 | Tomato n’ Pine – Tabidachi Transfer (World Groove CD Single Review) |
June 16, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment
If you are a J-Pop fan that loves female groups and music more on the electro-pop side but not too bold or in your face club beats, then definitely give Tomato n’ Pine a try!
GROUP: Tomato n’ Pine
CD SINGLE: Tabidachi Transfer
LABEL: Sony Music Records Inc.
CATALOG #: SRCL-7561
DURATION: 36:25
RELEASE DATE: March 9, 2011
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- 旅立ちトランスファー
- 10月のインディアン
- Life is so beautiful!
- キャプテンは君だ! dancefloor will never die remix
- 旅立ちトランスファー -Instrumental-
- 10月のインディアン -Instrumental-
- Life is so beautiful! -Instrumental-
- キャプテンは君だ! dancefloor will never die remix -Instrumental-
Fun, vibrant, J-Pop from the all-female pop trio Tomapai!
On April 2009, the female pop trio Tomato n’ Pine (Tomapai) made their debut.
The pop trio consists of YUI, HINA and WADA and the group released their indie single “Captain wa kimi da!” (You are the Captain) in 2010 and by 2011, the trio released their first major single release “Tabidachi Transfer” on the Sony Music Japan music label and is produced by agehasprings.
The single kicks off with “Tabidachi Transfer” (Departure Transfer). The group have a pretty solid harmony while singing this pop song courtesy of Shunsuke Tsuri of agehasprings. It’s a pretty upbeat, enjoyable track and it may be similar to a lot of Japanese female pop group songs especially compared to music of capsule which is electronic pop driven but unlike avex female groups which are going for a club trance setting, this one is not so bold in its arrangement but straight up J-Pop!
The second track “10月のインディアン” (Indians in October) continues with the style that they did with “Tabidachi Transfer” courtesy of Yoichiro Nomura of agehasprings. The song has a very similar style to the first in terms of vocals and music but with its differences, the track is fun and poppy!
The third track “Life is so beautiful” features a more bass driven track and actually showcases the higher notes of the girl’s vocals a bit more. It’s a pretty upbeat track and is courtesy of Hayato Tanaka of agehasprings.
“キャプテンは君だ! dancefloor will never die remix” (I’m yours Captain! dancefloor will never die remix) is a more upbeat track that tends to utilize a bit more auto-tune or vocoding for the vocals, electronically tweeted but a more upbeat dance track courtesy of Kazuto Okawa of agehasprings. Another fun track but not sure if others will dig the vocal tweek.
The final four tracks feature the instrumental versions of the four vocal tracks.
CD insert features lyrics and production credits.
Overall, I was expecting the typical banality of J-Pop girl group music and it’s a common thing to have a similar style as there are a plethora of girl groups in Japan. While others have had years of proving themselves as long lasting female pop groups, Tomapai is just beginning and for the most part, I really enjoyed this single.
It doesn’t venture into Avex-like girl group music with the trance or even urban R&B, Sony obviously was careful of not just signing another female group but to make sure that the music is different. For the most part, the vocals are pure and vocals were smooth, it will be interesting to see how this translates into live performances but for the most part, agehasprings did a good job with the music on this single.
It’s too early for me to give an overall opinion on this group but for this first release, I do see the potential and look forward in hearing their future releases. So, if you are a J-Pop fan that loves female groups and music more on the electro-pop side but not too bold or in your face club beats, then definitely give Tomato n’ Pine a try!
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 | “E”qual – 7 Days (a J!-ENT World Groove Album Review) |
May 19, 2011 by Level J · Leave a Comment
“E”qual’s “7 days” album is a one man tour-de-force of beats and rhymes.
