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

My opinion on the upcoming I've Sound releases

Hmm it has come to the point that I've Sound is going to release three weeks in a row! And it really intrigues me who's going to get most of the sales and recognition... Is it:

- KOTOKO's Loop-the-Loop single? [10/20 out]
- MELL's MIRAGE album? [10/27 out]
- Mami Kawada's No buts! single? [11/03 out]

H.O.T.D. album

Maon Kurosaki (黒崎真音) is one of Geneon's newest singer and probably if you look around and watch the latest anime, you've probably heard of her supplying the ending themes for Geneon's anime series Highschool of the Dead which is not in anyway related to Resident Evil — but similar on the zombie-infested town and exterminating of those.

It's a bit silly to see that Kishida Kyodan & The Akeboshi Rockets had their single named after the anime and Maon also did for her debut album title. They (or at least Maon herself) could have created a unique album title, no? But anyway, her debut album containing the 12 different ending themes for the said anime series will be released this 09/22.

H.O.T.D.

Maon Kurosaki debut album

GNCA-1260

2010.09.22 OUT

1. (3:36) 君と太陽が死んだ日 (Kimi to Taiyou ga Shinda Hi)

2. (4:02) ｃｏｌｏｒ　ｍｅ　ｄａｒｋ

3. (3:42) Ｒｅｔｕｒｎ　ｔｏ　Ｄｅｓｔｉｎｙ

4. (5:51) ｃｏｌｄ　ｂｕｌｌｅｔ　ｂｌｕｅｓ

5. (5:08) Ｍｅｍｏｒｉｅｓ　ｏｆ　ｄａｙｓ　ｇｏｎｅ　ｂｙ

6. (4:52) Ｕｎｄｅｒ　Ｔｈｅ　Ｈｏｎｅｙ　Ｓｈｉｎｅ

7. (4:31) ｆｕｓｓ　ｆｕｚｚ

8. (3:21) Ｔｈｅ　ｐｌａｃｅ　ｏｆ　ｈｏｐｅ

9. (4:44) 宝石のスパイ (Houseki no Spy)

10. (4:11) ＴＨＥ　ｌａｓｔ　ｐａｉｎ

11. (4:45) Ｈｏｌｌｏｗ　Ｍｅｎ

12. (4:58) Ｔｈｅ　Ｅｔｅｒｎａｌ　Ｓｏｎｇ

The album will contain 12 songs and all of these were used as the ending themes for the first 12 episodes of Highschool of the Dead. Their song lengths are now available courtesy of JBook. I heard most of the songs and they sounded good — well some of them are a bit poppish.

And it has to be noted that she will also release her debut single with Geneon on 11/24 entitled Magic∞world which will be used as the ending theme for To Aru Majutsu no Index II along side with Mami Kawada performing the opening theme entitled No buts!.

 

-----

❤: feeling bored
♫: "INNOCENT" - Asriel

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

What's this I've Sound?

Let me just rant before I go to the slums again!! :/

After announcing of another epic fail non-I've remix album master groove circle 2 (probably a sequence to the horrendous master groove circle released last September 24, 2008), KOTOKO will now release her 5th ALBUM (first best album)?! O.O Why exhaust KOTOKO when the other I've girls needed some more release? Where's MELL's new single & album?! (-____-)' Aren't you gonna release more Mami? Where on earth is Eiko? Anyway, details:

master groove circle 2
GNCV-1013
2009.12.30 OUT

Anime Tie-Up Best Album (アニメタイアップベストアルバム)
KOTOKO 5th album (first best album)
GNCV-1019~20
2009.12.23 OUT

The second one will probably contain:

-DuDiDuWa*lalala
-Re-sublimity
-agony
-Chi ni Kaeru ~on the Earth~
-being
-Chercher
-Kirei na Senritsu
-Hayate no Gotoku!
-Shichiten Hakki Shijou Shugi!
-BLAZE
-Sociometry
-Special Life!
-daily-daily Dream

Exactly 13 songs to fill up an album, right?

--- Right now, I don't really know what to say. Probably this day is just really THAT tiring so I'll just sleep this news away. :P

-----

感情: sleepy
音楽: "Two face" - MELL

progressive single details, blossomdays (short ver.) now available

Ok, so I'm late with the news because I assume you know the reason, right?

