, although the latter was just a "seasonal singer" and only appeared on their 2nd single.

And the final members of Kalafina are: Wakana (left in the pic above), Keiko (center) and Hikaru (right). Sorry for the long intro but the review proper will be after.

------

Just like what I've said, Seventh Heaven, is the debut album of Kalafina, which was released on March 4, 2009 together with their fourth single, Lacrimosa -- in turn was used as the 2nd ending theme for the anime series Kuroshitsuji. The album peaked at #8 in the Oricon weekly charts and charted for 12 weeks, selling a good 34,668 copies. The single contains 6 new songs including the 7th ending theme to the OVA series Kara no Kyoukai, which is the titular track, seventh heaven. And their 1st-3rd single, including all the other songs containing in those singles are also included! So if you wanted to try out this group, you better start off w/ this album. Try out the album here.

Tracklisting:

1. overture
2. oblivious (1st single - Kara no Kyoukai 1st ED)
3. love come down
4. Natsu no Ringo
5. fairytale (3rd single - Kara no Kyoukai 6th ED)
6. ARIA (2nd single - Kara no Kyoukai 4th ED)
7. Mata Kaze ga Tsuyoku Natta
8. Kizuato (contained in 1st single - Kara no Kyoukai 3rd ED)
9. serenato
10. Ongaku
11. Ashita no Keshiki
12. sprinter (2nd single - Kara no Kyoukai 5th ED)
13. Kimi ga Hikari ni Kaete Yuku (contained in 1st single - Kara no Kyoukai 2nd ED)
14. seventh heaven (Kara no Kyoukai 7th ED)

When I saw the album cover for the first time, it was so... black and elegant with those bright colors combined. I'd never thought those combination were really something appealing to the naked eye. Plus their outfit are very classy. But if you look into its content, it's very much broad really. Know why? Because the album itself explores many genres, as Kajiura herself is a music enthusiast. But of course, their main genre ethereal wave, is very much prominent with dark aura touches as well.

The album is also influential on the techno, rock, ballad side w/ ethereal wave combined in them. Starting off w/ an overture which serves as an intro to the album -- it lingers very much on the mid-dark sounding synthesizers which is some sort of a reminiscence of the sounds in their mini-album Re/oblivious, plus some faint voice provided by none other Wakana.

After that put-up-the-ethereal-mood intro, booms an ethereal techno track which is most probably the star of the album oblivious, since the said song/single is considered the Kalafina's most selling and successful single. Starts off w/ an eerie-sounding chant (in w/c of course, Kajiura provided), after a while Wakana's voice fills up the into the spotlight together w/ light electric guitar riffs and techno elements making it a danceable track. Wakana and Keiko's voice makes up a great combination especially on this song.

Right after the filling track comes another techno-filled song love come down, after lingering in the dark paradise of oblivious, which makes it a very refreshing track. I certainly recommend this track because of its light-sounding greatness. Plus, the violin and electric guitar (in some parts of the songs) are pure win. With the presence of the new singer Hikaru together w/ the veterans, Wakana and Keiko, it strongly fills up the techno-dance hunger.

What comes after the lively tracks are among the cheesy songs of the album entitled Natsu no Ringo follows up the memorable ethereal ballad fairytale and the dark-ambient midtempo ballad ARIA. I can't really say much about the first ballad track because I don't listen much to it as like the other ones -- I mean it's good but it's gotta be one of the most non-listened tracks because it doesn't sound strong. And like any album, this one's not perfect and it has this flaw.

While fairytale is very serene-sounding and flashes some sad memories, it is still worth listening because Keiko's voice is very attractive here although she has a really deep voice. Can you imagine that thee most prettiest girl of Kalafina having this deep voice?! But it surely is different and makes her unique in such a way, you'll really remember her. While ARIA is one of the interesting ballad among them, it brushes up on the dark side of the story because of the synths Kajiura used on arranging this song. Another factor is that the veterans Wakana and Keiko fills up the chanting process while new singer Hikaru provides the main vocal this time.

And after a pre-emptive ballad hunger, comes a noisy track Mata Kaze ga Tsuyoku Natta. I don't know why but I just realized that woman composers and arrangers a bit fond of making the electric guitar messy-sounding rather than the guys. :P But even though that's the case, the hard-rock attempt was quite successful because it still maintains the dark ethereal feel. The song itself sound "united" and a bit mysterious because of the strings of cello.

After a rock performance, comes downbeat songs again and one of the lovable ballads Kizuato and serenato. What I really like about these ballads are not because they're emotional and whatsoever but because you'll know that it's a "vocal talent" once you heard it. Especially Kizuato which I really felt the sorrowfulness of Wakana's voice when singing the track.

Then the last dark-techno song of the album comes with Ongaku which is kinda unexpected. I was kinda expecting it'll be some sorts of a capella song since it's Ongaku which means "Music". It's not just lively but it's very "speedy" meaning it's a bit faster than the first two techno tracks. And what I love about this song is that Keiko is the main vocal here!! o,o She seldomly gets the main vocal because of her deep voice but I'm glad they gave her a chance to do one, at least here in the album.

Ashita no Keshiki is one of their better ballads as well. Although it kinda portray a sad scenery of tomorrow but it's also a heartfelt piece. sprinter is another rock track from Kalafina and is also considered one of the star tracks of the album because they all sound united with the song because the rock goodness goes with their awesome voices. It's kinda dramatic in a way, but it's much more of a "gratitude" feel song.