ARTIST: “E”qual
ALBUM: 7 DAYS
LABEL: Columbia Music entertainment/Harlem Recordings
CATALOG #: COCP-50921
DURATION: 59:10
RELEASE DATE: September 27, 2006
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- My name is…
- Intro~Prologue (“E”qual Feat. Jack Herer)
- I.C.E.B.E.R.G. (クエルボ O’clock) (“E”qual Feat. Adya)
- Baby, Baby (“E”qual Feat. JAY’ED)
- Dress code (“E”qual Feat. YA-KYIM)
- “E”d up from the feet up
- You gotta be like that
- 7 Days
- Skit~Message
- The Rock Diamonds (“E”qual Feat. BALLERS)
- Let’s go (“E”qual Feat. HI-D)
- The sky is the limit
- M.O.S.A.D. is forever (“E”qual Feat. TOKONA-X, AKIRA, 來々)
Before listening to “E”qual’s “7 Days” album, I received some advice, listen to what the artist has to say.
So, listen I did and I have to say that I enjoyed what “E”qual had to say and how he did it.
With the BEATS. The “7 Days” album was composed entirely by “E”qual. This allows “E”qual’s voice, lyrically and production-wise shine. With that being said the album has a consistent feel to it and held my interest for the most part.
The highlight of this album was the beats.
“E”qual has variety in the beats that he composes. Those beats helped him and company deliver their lyrics and kept me interested and listening for the next track. They were quite a few tracks that I returned to for seconds and thirds but the tracks “I.C.E.B.E.R.G.”, “Baby, baby”, “7 Days”, “Message”, “The Rock Diamonds” and” The Sky is the Limit” were among the ones that caught me beat wise and lyrically.
“E”qual definitely wants you to move and bump this in your music players. His attention to production and lyrics are testament to that. There is enough variety in his subject matter to not make you feel like you are listening to the same songs over and over again.
“7 Days” comes with a CD insert booklet with 20-pages featuring lyrics, liner notes and production credits and two pages of photos featuring “E”qual.
In the future I look forward to “E”qual’s take on the more conscious sides of life.
So, if you are looking for some Japanese Hip Hop with the added bonus of hearing one production style and an album that doesn’t sound like a beat sampler, listen to “E”qual’s “7 Days” album.
Hopefully, E’qual’s beats and lyrics will keep you motivated to bob your head.
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or YesAsia.com
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| supercell – The World is Mine feat. Hatsune Miku (a J!-ENT World Groove Digital Single Review) |
May 15, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment
Japanese pop group and Hatsune Miku makes their US debut! Music utilizing the Vocaloid singing synth software may be an acquired taste for some, but the marketing and merchandise that has followed the popularity of this software and the character has been quite intriguing and the music from supercell to be different yet enjoyable.
GROUP: supercell feat. Hatsune Miku
DIGITAL SINGLE: The World is Mine (ワールドイズマイン)
LABEL: Sony Direct
CATALOG #: N/A
RELEASE DATE: May 11, 2011
- The World is Mine (ワールドイズマイン)
Miku Hatsune is possibly the biggest virtual idol to come from Japan.
And with recent commercials for Toyota showcasing the long blue haired character and a recent announcement of a concert in July in Los Angeles, needless to say that people in America have been wondering who Miku is?
Miku Hatsune actually one of the characters (or mascots) of the singing synthesizer application known as “Vocaloid” developed by Crypton Future Media using Yamaha Corporaton’s “Vocaloid” technology.
And then those who had the software started making their own songs using Hatsune Miku and then came figurines, video games and sure enough Hatsune Miku and music soundtracks.
And when it comes to the music utilizing the Vocaloid software and Hatsune Miku character, the Japanese group Supercell is best to known to utilize it.
The group supercell consists of 11 members, 10 that are illustrators and support (these members work on the vivid illustrations, animation, design, and photography for album booklets, CD cases and music videos) and Ryo who creates the music and lyrics for the group was born in 2007 and were the first to utilize the Japanese video sharing site, Nico Nico Douga to promote their music and weres signed by Sony in March 2009.
The group have released two albums and three CD singles. The first album selling more than 150,000 copies. And the group has performed at concerts with Hatsune Miku on stage via a 3D hologram.
And now the group has released their first single in the U.S. courtesy of Sony Music Direct (Japan) titled “The World is Mine feat. Hatsune Miku” which is available on Amazon.com and iTunes and it is the song that can be heard on the Toyota USA commercial featuring Hatsune Miku.