And so ε～Epsilon～ full ver. leaked as well. =S And I was a bit late for that. Did not even know where it came from. Anyway, this one is NOT a total high quality rip. Someone just posted this at aibublog. I don't think the one who uploaded won't mind if I use his/her link. I was just a pissed off with the Engrish. 6:06 is so love for me. x3 but totally not impressed with the long version. Only the first 4 mins. were impressive. Or maybe the mp3 was not that high quality that's why I didn't like it. :P

And btw, I ripped the blossomdays short version from the demo in the lupinus website. Not totally liking the song although it's eurobeat. Kinda sounded like the techno-trance-euro group m.o.v.e's work if you ask me -- it's too generic and nothing astounding.

But THE MOST EXCITING NEWS FOR ME IS THIS...


progressive [CD+DVD]


progressive [CD-only]

progressive
Kalafina's 6th single
SECL-814~6
2009.10.28 OUT

Yes I may be too late with the covers but take a look at this!

01. progressive (5:41)
02. うつくしさ Utsukushisa (4:50)
03. progressive -instrumental- (5:41)

Info courtesy of JBook. :D

ヽ(´▽`)/ ヽ(´▽`)/ ヽ(´▽`)/

What's exciting? Because progressive will be a long song!!!! XD storia was great but it's too short for me. :P The coupling song is moderately long as well! I'm kinda longing for a new Kalafina single and it will be full-packed! Though haven't heard any preview of progressive. x__X But I know it will be great because Yuki Kajiura IS EPICALLY GREAT!! 8D And it's a good thing the terrible cover was the CD-only version, gotta love the CD+DVD!!! ♪┏(・o･)┛♪┗ ( ･o･) ┓♪┏ ( ) ┛♪┗ (･o･ ) ┓♪┏(･o･)┛♪

And by the way you can access the Kalafina website through http://www.kalafina.jp/ and not the Sony Music website anymore!! It's kinda long for me to memorize!!! (((( ；ﾟДﾟ))) Too many slashes... At least I memorized all the Geneon Website of the I've Girls. :P *gets shot*

-----

感情: just woke up and hungry. :P
音楽: "Tougenkyou" - HALCALI

Epsilon no Fune previews, now available!

Previews are now available on her main website.

Mostly are upbeat songs especially the new songs. :D Although I can't say I'm liking all of them though. Ö some of them are kinda obvious on their credits. And I'm going to specify my hypotheses on the song credits of Epsilon no Fune.


1. ε～Epsilon～ (Kazuya Takase)
2. リアル鬼ごっこ Real Onigokko
3. ∞-DRIVE (Kazuya Takase)
4. scene
5. 雨とギター Ame to Guitar (sounds like Kara no Tsubomi? C.G mix + Takeshi Hoshino)
6. 限界打破 Genkai Daha (Tomoyuki Nakazawa x Takeshi Ozaki)
7. モネラの絆 Monera no Kizuna (C.G mix+Takeshi Ozaki --- so obvious! it sounds like HISUI!)
8. ハヤテのごとく！ Hayate no Gotoku!
9. RI←SU→KU (Maiko Iuchi)
10. HELLION (Tomoyuki Nakazawa x Takeshi Ozaki)
11. Geoglyphs (C.G mix)
12. BLAZE
13. LITTLE BABY NOTHING (Kazuya Takase -- w/ both of them in their most brilliant ENGRISH words)

I'm liking the following: ε～Epsilon～, 限界打破, and HELLION. ∞-DRIVE was alright while the others seems to lack something...

-----

感情: hungry
音楽: "kiseki" - NIRGILIS

ε～Epsilon～ longer preview

WOW I now have a longer preview of KOTOKO's ε～Epsilon～ which is one of the songs on her upcoming 4th album entitled Epsilon no Fune. :D Hearing this, I now have a stronger conviction that I've Sound King Kazuya Takase is the composer/arranger for this song. Although the beginning was kinda generic, it still stands out as a better version of low-quality-work BLAZE, RIDEBACK et al. Not a very bad effort after all. (It works at least for me)

I'm officially in love with this song. XD



-----

感情: excited!!!
音楽: "ε～Epsilon～" - KOTOKO

ε～Epsilon～PV preview available, Shana S ED (?) teaser also available

WOW MORE I'VE SOUND PREVIEWS!!!! *bricked* I'll be smack up for uploading videos that much. But I just wanted to share this in the world as well. HEY THIS IS WORD OF MOUTH ADVERTISING, ya know! :P

Oh well the first video is some sort of teaser of Shakugan no Shana S ending theme (which is untitled for now) which is also sung by Mami Kawada. It is not upbeat so I'm presuming this one's the ending theme and not Prophecy. And from the sounds of it, I hunch that this one's by Takase. I'm liking it because it doesn't sound boring and all -- just light-hearted pop-rock of some sort.