And here we go to the last two tracks of the album which ranges from slow to midtempo ballad. And I have to admit that it took me A LOT of listening for me to appreciate these songs because I just realized it's a standard Yuki Kajiura trademark already. It's like no ballad equals boring. XD But really Kimi ga Hikari ni Kaete Yuku is also real vocal talent -- because even if the sounds are a bit faint, yet Wakana and Keiko's voice are the real highlights of the song. Same with seventh heaven -- although the difference is that Hikaru is with them plus the 1:43 part onwards of the song is indeed its strongest part because after a mediocre intro, Hikaru lightens up the 1:43 part while Wakana does the highest part of the song which sounds very lovely.

Overall, 5/5 -- although I did not really give this rating on first try but after a couple of tries, I've began to love the album. And even with flaws, it does deserve to have a high rating like this. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED and another masterpiece crafted by Yuki Kajiura.

[2008.07.23] Sachi Tainaka - Mou Kiss Sarechatta single review

As much as I know I haven't made a review on this one. Listening to "Nettaiya", one of the single's B-side song, sort of, inspired me to do one. Although it's already late. XDD

But this update, it's never going to be late but *whispers* Sachi Tainaka will be having her 9th single released on October 22, 2008. As of now, there is still no title but this sure is good news *end whispering*

Mou Kiss Sarechatta is Sachi Tainaka's 8th single released on July 23, 2008 under Sistus Records, of course. Yes, I was, as usual, about this because it will be a new non-album single after her sloppy Visit of love. And this is her first cover single (The title track and the other B-side, Ai ga Areba Daijoubu are both Koumi Hirose cover song) to begin with so I think it'll be something a bit big (bigger than Visit of love but not as big as her successful disillusion). The single itself peaked at #58 in the Oricon weekly and charted 2 weeks so I'm not assuming it even reached 4,000 copies sold.

Tracklisting:

1. Mou Kiss Sarechatta (4:59)
2. Nettaiya (4:48)
3. Ai ga Areba Daijoubu (5:26)
4. Mou Kiss Sarechatta -instrumental- (4:58)
5. Nettaiya -instrumental- (4:46)
   

Hell yeah, this girl needs some rock so this single really "fulfilled" the need for it... Not until I heard the full version of the song in her main website. I gasped and said "oh-oh..." (again) because it's indeed rock-ish and cheerful but if not bland like Lipstick, this one is too saccharine for my taste... Even the title itself is saccharine, You've Kissed Me Too Much or so... But the percussion and the arrangement itself is good -- not bad but there comes a part that made it too sweety and bland that it sounded a bit like Lipstick. As much as I don't want to say this but this first cover song is a disappointment because it doesn't even portray the singer's persona. Well that's for me. She's not sweet in song writing but rather inspirational... And that's much better than just being plain sweet.

But on the other side of this single, comes Nettaiya (Tropical Night) which is the asset of this single. FYI, this is the only original song in the single which means Sachi Tainaka can really stand on her own feet that she doesn't really need to cover any original songs in the future. If only she could come up with songs like this in her future releases, it will be one of her best performance. Much more poppish but it's more exotic in melody and beat. You can feel the melancholic emotions expressed by Tainaka on this song. I may not know the meaning but I can sense it just by hearing this song. May be generic on other people but how Tainaka expressed and sang this piece with her vocals is much more distinct which makes it real different from her other songs. And is indeed tropical because it's "light-hearted" just like what I always express on some other songs. Piano, guitars and simple percussions are the instruments used on this song but it overtakes the supposed-to-be powerful A-side cover song.

Ai ga Areba Daijoubu must be one of the most boring song she ever pulled that it didn't really suit my taste. An acoustic performance much similar to her previous B-side song With ~Harunatsu Akifuyu but the latter was much much more memorable and uplifting. It's not even comparable to her most powerful ballad Ichiban Boshi (which I appreciate more right now than when I made the review for the said single). If you think Nettaiya was generic, much more on this one that's why sometimes I just pretend this one never appeared on my playlist. I'm not saying much on this one because I don't really hate this but I'm not liking it even one bit.

Overall, 3/5.

[2008.07.23] RYTHEM - Love Call/Akari no Arika single review

Yes, it has been months since the release of this floppy collaboration single isn't it? Yes, I'm such a dope because of this indolence inside me, I wasn't able to give a review a week after it's release. Ah well at least, it already stopped charting in the Oricon weekly so it's still kinda advantageous... in some sort of way. ~_~

Tracklisting:

1. Love Call (5:22)
   
2. Akari no Arika (4:05)
   
3. Love Call -instrumental- (5:22)
   
4. Akari no Arika -instrumental- (4:04)
   

Okay, this is RYTHEM's 15th single (16th overall, including their digital single Bitter & Sweet) and their first collaboration single (with a J-hip-hop group called Kimaguren) but this is still released under SMEJ. This single reached #30 in the Oricon weekly charts with total first week sales of 3,678 copies (too few for a 30th position IMO) and charted for a total of 3 weeks so I didn't bet that this one would sell 10,000 copies but only about 7,000 or even fewer because of the decline in single/album sales nowadays. Both A-side songs have drama tie-ins, the former is in a drama called Sukkiri! (which is their 3nd tie-in with the drama after their Negai single way back 2 years ago) and the latter with Hisho no Kagami.