As for the music, while the music of Hatsune Miku and music using the vocaloid is popular among many fans worldwide, it’s a style that may or many not appeal to people. Because the software uses the Vocaloid software, the software enables users to synthesize singing by typing in teh lyrics and melody. And the software uses technology with specially recorded vocaloids of voice actors or singers.
So, it may be an acquired taste for some people. For me, the whole concept of virtual idols and also the Vocaloid Software has been quite intriguing for me and I have followed it for years now and I have to admit that I am also interested in Hatsune Miku and how the character has been marketed, especially via videogames, Figma figures and Nendoroids. So, it makes me quite biased.
So, rather than tell people it’s worth it listening to or not, I’ll have you decide.
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| YUI – It’s My Life/Your Heaven (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review) |
May 11, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment
I just love this 19th single from YUI. Featuring an upbeat and also a passionate title tracks, you’re also treated by a wonderful acoustic version of “Rain”. Overall, a wonderful single from YUI!
ARTIST: YUI
CD SINGLE: It’s My Life/You’re Heaven
LABEL: Sony Music Records Inc.
CATALOG #: SRCL-7529
DURATION: 13:46
RELEASE DATE: January 26, 2011
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- It’s My Life
- You’re Heaven
- Rain ～YUI Acoustic Version～
- It’s My Life ～Instrumental～
When it comes to the music of YUI, you come to expect nothing but great music from the young music artist.
YUI returns with a new single to kick off 2011 with her 19th CD Single “It’s My Life/Your Heaven”.
The first track “It’s My Life” features an upbeat track that showcases YUI’s acoustic guitar playing but also features a good amount of brass. Produced by HISASHI KONDO, “It’s My Life” has a vibrant style because of the addition of teh brass. But it’s an upbeat single that is another fun, catchy track from YUI.
But it’s the second title track that won me over with this single. “Your Heaven” featuring keeps things simple with the acoustic guitar and piano and a single that best captures YUI’s style of music. The song starts off a bit slow but transitions to a more upbeat, passionate and catchy track as it progresses. Just a wonderful song from YUI.
And like all YUI CD singles, the third track features the acoustic version of the previous single released. In this case, an acoustic version of her 18th single “Rain”. And the acoustic version is just as wonderful as the original. And it also gives the listener time to focus on YUI’s vocals. Just a beautiful Christmas ballad!
The single ends with the instrumental version of “It’s My Life”.
As for the insert, you get the lyrics and production credits for both “It’s My Life” and “Your Heaven”.
Overall, YUI’s 19th CD single “It’s My Life/Your Heaven” features three enjoyable tracks. While I do enjoy the lively, upbeat “It’s My Life”, “Your Heaven” was the song that I kept playing over along with the acoustic version of “Rain”. Just a wonderful single and if you are a YUI fan, you won’t be disappointed by this single at all.
Definitely recommended!
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| UVERworld – Hakanaku mo Towa no Kanashi (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review) |
May 7, 2011 by Level J · Leave a Comment
While not the high-powered release that I was hoping for, UVERworld’s “Hakanaku mo Towa no Kanashi” will no doubt attract their fans and also fans of “Mobile Suit Gundam 00″.
BAND: UVERworld
CD SINGLE: Hakanaku mo Towa no Kanashi
LABEL: GRS! Records, Sony Music Records Inc.
CATALOG #: SRCL-6895
DURATION: 13:47
RELEASE DATE: November 19, 2008
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or YesAsia.com
- 儚くも永久のカナシ (Hakanaku mo Towa no Kanashi/Love that is Fleeting is Everlasting)
- 体温 (Taion/Temperature)
- ハルジオン (Harujion/Philadelphia Daisy)
After listening to the UVERworld’s new CD single, I am hoping that they have more high energy songs on their next studio album to be released on June 1st.