And this second video is the PV preview for KOTOKO's PV for her upcoming album entitled ε～Epsilon～. And IT DOESN'T DISAPPOINT!!!! @_@ I'M TOTALLY LOVING IT!!! IT'S SO TRANCE-Y!!! XDD The PV preview is also available on her Geneon Website but since you're already here, might as well not go there and press the play button, nee? *bricked by KOTOKO for straying off her website visitors*



This one sounds just like Re-sublimity-Agony dance track!!! I'm hypnotized by it!!! @___@ DEFINITELY, IT IS A HIGH RECOMMENDED one. XDDD; From the sounds of it, it looks like it'll be Takase as well because it's a higher-tempo version of Mami Kawada's epic song TRILL.

-----

感情: a bit hot (although it's raining outside)
音楽: "agony" - KOTOKO

eufonius' new album "Ao no Scape"

It has been a while since I heard something from this duo, and I'm pretty glad they're coming up with another studio album -- a fourth one is always welcome. but even though this is the 4th studio album, it is already an overall of 8 albums -- which is not really that bad if you ask me.

Their recent release Nejimaki Musica (mini-album) was very cute with some of their songs converted into some music box version but have to admit, it lacked promotion because it was an individual release and all so even though it debuted on #15 on the Oricon dailies, it dropped instantly the next day. And after a week, I saw that this EP flopped to #165. o_O'



But no worries since, they have a new album entitled Ao no Scape (碧のスケープ, lit. Green Scape) which will be release on September 30, 2009. The photo above was the promo pic for their album and I love this photo because it's one of their greatest photo to date (those posted in the last.fm where kinda miserable plus riya in glasses is so pretty ♥ ♥ and Hajime Kikuchi looks slimmer and better in this pic)



Ao no Scape (碧のスケープ, lit. Green Scape)
eufonius 4th studio album
LASA-5017
2009.09.30 OUT

(P.S.: Wow, it's the first time I saw an album cover from them with riya and cuckool on it. XD)

01. scape
02. アネモイ～album mix～
（TVアニメ『空を見上げる少女の瞳に映る世界』オープニングテーマ）
03. 碧色の空 (Hyakuiro no Sora, lit. Jade-colored Sky)
04. Gebiet～album mix～
（TVアニメ『空を見上げる少女の瞳に映る世界』イメージソング）
05. elekto
06. そのままの僕で～Piano Solo～（Sono Mama no Boku de)
07. リフレクティア (Reflectier)
（TVアニメ『true tears』オープニングテーマ）
08. Angel on tree
（TVアニメ『true tears』イメージソング）
09. Aporia
10. phosphorus
（TVアニメ『神曲奏界ポリフォニカ クリムゾンS』オープニングテーマ）
11. 空想庭園 (Kuusou Teien)

The tracklisting looks good since most of their powerful tie-ins (Reflectier and phosphorus which are both ♥ ♥) are present -- even some of their coupling songs and image songs from different anime series. I wonder why Kono Koe ga Todoitara is not present. =S

All songs are composed/arranged by Hajime Kikuchi while lyrics and vocals are provided by riya.

Information courtesy of their main website.

-----

感情: bloated
音楽: "Indelible Name" by eufonius

Epsilon no Fune album details

Now that more details came up from an album, it's time for an update. Well the tracklisting is the same but the order is NOW different than the last time I posted about the album. Although no credits on every song, I'm still going to post it.

Oh and about the hitorigoto 2009 ver., main poster of aibublog, Aibu, cleared up that it can be availed in the Epsilon no Fune album if you but it in any Tower Records store (in Japan, I think. I don't know if it's applicable to Tower Records in other countries though).