When I first heard that RYTHEM will be having a collaboration single, I got really REAL excited but when I happened to know that they will be collaborating with a hip-hop/R&B group, I'd lost hope with it. Why? Because the duo isn't meant to do rap and hip-hop-py styles and stuffs, not just that I HATE (yes, hate) that genre. They are much more suited into their genre, medium ballad to cheerfully light-hearted melodies just like Harmonia, which the latter A-side is. I didn't expect much since they released a low-quality full version of Love Call in their main website.

I'm not saying the song itself is gross, uncute, and unbearable to hear but it's somewhat dull and kinda boring if you ask me. Just the wrong combo of artist collab and synths/beats. With the R&B-ish intro, it could really attract but when the duo started singing, it was kinda, "oh no..." for me. Its slow beat and unattractive beats started attacking out my eardrums. So much uninspiring... Maybe Kimaguren's up for this style but not RYTHEM. So much for trying out new style, it's not really all that credible and let out the true RYTHEM. I just pretended the track didn't appear on the tracklisting (but it's not all that real! *major bricking*) What's worse is it's longer than the true star of the single so I had to bear and grit out my teeth just to get through since I won't be able to describe the feeling if I won't be listening and close my mind to this song. It's still decent music after all.

Well after this long track, I can break free again and listen to the one of the most nicest, illustrative, relaxing piece of music RYTHEM have ever pulled out in aeons. Akari no Arika is the only "RYTHEM-only" song (Love Call is the only one with Kimaguren so feel free to break free like what I did! ^__^) in this single and just by hearing the intro (in one of my posts), I'd say it's the only one who has an interesting "ring" on it, isn't it? The song itself is poppish and yet (for me) it displays a lot of happiness and creativeness within the song. Whenever I listen to this song, it feels like I'm driving in a peaceful province adorned with beautiful garden wherein you can relax, enjoy and cherish your surroundings. It may not be interpreted in the lyrics but that's the one that I fantasize while going through over the song. Plus the cheerful and great combo of YUI and YUKA's voice is also present (which isn't in the former song). Just gotta love their cheerful and overflowing voice ever since Harmonia! XDDD~ And it even has a faster tempo! The guitar beats and the melody is truthfully amazing.

Overall, I'll grade this 3.5/5 since I didn't really like Love Call but the other powerful A-side overpowered it. 8D

Visit of love - single review

sentiment: a bit sleepy
harmony: "DROWNING" by MOMO

No good! I'm gonna fall fast asleep again and I'm feeling it now. *yawns* So bored so I'm just going to make a review before I go to slumber proper.

Visit of love is the 7th single of the J-pop singer Sachi Tainaka under the Sistus Records label. And yes I just notice that Sistus people like to release album after 3 single releases and releasing it exactly two weeks after the release of latest single. *is not connected but it's an observation* As always, I'm not just making reviews and stuffs. xD Anyway, the title track was used as a theme song for some entertainment channel in Japan called "Prin-ce" and I don't have any idea what program is that. Overall, this is Tainaka's 2nd single tie-in with both Prin-ce and PERSONA respectively with the B-side With ~Harunatsu Akifuyu used as an insert song for the latter since her previous single Lipstick/Ichiban Boshi was also used for both.

Tracklisting:

1. Visit of love (4:23)
2. With ~Harunatsu Akifuyu (4:34)
3. Visit of love -instrumental-
4. With ~Harunatsu Akifuyu -instrumental-

And now going on to the critic proper, but you know what I'm going to say first? I'm not that much impressed with this single... Nothing much interested and I prefer Lipstick/Ichiban Boshi single more than this. Aitai yo./Kimi to no Ashita was even more phenomenal and exuberant even without the Fate/stay night tie-in.

Visit of love is something very experimental for Sachi. I couldn't felt the "Sachi Tainaka" that I have known with this song. It's so differently different and definitely not that memorable. I'd prefer Kirameku Namida wa Hoshi ni over this even though I didn't really like this song (and it happened to be her most successful single to date! Talk about uncommon tastes. 0.o) Low and weird synths as well. With some bits of jazz with the trumpets (like in Lipstick) but not too loud and has a very low aura which makes it not very special. Ranges from low-medium beat and I can't imagine how the dancers (in the PV) could dance such song. But despite all of this, I can still appreciate her voice because it is powerful as ever but not as powerful with Saikou no Kataomoi. And another thing, voice is powerful but is not much coordinated with the song. I mean Sachi could have done a better song than this and it really makes me want to freak out! Yes, for the first time! I appreciate despised a song from her!

With ~Harunatsu Akifuyu (eng. With ~Spring Summer Autumn Winter) is another ballad again but this time, it's very different from any of her power ballad. Instead of piano only, there is also guitar which makes it half-acoustic. IMO, this is more interesting than the first song although this is the B-side. o_o Not as dramatic and emotional than Ichiban Boshi, this light ballad is more likeable because it is simple at its best. This type of song when combined with Sachi's power vocals, it makes a more comfortable ambiance to your surroundings. Much much more relaxing and "down-to-earth" if I should say it.