UVERworld is a Japanese Rock band who has had lots of success and is considered to be one of Japans most influential rock bands to date. If you are into anime you have probably heard one of their songs on “Mobile Suit Gundam 00″, “D Gray-man”, “Bleach” and “Death Note”, just to name a few.
UVERworld’s sound takes risk and switches things up to keep your ears on their toes. I especially like UVERworld’s more high energy songs.
The new CD single “Hakanaku mo Towa no Kanashi” has three tracks to give you a taste of what’s to come. The title track is signature Uverworld and can be heard in the opening to “Mobile Suit Gundam 00″.
TAKUYA’s vocals along with the guitar and drums keeps the energy building but never peaking and Nobuto’s bass lines keep you in the groove. That made me want more.
The following track”Taion” (Temperature), is a mellow track. Both vocals and instruments keep things low key. But enjoyable none the less.
And the third track on this single “Harujion” (Philadelphia Daisy) gives us the old switch up starting out mellow then literally blowing up into a frenzied whip of bass, drums and guitar, before mellowing out quickly.
UVERworld’s “Hakanaku mo Towa no Kanashi” comes with a double page insert featuring the lyrics for the three tracks and production credits. Included is a flyer promoting the UVERworld website, Sony Music Sound and a miniature Gundam 00 Setsuna F. Seiei card.
UVERworld’s “Hakanaku mo Towa no Kanashi” CD single is not the high powered release I had hope to hear.
Listening to this CD single only made me yearn for the new album in hopes that UVERworld will deliver more high energy songs in their upcoming release.
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or YesAsia.com
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| Shikao Suga – Yakusoku (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review) |
April 9, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment
A diverse single from Shikao Suga plus two live tracks from his Nov. 2010 concert in the UK. An enjoyable, catchy single worth checking out!
ARTIST: Shikao Suga
CD SINGLE: Yakusoku
LABEL: Ariola Japan Inc.
CATALOG #: AUCL-58
DURATION: 18:33
RELEASE DATE: February 23, 2011
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or YesAsia.com
- 約束
- 宇宙 [Live]
- 19才 [Live]
- ～FAN-KEY-TRAIN リクエスト・トラック～
In Japan, Shikao Suga is one of the most famous Japanese musicians, singer and songwriters. Famous for penning hits such as SMAP’s “Yozora no Mukou”, Chisato Moritaka’s “Tanopo no Tane”, KAT-TUN’s “Real Face” and Arashi’s “Azora Pedal”, he also has a string of hits which include “Hachigatsu no Serenade” (from the anime series “Honey and Clover”), “Nobody Knows” (xxxHolic) and many more.
His 28th single, his first for 2011 features a new track titled “Yakusoku” (secret) and also features two live performances from London when he was there in 2010 for his second concert performance in the UK ala Japan-UK circuit 2010 and also features a fourth request track and as always, showcasing his flair for disco, Motown, psychedelia, house and brassy funk.
The single begins with “Yakusoku”, an upbeat synth pop track and overall a catchy track from Shikao.In fact, the single features Sukao on acoustic guitar and bass.
But possibly the two tracks that a lot of international fans, especially those in the UK probably will be interested is the two live tracks of “Space” (宇宙 [Live]) and “19-years-old” (19才 [Live]) and these were recorded from his UK one-night concert back in Nov. 2010. With “Space”, the track is a more mellow, acoustic guitar track, while “19-years-old” (Shikao’s 19th single) is a more funky track.
The final track on the single is “~FAN-KEY-TRAIN Request Track~”, a song dedicated to his fans and members of his fanclub, “The Fan-Key-Train”. The song is an all vocal and piano track with vocals by Shikao.
The CD insert is a double fold insert with lyrics to “Yakusoku” and production credits.
Overall, “Yakusoku” is a single that showcases Shikao Suga’s musical style and how diverse of an artist he is. While I’m sure there are some fans who wish some other live tracks were included on this CD single release, it’s a pretty enjoyable single. If you are a fan of Shikao Suga, definitely give “Yakusoku” a chance!