[CD+DVD]


[CD only]

イプシロンの方舟 (Epsilon no Fune, Ark of Epsilon)
GNCV-1014~5 (GNCV-1014 for limited CD+DVD edition, GNCV-1015 for Regular CD-only edition)
KOTOKO's 4th album
2009.10.14 OUT

Tracklisting:

CD:
1.ε～Epsilon～
2.リアル鬼ごっこ (Real Onigokko)
3.-∞-DRIVE
4.scene
5.雨とギター (Ame to Guitar)
6.限界打破 (Genkai Daha)
7.モネラの絆 (Monera no Kizuna)
8.ハヤテのごとく！ (Hayate no Gotoku!)
9.RI←SU→KU
10.HELLION
11.Geoglyphs
12.BLAZE
13.LITTLE BABY NOTHING

DVD:
ε～Epsilon～ PV + Making
with some sort of "special sleeve" design

additional hunch: ε～Epsilon～ should be some sort of like MELL's SCOPE. Probably will be done by Takase.

I like regular CD-only edition cover better. And I always thought that they'll probably make a "planet" concept on this album. The word "Epsilon" somehow sounds "spacey", at least for me. And I love the astronomical concept --- gotta love astronomy. ( ﾟ ヮﾟ)

Geoglyphs and HELLION sounds intriguing to me because it's so profound for a trance/techno (or rock?) song. :D

While Monera no Kizuna seems like a ballad to me? I don't know, it's just a hunch though. Probably will be done by none other than SORMA. XD

-----

感情: a bit tired~
音楽: "Permit -Unplugged Mix-" by MELL

Mami Kawada's 8th single confirmed, Kalafina's 6th single coupling song revealed, C.G mix's "true eyes" short version available for hearing

YES FINALLY AFTER SOME EONS!!! [ﾟдﾟ]

Everyone (who has money! *bricked*) could now avail through pre-order, Mami Kawada's 8th single entitled Prophecy through Amazon!

I think it's the Opening Theme for the Shakugan no Shana S which will be her fifth tie-in over-all with the series. :D The coupling song will be the ending theme (which is untitled for now) for the same series. Well just like the JOINT single format nee? But will this be equally as great as JOINT? I don't know but I'll keep you posted here whenever a preview comes up! ;D

Prophecy
Mami Kawada's 8th single
GNCV-0007
Shakugan no Shana S (OVA) OP/ED single
2009.11.18 OUT

And in other news, the coupling song for Kalafina's upcoming 6th single entitled progressive is now revealed! It is entitled Utsukushisa and it is rumored that Wakana will do the main vocals on this one! Another dark song! Info courtesy of canta-per-me.net. ;D

progressive
Kalafina's 6th single
SECL-814~5 (CD+DVD), SECL-814-6 (CD-only)
2009.10.28 OUT

CD:
1. progressive
2. Utsukushisa
3. progressive -instrumental-

DVD:
1. progressive PV
2. love come down,Ongaku and Mata Kaze ga Tsuyokunatta Live video (from Kalafina Closed Premium Live on May 19th)
3. TV programme”utatane” on July 18th (Kalafina version)

And the short version for C.G mix's true eyes is now available for hearing! WARNING: NOT SUITABLE FOR PEOPLE WHO DON'T LIKE YAOI. XD (Well I don't like it either... I just closed my eyes while listen to the music. :P)



Here's the ripped short version of the song (for those who don't want to watch).

And some unsure news but I read in ivemusic.net that there will be a ひとりごと2009ver which will also be contained in KOTOKO's 4th album Epsilon no Fune. Sorry, I already used google translate but the translation was kinda shitty and vague so I'm not kinda sure about that but definitely there will be a hitorigoto 2009 ver. (^ ^)

-----

感情: a bit perplexed
音楽: "肉体の悪魔" - ALI PROJECT

Amazing...

Just wanted to spam on my blog since I just checked the Oricon dailies for tonight. And I was shocked that all of my anticipated singles/albums are all there. AS IN ALL!!! o,O But I'm not quite sure if they will remain in the top 30's in the next few days but at least, they debuted higher than expected. XD Here's what I saw:

Oricon dailies:

singles:
Senritsu no Kodomotachi - ALI PROJECT @ #20

albums:
anim.o.v.e 01 - m.o.v.e @ #13
BEST STORY - RYTHEM @ #15
Kizuna - Suara @ #27

*bold letterings signifies that I really followed this single.

[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.

Kyaah! I'm late for this Sachi Tainaka news! o_O

ZOMG!! I'm so late with the news!!! o_O Why didn't I look up when I had the time. Gomen nasai, Sachi-chan! T__T

But anyway, just wanted to share that Sachi-chan will actually release her 10th single (finally!) next week, August 26, 2009 together w/ the other releases I'm waiting for! Gyaaah~ it's been a while since you've released a single, really. It's almost a year after your release w/ Mata Ashita ne/code.