Overall, I rate it 3.5/5. I can't comment anymore but I'll look forward to Love is.... I hope the new songs are much more win. ^_^

*more yawns* I'm really getting sleepy. Oh well it's already 2:47am here in my watch so I'd better doze off to lalala-land so I could wake up with no difficulty later nee?

01/23/08 - Visit of love

sentiment: excited
harmony: "Precious" by Mami Kawada

Ahh finally the covers are already available. Courtesy of her website. The covers are simple yet her face is outstanding... She still resembles BoA and her face is much alike from the cover of her previous single Lipstick/Ichiban Boshi. Scheduled to be released on January 23, 2008 and her 2nd album Love is... will be released two weeks after (February 13, 2008). Album cover is not up yet. Will post here if it's already up. The tracklisting:

1. Visit of love
2. With ～春夏秋冬 (With ～Shunkashuutou, eng. With ～Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter)
3. Visit of love -instrumental-
4. With ～春夏秋冬 -instrumental-

Well Visit of love isn't your most upbeat song track but surprisingly Sachi has been trying on different genres. As much as I want to record the preview in her website, it seems that the video preview is slow and not compatible with my computer but I watched a few. And I saw she was dancing with the other people there... And from what I hear (in the preview), it's a lightly upbeat song. Not something delightful to look forward but I think it'll grow up on me once I hear the long version.

Still looking forward for this single and the upcoming album. When I got the chance, I will post the preview.. ^^,

2007 Year Evaluation (JPop Edition)

sentiment: fine
harmony: "philosophy -Proto type mix-" by KOTOKO

Ahh, at last I'm still able to catch up although it'll only be 1 1/3 hrs. before year 2008 will make its way here in the Philippines. After evaluating my ups and downs for this year last night, I decided to make one evaluation for J-pop artists that I like. Not really more on evaluation but more on their performance lately and what I will be looking forward to them. Ok let's start...

• KOTOKO - Well can't say much about her for this year because she really did well this 2007 compared to her other co-I've Sound members. Although her first 2007 single (Kirei na Senritsu) didn't do that well but nonetheless the following releases are much more memorable. And what can I say she's very in-demand for eroge makers to perform theme songs. Awesome... What I'm looking forward to her? Nothing much since she is really doing very well since she's the most famous of all I've Girls.
• Mami Kawada - What can I say about my most fave I've Sound singer? Well I must say that this has been a bit tough for her because most of her first 2007 single (Akai Namida/Beehive) didn't do that good as well in terms of Oricon chart position and total sales and her following single as well (Get my way!) which is considered her least successful single. But at the same time, an opportunity because she was in hiatus for 1 year in single making. Her second single was released 2005 and it was a good year and a half after the release of her third single. Her eroge theme songs this year were not memorable as well. I admit I didn't like seduce because whenever I listen to that song, it gives me the headaches. For our days and return to that place are much more likeable although very downbeat. But with her 5th single JOINT, she rose again and even hitted the 9th spot in the Oricon (first time in her history)! Huwaaaw! So I'll be looking forward for more rock songs and good techno beat like The Maze. I'll be expecting you'll release your second album this coming year! XP
• MELL - oh yeah at first I just kind of "snobbed" her name because I was concentrating with KOTOKO and Mami back then but when I first heard her Red fraction, it was like "OMFG, this is really great!!! MELL... I like her!! I must download more from her!!!" Haha! Why do I like her? Simply because she has this "distinct" style that makes her different from her co-I've Sound members and other J-pop singers. She has this irresistible charm on her that I can't let her go. xD Specially when I heard no vain, I've said to myself, "I love it! Even if it's PV was the great Madonna strip-off". I'm looking forward for more awesome beats like the two song mentioned. I didn't like Virgin's high! that much but I like kicks!.
• Eiko Shimamiya - nowadays I have been attached with her songs... I didn't find it usual because in the past, I just listen to Naraku no Hana and Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (and it's B-side all alone). But when I started to listen to her ULYSSES, VANILLA, Sukarabe no Inori and the other songs from the ULYSSES mini-album, VANILLA mini-album and her other eroge theme songs, I like her bit by bit but still no one beats Naraku no Hana because it's an epic win with its horrific surround sound combined with techno-ish sounds and confusing chants equals great music! What I'm mostly looking forward is her upcoming song WHEEL OF FORTUNE and Diorama which will be the opening and ending theme for Higurashi no Naku Koro ni live-action movie.
• Kaori Utatsuki - nothing much although I admit she's my least fave I've Sound singer but one thing I'm looking forward to her: Can you please try perform songs that are not fluffy cute just this once? Your two first singles with Geneon are declining sales... So can you please try another genre aside from denpa and cute, fluffy songs? xD But I like her voice... so little and uhm..cute? xP
• Rie fu - although she's kind of, in the low-state of popularity, I still like her and her songs. Keep your style and I'll be looking forward for more folk rock music! ^_^ If I were to meet you in person, I'd like to take her autograph! Haha! I just love her smooth and low voice specially in ballads like Life is like a boat, Anata ga Koko ni Iru Riyuu, and Negaigoto. Keep it up!
• Sachi Tainaka - sort of similar to Rie fu's state of popularity among J-pop fans, no one can still bit her 3-octave voice range for me specially from her Saikou no Kataomoi! Even without the Fate/stay night tie-ins, your powerful voice is still one of a kind! And your popular for me! xP I'll be looking forward to your Visit of love single and Love is... album! ^_^
• Jyukai - although even facing more of Rie fu and Sachi Tainaka's state, I'll always be a fan of Jyukai and their music. Imagine they can still manage to make fantastic music even if it's just Manami and Yoshiaki Dewa. Maybe the lack of promotions is the reason why others don't recognize them. But whatever happens, keep it up because for me, this band really rocks and does their job really well. ^_^
• eufonius - So when did I start liking this duo? Oh yes, it was still when I was watching Shinkyoku Soukai Polyphonica! I remembered I was addicted with Apocrypha at some extent. xD I also like their Mag Mell but my favorite version is the cuckool mix 2007, the one used in the Clannad anime. Riya's voice is so crystal clear and amazing that I love it! I also like Idea and Himawari... xD I'm looking forward to more amazing music and their upcoming single Reflectia.
• Hitomi Takahashi - Yes I like Hitomi Takahashi but as her image began changing, my likeness began fading a bit. I like her since her debut single Bokutachi no Yukue but she go towards the punk rock genre, I didn't bothered that much as I'm not the biggest punk rock fan. How I wish she could go back to Bokutachi no Yukue, evergreen, Aozora no Namida days where she is more of pop-rockish. But I still like appreciate her Bamboo Collage album but not as I love her symphathy album. I'm still looking forward that she could go back from pop-rock.
• YUI - oh she's famous as ever. She's an exemption from the mainstream because she's simply amazing even with a small yet high voice. Starting from LIFE single, I loved her ever since and decided to complete her discography (and I had ever since). I'm looking forward for more awesome rockish songs because I must admit I didn't like LOVE & TRUTH (but I like the B-side Jam).
• MOMO - I wish she'll have a single of her own this year! Because I love her low yet smooth voice. If you listened to Velocity of sound already, you'll know what I mean. x3 I'm looking forward on having her back with I've since her latest song Cherish is connected with I've Sound although she already left the group almost two years ago.
• Fonogenico - I loved them since their debut single Reason. I like how poppish and jazzy (some) their songs are. I'm looking forward for a more refreshing jazzy track just like their Rhythm. That is one epic win song! :D