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or YesAsia.com
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| Hiiragi – Unnei no Haru no Kaze (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review) |
April 9, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment
The duo of Hiiragi are back with their fifth CD single for 2011 titled “Unnei no Haru no Kaze”. Overall, it’s a pretty solid single with three delightful tracks featuring cool vocals and music. Recommended for those who want a touch of Japanese modern folk style and J-Pop.
GROUP: Hiiragi
CD SINGLE: Unnei no Haru no Kaze
LABEL: Sony Music Japan, Inc.
CATALOG #: SRCL-7567
DURATION: 16:19
RELEASE DATE: March 16, 2011
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- 運命の春ノ風
- サニー
- 押しボタン <一発録れたて編>
Hiiragi is a Japanese folk duo from Hokkaidou featuring Chiaki (vocals and guitar) and Erika (chorus and guitar).
Back in 2000, Erika, Chiaki and Chiaki’s sister Manami (a former member of the group who played harp and harmonica) were good friends in high school and the three would form a group and perform near Sapporo’s Hokkaido Bank headquarters on the street. The group would win a Roland Band Paradise audience award in 2001 and would do their first live. In 2003, Manami left the group and in 2003, the duo would perform in Tokyo and would continue to do street performances.
Hiiragi would eventually receive a record deal with Sony Music Records and release their first single “Mizu” and in 2010, the duo would release a total of four singles and an album.
In March 2011, the duo released their fifth single “Unnei no Haru no Kaze” (Spring Winds of Fate). The title track features a good poppish upbeat track and both Erika and Chiaki compliment each other’s vocals with Chiaki singing with a more lower tone and Erika with a higher tone for the chorus. But the overall track is upbeat.
The coupling track “Sunny” features a mellow acoustic guitar track which transitions to a more rock sound towards the final half of the song. A pretty awesome coupling song and another solid track on this single.
The final track is titled “Push Button” and features the duo laughing and having fun while playing their acoustic guitar and then performing the song and then giggling right after the song is done. It’s actually a song that showcases the duo solely on vocals and them playing acoustic guitar.
As for the CD insert, you have a tri-fold with the lyrics and production credits.
Overall, I really enjoy the music of “Hiiragi”. It’s not Japanese folk in a traditional sense but more of a modern J-Pop touch. Their music is quite pleasant to listen to and both members are able to compliment each other during their vocals and they can definitely play the guitar. I definitely look forward to hearing more of Hiiragi.
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| Glee: The Music – Love Songs (a J!-ENT World Groove Album Review) |
March 7, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment
An awesome tribute to “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” which I have no doubt will top the music charts worldwide!
ARTISTS: Glee Cast
ALBUM: Glee: The Music, Love Songs
LABEL: Columbia
DURATION: 21:07
RELEASE DATE: 2010
- Hello, I Love You
- The Boy Is Mine
- Dream a Little Dream
- Tell Me Something Good
- Don’t Go Breaking My Heart
- What I Did For Love
The FOX musical, comedy-drama known as “Glee” has received a lot of praise and its popularity of the show and the music has done extremely well in the US as well as in several countries. With several soundtracks released and each having entered in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 Music Charts, now here we are with a limited edition Glee EP titled “Glee: The Music – Love Songs” featuring a total of six songs from the TV series.
The EP kicks off with Finn’s (Corey Monteith) “Hello, I Love You” (originally sung by The Doors). Although there is no substituting for the original, I have to say that Monteith did a pretty awesome job with this cover and it’s great to hear the maturization of his vocals. It’s getting better and better. This song was used in the first season.
The next track “The Boy is Mine” originally by Monica and is sung by Mercedes (Amber Riley) and Santana (Naya Rivera). And when it comes to these two, when they are together, they feed off each other’s vocal energy and once again, another awesome duet by Riley and Rivera. Awesome cover!
The third track “Dream, a Little Dream of Me” is sung by Artie (Kevin McHale). The song that has been covered dozens of times and made into a hit by Frankie Lane and another time by Doris Day (originally sung by Ozzie Nelson). It’s actually a pretty cool and smoothly sung cover by McHale.
The fourth track is a memorable song used in the series…. “Tell Me Something Good” sung by Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison) of the popular Rufus & Chaka Khan song. For those who remember Schuester singing the song to Sue Sylvester.
The fifth song “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” (originally sung by Elton John and Kiki Dee) is sung by Finn and Rachel (Lea Michele). Although I was forced to listen to this song as a child and can’t stand listening to it to this day, I will say that Ido like Finn and Rachel’s cover. Michele has an alluring and wonderful voice that made this song quite listenable for me once again!
The sixth song “What I Did For Love” is what made Lea Michele an incredible star on Broadway and showing us how that voice of hers was wonderful on stage and wonderful on television. Wonderfully sung!
Overall, “Glee: The Music – Love Songs” features songs not released in previous Glee album/EP releases thus far and because it’s a limited edition, if you are a big fan, you may want to check this album out. It is short and while you can find the CD at Amazon and at Target, you can also purchase these songs individually on iTunes.
You do get a different style of music featured on this limited edition release and personally, each song is pretty solid and if you are fan, it depends if you are a fan of one, otherwise like many others who are hardcore Gleeks, you’ll more than likely by the album anyway. Overall, a fun and entertaining Glee EP!
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| Britney Spears – Hold It Against Me (a J!-ENT World Groove Digital Single Review) |
January 25, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment
This is one seductive hit from Ms. Spears and another fantastic single showing us that she Britney still has it! Catchy beats, sexy lyrics…it’s hot! Awesome!
ARTIST: Britney Spears
DIGITAL SINGLE: Hold It Against Me
LABEL: Jive Records
DURATION: 3:49
RELEASE DATE: January 17, 2011
- Hold It Against Me
Britney Spears returns with an new single in 2011 titled “Hold it Against Me” which is off her upcoming seventh full-length album of the same title.
The single features a collaboration with Max Martin, Dr. Luke, Bonnie McKee and Billboard (Canadian producer who worked with Ke$ha for the songs “Cannibal” and “Animal” and Robyn).
The single is very club/dance orientated featuring industrial beats, dubstep and rave and the lyrics are nothing short of sexy, which is the typical musical mantra of the pop diva. The song is pretty hot and love the music and the hook resembles the Cutting Crew classic “I just Died in Your Arms Tonight”.
But overall, this is one seductive hit from Ms. Spears and another fantastic single showing us that she Britney still has it! Catchy beats, sexy lyrics…it’s hot! Awesome!
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| tacica – Metro (a J!-ENT World Groove CD Single Review) |
January 8, 2011 by Dennis Amith · Leave a Comment
A one-track, low-priced rock-driven single from the three member rock band featuring a single released with different CD covers to coordinate with the Tokyo metro system.
ARTIST: tacica
CD SINGLE: Metro
LABEL: SME Records
CATALOG #: SECL-772 A
DURATION: 4:46
RELEASE DATE: April 8, 2009
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- Metro
tacica (pronounced as Tashika) is a three member rock band from Hokkaidou and are signed on SME Records.
tacica consists of Shoichi Igari (Vocals/Guitar), Yuta Konishi (bass) and Toshihiko Sakai (drums) and the band debuted back in 2005 and released their first mini album “Human Orchestra” in Feb. 2007. Earlier last year, the band has had a major health scare as drummer Toshihiko Sakai suffered a major health problem and the band suspended activities. In September 2010, Sakai was released from the hospital.
“Metro” is the second single from the band and to tie in with the various metro lines in Tokyo, the single had covers in different colors. Eight of them limited, while the orange is the regular release of the single.
The single only has one track and thus the reason why the price of this single is around 500 yen. The single is a rock driven track from the three member band where bass, guitar and percussion do stand out. You do get the addition of strings through the chorus but where tacica’s strength is, its in their lyrics. Fans have loved the band as they considered their lyrics as poetic.
The single is my first introduction to the band and for the most part, it was a solid but short single. Look forward to hearing more from tacica in the near future.
CD Single comes with lyrics and tacica concert information.
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