Btw, here's the details of the single:



運命人 (Unmeibito, lit. Destined Person)
Sachi Tainaka 10th single
GNCX-0017
2009.08.26 OUT

1. 運命人
2. RE:TRAIN
3. 運命人 (instrumental)
4. RE:TRAIN (instrumental)

My comment on the song? It's sounds pretty good than her previous releases, I'd say. Although it's sounding pretty poppish but as long as it's good, I'm good with it as well. And the single cover -- it's a totally different image, really. I was kinda shocked! But I'm glad the BoA-look-a-like was already gone. o_o



And don't think the news is finished! After 3 weeks, Sachi will also release her 3rd album!!! Here's the details:





Destiny
Sachi Tainaka 3rd Album
GNCX-1007~8
2009.09.16 OUT

01 運命人 (Unmeibito)
02 さよならを言えばいいのに (Sayonara wo Ieba ii no ni)
03 誰にも言えない気持ち (Dare ni mo Ienai Kimochi)
04 夕映えのシネマ (Yuubae no Cinema)
05 守りたいもの (Mamoritai Mono)
06 もう キスされちゃった (Mou Kiss Sarechatta)
07 My HERO
08 code
09 Orange
10 また明日ね (Mata Ashita ne)

First Press Edition will also come w/ a 16-page mini-photobook!

I like the CD+DVD edition cover (2nd pic) because it's a bit "seductive" while the CD-only was kind of a mishap. o_o But the tracklisting looks a bit generic -- probably will contain some of her everlasting ballads, as usual -- but it's already a trademark from her because she works better with ballads but I hope not too generic ones. ;)

New layout (again), and more on ALI PROJECT news and late KOTOKO 4th album tracklist

Grr, it has been a few days when I can't do what I want because of the sudden slowdown of the internet connection but I think it has been restored and normal for now. *thank God*

And once again, I changed my layout since I, myself was a bit dissatisfied w/ the iframe layout that I made. I'll make a better layout next time.(For those reading this somewhere, I'm referring to my main blog in blogger).

Anyway, on other news, the TV size for ALI PROJECT's upcoming single Senritsu no Kodomotachi is now available for hearing purposes (in low quality though). I'm not saying I'm liking the song very much because it does sound quite different from their previous works. It sounded odd actually. Plus it'll be having a PV. YES you read it right. Although it won't be included in the single since it'll be released in a regular CD-only version (w/ no DVD). Even the PV itself is quite odd, if I may say. The full PV version is already out in the ALI PROJECT Official Fanclub but as you can see, this beggar cannot afford to be a member there so I'll have to wait until someone will post in YouTube so I can only see the PV. And good thing moichispa from last.fm upped the PV preview of the song.

Powered by Podbean.com

I'm still not liking it very much and I don't know if my perception about the song will change once I got the long version. Hopefully, it's coupling song Hell's Maria will be a great song.

Even the lengths of the songs in Poison are now available c/o JBook.

1(4:39) Ｐｏｉｓｏｎｅｒ
2(4:53) 処女懐胎、あるいは白骨塔より少女達は飛翔する
3(4:53) お毒味ＬＡＤＹ
4(4:28) 阿芙蓉寝台
5(4:35) 極色一代女
6(4:48) Ａｎｉｍａｌｓ　ｏｎ　ｔｈｅ　Ｅａｒｔｈ
7(4:38) 上海繚乱ロマンチカ
8(4:46) 世紀末ゲネシス
9(4:58) この國の向こうに
10(3:45) ｄｉｓｃｉｐｌｉｎｅ

Not much long *misses long-length songs* but having almost all in 4:00+ already makes me happy at least it won't be that short. Album will still be out on 08/26.

And also their upcoming "untitled" 26th single is now available in pre-ordering in Neowing and HMV. I'm surprised it'll still be under the Lantis music company again (although going back to the MellowHead sublabel and not GloryHeaven). As usual, all lyric and vocal credit goes to Arika-sama (Arika Takarano) and composition/arrangement credit goes to Mikiya Katakura.

N/A
ALI PROJECT's 26th single
10.21.2009 OUT
LHCM-1070
Tatakau Shisho: The Book of Bantorra OP Theme Song

And in a rather late news, the tracklisting to KOTOKO's upcoming 4th album Epsilon no Fune is now available on her Geneon Website. Oh, and also the dumb PV preview for the so-uncute daily-daily Dream!, is now available there. If you don't want to be dumbfounded, then skip the automatic play. Immediately stop when you heard the streaming PV started.