Real Onigokko single review

You might be wondering why I'm still not making its review noh?

Actually, I already made a review... check it here. ^__^

Real Onigokko single review

Oh and before I forgot, I made a siggy out of the scans. x) it's not as great as the other professional's work but it's a product of hard work. xD

Ai no Hoshi/Hanamuke no Melody

sentiment: fine
harmony: "Ai no Hoshi" by Jyukai

Finally, I had the time to review this single. I wanted do this ASAP but I didn't have the time lately. I'm very busy with my life these past few days so I didn't have much time for blogging and reviewing. And I know, I'm a bit too late to make this review since this was released a good two weeks ago. Anyway, another revelation, this is my first time reviewing a Jyukai single. Maybe I'll be doing a "catch-up" review for their Wild flower album when I have the time but it'll be posted in my multiply.

Getting into the review proper...

I. Introduction

Ai no Hoshi/Hanamuke Melody (Star of Love/Farewell Gift Melody in English) is Jyukai's 6th single under Sistus Records (same as Sachi Tainaka) which is a subsidiary of Geneon. The title track was used as the theme song (both opening and ending theme respectively) for the Ah! My Goddess Tatakau Tsubasa, an OAV. I didn't know much for the anime (as I'm not a big fan of Ah! My Goddess) but surely this is the second tie-in of Jyukai to this anime (The first was Koibito Doushi, their second single which was used as the 2nd ending theme for Ah! My Goddess Sorezore no Tsubasa and a personal favorite although it didn't do quite good in the Oricon). And correct me if I'm wrong but this is the first single that Jyukai had 5 tracks on it since there are two B-side songs. I absolutely love the cover... they love (take note, LOVE!) photographing to lovely sceneries. Wait till you see the harvest album cover! That is totally love! I'll be reviewing that album later. ^_^ And just by looking at Manami's outfit in the cover, it must've been very chilly there with the jacket and bonnet but I totally like her outfit. It really fits her.

Tracklisting:

1. Ai no Hoshi - 4:01
2. Hanamuke no Melody - 4:25
3. Kaerimichi - 2:57
4. Ai no Hoshi (Instrumental) - 4:00
5. Hanamuke no Melody (Instrumental) - 4:24

II. Review Proper

Sorry, I have to skip the listening proper, I didn't have much time to upload them in my eSnips *gets banged*. For multiply readers, lucky you, I'll be uploading them in my Jyukai playlist maybe this weekend haha! But I bet the readers of this review already have a copy of this single. *sobs* Anyway...

Ai no Hoshi, I'm loving it!!! I'm so in love with this song!! o__O Jyukai rocks my socks for this one! Why does Yoshiaki and Manami continues to amaze my taste? Oh well, they really are talented for me. One of the most superb song that they composed this year IMO. So great you'll repeat it more than thrice. XD Starts with the guitar beats and xylophone (I think) then after 5 seconds, it turns out to be a very rockin' soft rock track. Manami's smooth voice blend well throughout the song specially in the chorus. And there are whistle-like sounds in the beginning part and after the first chorus part which makes it groovy. Beats of drum and electric guitar - at its best, usual. Yoshiaki Dewa always does the great things when it comes to win soft rock songs. The only unsatisfactory part of the song is its ending. It's like it just ended because it already needs to. But nonetheless, I still love the song. A refresher song beneath the downbeats, wait till you hear the next tracks, you'll surely fell asleep if you're not a ballad appreciator, that is.

Hanamuke no Melody, on the other hand, relaxes your adrenalin after hearing a very upbeat track which is mostly the case in the usual singles. IMO, there are only few singles wherein the A and B side songs are both upbeat. Much alike from their Komoriuta and Hoshi Akari songs as it shows the mellow and romantic side of the anime series, which an ending theme usually does. Starts off with a guitar (again) then starts off Manami's stimulating mellow voice then at the chorus, it becomes soft rock at its downbeat side.

Kaerimichi is a piano-only ballad. This is much more boring than the previous one yet I still appreciate this touching song. This is the first time that I heard Jyukai having a piano-only ballad but it's not half bad. I like how the piano was played plus with Minami's singing voice. It's still something I can appreciate but I still prefer Ai no Hoshi. And I'd say, this is one of Jyukai shortest song in history -- 2:57

Overall, I'd rate this a 4/5. I like the single! Much more better than the Hoshi Akari and Sakasete wa Ikenai Hana single.

Kaori Utatsuki - "Chasse" single review

sentiment: on la-la-land... x_X
harmony: "Chasse" by Kaori Utatsuki

At last, Chasse is now available! I was waiting for it last night until midnight but my source was kind of... lacking for now... XD Oh well, at least I already have the single now. Starting from this review, I will be having some sorta "article" format so that it will be "organized" to all readers! ;)

I. Brief Introduction

Chasse is Kaori Utatsuki's 2nd maxi single (yes, just second) produced by I've Sound and Geneon Entertainment. I had the impression that Chasse was a dance but when you heard the song, your foot will lay back from its dancing position and instead, just relax while listening to the song. The title track was used as the 3rd ending theme for the recently-released anime Hayate no Gotoku! or Hayate the Combat Butler in English (let's be formal with the universal language). According to aibublog, Chasse means "drive out" but still the DANSU (katakana spell for "dance") is still present in the lyrics. So, drive out + dance = ??? O_O;;

Here's the tracklist:

1. Chasse -- 3:45
2. Change of heart -- 5:12
3. Chasse (instrumental) -- 3:45
4. Change of heart (instrumental) -- 5:11

II. Listening Proper

Powered by eSnips.com III. Review Proper Chasse is uhmm... How should I say this? Relaxing? "LSS-ing"? Mind killer? Well, all of them actually do. If it wasn't for the "runrunrun rara runrun ruru" fever, it's not going to be something any special for my taste and hearing. Another of Kaorin's "cute fluffy" song (since it's kind of her "specialty" already) that will surely kill your mind and your vocal will go "runrunrun rara runrun ruru" without you noticing it. No kidding, it's killing my head right now -- almost. xD And with Kaorin's small and a bit squeaky voice, it even makes the whole song a lot more kawaii than her other H-game songs and her debut single Shining stars bless. Hearing this song, just like when my imouto Nikki-chan heard it's TV size, it's like a very cute yet relaxing song that it'll take you back to your childhood times! Yes, this song is pretty good to listen to when you are stressed out and relaxing somewhere. The song starts with a "sprinkly" feeling then she starts her "runrunrun rara runrun ruru" lines. Like what I've said in my earlier posts, it is a very downbeat and slow-paced song and yet it maintains it kawaiiness until the end of the song. Kazuya Takase, who has not regain his "honour" for composing rather unattractive songs lately, did a good (take note, good! Not great.) job on this song partly and slowly regaining his name after his composition in one of Mami Kawada's songs entitled triangle (B-side from JOINT single and the ending theme for Shakugan no Shana II) which was good and soft to the ears. In 2:25, there's a bit long instrumental part and it's a very soothing to the ears. I like the instruments used in the song which makes you more relaxed. On the other hand, the B-side song Change of heart is a fairly upbeat song. Yes, it's a bit contrary to the previous song. Upbeat yet still maintaning the softness in the ears. At least, Maiko Iuchi did a good job on this as the composer and arranger of the song. I'd totally prefer this rather than the messy Virgin's high! (by MELL) and Kaorin's sleazy debut single Shining stars bless. A bit techno-ish in the start and has a faster rhythm than Chasse. And this song, maybe is one of Kaorin's masterpiece not because it's pretty good but because, as I see it, it's her first song that she wrote the lyrics for herself. I thought she'll depend again to KOTOKO for the lyrics but she just shown in this song that she can also be a lyricist and singer at the same time. And she has a good English in the lyrics (the way she speaks it, it's average. Not good, not bad), not much of a cliche unlike the one in MELL's Virgin's high and kicks! lyrics (e.g. Please call me maiden, sky girls. Rising crazy? and My name is pain.)

Overall, this single is much more better than her last single which was a bit sick-o because Shining stars bless was not kawaii and not that good and it's like the guitar in the PV was just a prop. Why play the guitar when I can't hear it in the whole song? I can hear but it's just faint and only on some parts of the song. Chasse was delightful and refreshing. I prefer it more than her Change of heart despite of its soft upbeatness but the lyrics of Chasse is more attractive and good to the ears. ^_^ I'd rate it 4.5/5.

Lipstick/Ichiban Boshi

sentiment: great!
harmony: "Lipstick" by Sachi Tainaka

Now what do we have here? It'll be the first time I'll be making a review for Sachi Tainaka's single... haha! Well, I wasn't able to do some reviewing with her Itoshii Hito e single because I don't know what to say about the single. It was extremely good even if it didn't do a good job in the Oricon. If you must know, it only reached #67 with only approximately 2,000 copies sold. Oh such a letdown but I still like the single. The cover was hot and superb and I don't know why it didn't touched the hearts of the listeners. Or maybe because it was a very sad song... but it's B-side Begin was pretty good! A sort of rock and roll with the combination of her oh-so-powerful vocals.

And now moving into the review proper, Lipstick/Ichiban Boshi is Sachi Tainaka's 6th maxi single under Sistus Records (a subsidiary of Geneon Entertainment). Songs and lyrics are all produced by Sachi Tainaka herself (which is a great thing because she really never fails to amaze with her music writing and composing skills). Ichiban Boshi was used as the theme song for the J-movie entitled Persona. Here's the tracklisting for the single:

1. Lipstick (4:45)
2. Ichiban Boshi (4:50)
3. Lipstick -instrumental- (4:43)
4. Ichiban Boshi -instrumental- (4:48)

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Lipstick is I think one of Sachi Tainaka's upbeat songs that has a really nice tune. And another point, I think this is one of her singles in which the A-side song is not a ballad compared to her last singles Saikou no Kataomoi, Aitai yo./Kimi to no Ashita, and Itoshii Hito e which are all ballad but the corresponding B-side songs are upbeat (except for Aitai yo./Kimi to no Ashita since this is a double-A single) and most likely perky. This song has the mixture of ska (because of the trumpets) and rock which is a good combination, IMO. It's kind of similar to Hitomi Shimatani's summer-ish single Neva Eva and it's a little perky as well. The song starts with a very dramatic matter but after a couple of seconds, it changes your mood into a very different and complex way. Then the next few lines, it will be slow and a bit dull but before the chorus starts, it will give you a thrill because Sachi's voice will be powerful again and will give a supreme feeling overall.

Ichiban Boshi, on the other hand, is actually what I have been expecting -- B-A-L-L-A-D. Of course, it'll have a ballad song because IMO, this is where Sachi is good at. And with her high-pitched and powerful voice, it blends well with any ballad but I still prefer Lipstick over this. With the usual blend of power ballad, it has a natural sad tone and an "almost-crying" voice of Sachi similar to her Aitai yo. song but I like the latter more. Not that very special, I should say but still a good performance, I should say. Tis just making my day, a little dull and emo so I'd still go for Lipstick!

Overall, I can rate this single a 4/5 score because I really like Lipstick very much and a bit let down with Ichiban Boshi.

JOINT single review

sentiment: *oh sweet joy~*
harmony: "JOINT" by Mami Kawada

At last!! I'm early as usual... I already have the JOINT single early. xD Well now, I have to thank minglong for posting it into her nipponsei website. ^_^ you rock! xD

Now getting into the review proper, JOINT is Mami Kawada's 5th maxi single under Geneon Entertainment and produced by I've Sound. The title track was used as the opening theme to the *ehem* anime series used here in my current blog layout, Shakugan no Shana II (Shana of the Burning Eyes) while the B-side triangle is the ending theme. Here's the tracklisting:

1. JOINT (4:01)
   
2. triangle (4:50)
   
3. JOINT -instrumental- (4:01)
   
4. triangle -instrumental- (4:48)
   
   
   

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JOINT, as we all know, is an electronic-rock style. Yes, it's rock indeed but there are still hints of techno in it which is the nature of the songs produced by I've Sound. It's actually cooler and more rocking taste compared to Get my way! which is also rock but has "summery" taste on it. Since it's scheduled to release on halloween, they made the single cover resemble a "gothic" taste (not pure but you can tell on Kawada's clothes). This song was composed by none other than the great Tomoyuki Nakazawa and arranged by him (as well) together with Takeshi Ozaki. If you'll notice in the instrumental parts, there are also some parts there that you'll be familiarized since you heard that specific "sound effect" in one of her songs. Yes, it's from Beehive that's why I specified who did the arrangement since the two (Tomoyuki and Takeshi) were the ones who arranged the Beehive song. Not as "creepy" as they wanted to be (since it's halloween) but the song's pretty cool and I can't wait to see full PV since I think that will be the one who has the connection to the halloween. If you must know, Tomoyuki has a knack for composing great theme songs for horror-genre animes specifically Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (Trivia: Tomoyuki was the one who composed Eiko Shimamiya's Higurashi no Naku Koro ni and Naraku no Hana which are both sheer masterpiece, IMO). And one thing I'm glad with this song is that it is longer than her previous songs... I was kind of disappointed in the lengths of her songs because I missed listening to 5:00-6:00 songs. xD

triangle is great as well. When I heard the long version, I noticed it has an "inviting" tune which makes the song great. This "inviting" tune that I am saying is heard in the first part of the full version song which is not heard in the TV size that's why I tagged it as "great" now. If you notice, my impression for triangle before was "good" or "not bad" but it changed eventually after hearing the long/full version. xD But the fact that it's "inviting" tune is similar to the first tune that you'll hear from MELL's kicks! song. And the overall tune is still similar to KOTOKO's Sekka no Shinwa which I really like as well. Another thing, I think this song is like, one of Kazuya Takase's greatest composed song of the year. After the turndown (not actually failure) of the views of his current composed songs, I think this one is much more greater compared to Get my way! (since Kazuya was the one who composed this) and to her latest eroge song For our days which will be released next week. I think after hearing this song, my likeness to Kazuya Takase's composition went back to normal.

Overall, I think this single will do just great since her vocals, as usual, is powerful. And I never seen Mami as a gothic performer before and I think she can pull the string and perform very well. Another thing is that, Tomoyuki Nakazawa is still the best composer for Mami Kawada's songs (but I'm not saying that Kazuya Takase is not great) since I think they're much closer and majority of Kawada's songs in her SEED album was composed by Tomoyuki. And another point, I think this is one of her best singles ever released after Hishoku no Sora. Well, Akai Namida/Beehive and Get my way! singles are still great but they didn't sold pretty well... I hope this JOINT single will be able to equal or even surpass Hishoku no Sora's Oricon position and become more epic win for all die-hard I've Sound fans!

Shichiten hakki☆Shijou shugi!

sentiment: just fine (but I'm a bit hungry!)

harmony: "Shichiten hakki☆Shijou shugi!" by KOTOKO

Sorry if my review was a little late than usual... I was busy with some things so I wasn't able to make a review. And here goes nothing...

Shichiten hakki☆Shijou shugi! is KOTOKO's 9th maxi single produced by I've Sound under Geneon Entertainment. The title track was used as the 2nd opening theme for the anime series Hayate no Gotoku!. A possible english translation of the title track is "The vicissitudes of life supremacy rule" which means the rule of not giving up even after multiple failures. If you want to listen to the songs, here's a widget:

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Shichiten hakki☆Shijou shugi! is a very upbeat song which has a tempo between 160-185 bpm. So fast that it keeps you on the going specially if you're in the highway. A song that has some touches of techno and euro-beat since it's so fast. This is gotta be one of C.G mix's greatest work (he's the one who composed and arranged this song) and it's a very refreshing opener (for an anime). This song, I think, is considered as semi-denpa since it is hyperactive and with some cuteness in KOTOKO's voice in performing this song but not as hyperactive as Princess Bride! and Princess Brave! which are absolutely denpa songs. Probably one of KOTOKO's greatest song this year which is a must-have for any KOTOKO fans like me.

scene, on the other hand, is a bit on the down side. It slowens your mood which is quite opposite to the first song but the song is still good compared to the B-side of her previous single Naki Takattanda. I didn't like Naki Takattanda from the start because I find the song a bit boring and very downbeat plus her voice is not attractive for a ballad because she used a very squeaky voice in singing that song which she only does in her denpa songs. Going back, scene is a pop-rock track which is a bit unusual for KOTOKO and yet her vocals is powerful which makes it a pretty nice track to listen but I'd still prefer the first song.

Overall, I give it a 4/5 since I like Shichiten hakki☆Shijou shugi! very much nyahaha! A great single -- a must-have for every KOTOKO fans! xD

Virgin’s high！/kicks！(evaluation)

sentiment: contented

harmony: "kicks!" by MELL

Now that I have both the long version of Virgin's high! and kicks! (which is what I am listening to right now), the critic portion follows... but before anything else, here's the two songs if you want to listen...

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Virgin’s high！/kicks！ is I've Sound MELL's 3rd Maxi Single under Geneon Entertainment Japan (produced by I've). The title track was used as an intro theme to the recently showed anime "Sky Girls". The anime itself is not that interesting that's why I didn't DL'd it.

Virgin's high! is, like what I said earlier, a rock-flavored music with some hints and elements of techno like in the beginning of the TV version but there are more techno voice as the song continues. My impression about this song changed a bit when I heard the long version. Actually, it got better, I must say. As usual, her "grainy" English words are included and it's improved for only a bit. The music's a bit rowdy but what really attracted (or rather shocked at first) me to this song is that she's sort of "screamed" at 2:40. The song's not that long but 4:21 is still tolerable... It's just different since MELL's songs are usually long like 5:00+ or 6:00+

kicks! is much much more win for me (although the PV preview was indeed weird). It's one of MELL's usual song. Techno and perky (but not denpa) songs just like her no vain but the latter is still much better. Yeah kicks! is truly upbeat and portrays the usual taste of MELL but there's this element (which I cannot describe and explain right now) that lacks from this song to make it equal with no vain and Red fraction. And yet, I still like the song more than Virgin's high! because the song is not that "mixed up" if you know what I mean when you have heard Virgin's high! Another thingis that it's another short song... 3:48 - not the usual again.

Overall, IMHO this will be MELL's least successful (not worst) single... I'm just assuming only since the earlier singles are much more better than this single. If it wasn't for my interest in I've Sound, I wouldn't recommend this song to my readers (if any). But since I'm not telling that this is a worst single, I'm still delighted to have heard these songs the night before it's actual release date. XD If I were to rate it now, 7/10 might be enough for it. (My ratings for Red fraction is 9.5/10 while Proof/no vain is 9/10)