1. リアル鬼ごっこ (Real Onigokko)
2. BLAZE
3. ハヤテのごとく！ (Hayate no Gotoku!)
4. scene
5. ε～Epsilon～
6. RI←SU→KU
7. -∞-DRIVE
8. HELLION
9. Geoglyphs
10. 雨とギター (Ame to Guitar)
11. モネラの絆 (MONERA no Kizuna)
12. 限界打破 (Genkai Daha)
13. LITTLE BABY NOTHING

I'm glad KOTOKO will now have her 4th album and the tracklisting sounds promising. Hopefully, this will make-up for some of her "mishaps" lately (which I'm aware that it's not her entire fault). Will post the credits for the song as soon as it become available. Scheduled to be released on October 14, 2009.

-----

感情: a bit irritated
音楽: "siren" - KOTOKO

daily-daily Dream!! TV size (clearer ver.) plus new KOTOKO album

And so I am late for the news but I love every members of I've Sound, I'm still gonna post this one! xD

Powered by Podbean.com

This is the TV size of daily-daily Dream!! which is KOTOKO's 13th single and used as the 2nd OP theme for Hayate no Gotoku! Second Season. Not very powerful and denpatastic compared to Shichitenhakki Shijoushugi but it suits as the opening theme. But I just wished that C.G mix should've come up with a more stronger one. o_o

And finally, KOTOKO's upcoming 4th album (finally after almost 3 years) イプシロンの方舟 (Ipsilon no Fune, Ark of the Epsilon) will be released on October 14, 2009 which will contain the singles Real Onigokko, BLAZE and Hayate no Gotoku!. No further information but its catalog number would be GNCV-0014. Hopefully they would come up with some more better tracks since most of the I've girls' releases are majority disappointment.

New layout and more ALI PROJECT album news

感情: hungry~
音楽: "北京LOVERS" - ALI PROJECT




First and foremost, I would like to introduce all of you to my 6th scenario, which is You Turn it Into Light. This layout is dedicated to my fave J-pop singer, ELISA and the title is based on one of Kalafina's song Kimi ga Hikari ni Kaete Iku. And this is my first "perfect" iframe layout I've done in my entire shitty life. XD Well that's because my other past iframe layouts are kinda incomplete because I have to make a hidden post for my friends, archives and others to exist unlike here, in just one click on one of the menus above, you can go directly w/o any difficulty. =D But I'm hungry right after I finished this layout and there's no food in the fridge. D;

In other news, ALI PROJECT's upcoming album Poison has more details than ever!! XD I'm too excited for this album just by seeing the album cover and promo pic! xD



ZOMG! Arika-sama! You're growing old backwards!!! D; I did not recognized you when I first saw this promo pic of yours!! xO I mean, you're already 45 and yet you can still boldly dress like that?! That is... way too amazing!! Raburabu the smexy bunny outfit. =D



Poison
TKCU-77133
2009.08.26 OUT

All songs composed and arranged by Mikiya Katakura and songs written by Arika Takarano.

Tracklisting:
1. Poisoner
2. 処女懐胎、あるいは白骨塔より少女達は飛翔する
3. お毒見LADY (Odokumi Lady; Poison-tasting Lady)
4. 阿芙蓉寝台 (Ahen Shendai; Opium Bed)
5. 極色一代女 (Gokushoku Ichidai Onna; Woman of a Colourful Lifetime)
6. Animals on the Earth
7. 上海繚乱ロマンチカ (Shanhai Ryouran Romantica; Shanghai Profusion Romantica)
8. 世紀末ゲネシス (Seikimatsu Genesis; End of the Century Genesis)
9. この國の向こうに
10. discipline

Information courtesy of: Otome no Inori

Some are a bit confusing to romanize (especially the long titles) that's why I leave some of them alone for now. XD *bricked* But the tracklisting itself looks promising and as usual, even though Arika remarked it as one of the romantic songs that she wrote, we can't take out the dark lyrics surrounding it since they're already 8 years in the Black Alice phase. They rarely do White Alice songs as they are now.

Since it's already 07/30, Phantom ~Requiem for the Phantom~ episode 18 will aire later and I hope it's already OP change time. I'm already itching to hear the Senritsu no Kodomotachi TV size. D: