“The second full-length album from the Japanese hip hop/Rock band Asian2. A much improved release from the first album, catchy tracks and overall, enjoyable!”
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GROUP: ASIAN2
ALBUM: VERONICA
LABEL: Sonic Groove
DURATION: 52:31
RELEASE DATE: March 12, 2008
- Doo wop
- Veronica
- cruisin’
- Country Road – VERONICA ver.-
- Mr. Marduk
- secret
- ã“ã®ã¾ã¾
- marmot (å››)
- ライオンã¨ãƒ“ーナス
- Never Know
- happy
- AFRICA
- destiny
DVD: Region 2, 4:3, DURATION: 21 minutes
- ASIAN VIBRATION
- Toku
- Country Road
- happy
- Mr. Marduk
- marmot
ASIAN2 is the hip hop and Rock band from Nagano which consists of TATSU (MC), TWENTY”20″ (MC), KENSUKE (guitar), SHOJI (bass) and HIDEO (drums). The group released their first CD single back in 2002 but their first major label debut was in 2006 with the song “ASIAN VIBRATION”.
But the group would get recognition when their tracks were used in the commercials for the Subaru Forrester, Fuji Finepix and Sapporo “Smirnoff Ice” in Japan.
And what would make this group different among the many Japanese R&B/hip hop acts is that the group has the hip hop roots through it’s vocals but the music is rock. Not hardcore or thrash rock, pretty much a livehouse, easy listening rock musical style.
With their second album “VERONICA”, the album would feature the band’s sixth CD single “Country Road” and their seventh CD single “happy”. But overall, the album would showcase the style of sound that the group is known for.
The opening track “Doo wop” features a bass guitar rhythm, with some clanging electrical guitar and TAKU and TWENTY”20″ smooth hip hop vocals.
The second track “VERONICA” would have been a great choice for a CD single release. Quick delivery of the duo’s rhymes and a catchy, upbeat, dance-style rhythm.
The third track “cruisin'” is a hip-hop track that heavily utilizes brass horns and overall a funky, groovy style.
The fourth track “Country Road – VERONICA ver.-” is a popular song from the group and features a different opening from the original track but overall, a catchy track that has a beautiful keyboard melody and great use of strings.
The fifth track “Mr. Marduk” is a jazzy, funky rock jam and overall a catch, addictive track.
The sixth track “secret”is a smooth track with addictive guitar hooks and deep bass with background vocals by SAY.
The seventh track “Kono mama” features a piano driven track. Smooth, jazzy style of track.
The eighth track “marmot” features a groovy, funky jazz style with the addition of the flute. An instrumental track.
The ninth track “Lion to Venus” (Lion and Venus) features a piano, keyboard and strings driven track. Funky but upbeat rap delivery.
The tenth track “Never Know” features a more guitar/bass guitar upbeat track. Has that Red Hot Chili Peppers “Mother’s Milk”-era upbeat style.
The eleventh track “happy” is the group’s sixth CD single which was used as a tie-up track for TV Asahi’s “PUROMASHARU”. Fast, upbeat track with a cool guitar riff.
The twelfth track “AFRICA” is a deep track about the problems in Africa and HIV and hope. Upbeat but definitely a deep track with a message.
The final track “destiny” features an upbeat rock track that has an underlying scratching track in the background.
As for the DVD, the DVD features six of the group’s music videos and songs that were featured in ASIA2’s full-length albums “five men l’amant” (2006) and “VERONICA” (2008).
The first music video “ASIAN VIBRATION” features the group’s original more rock-driven style and performing in an all white room.
The second music video “Toku” features the group playing outside near a cliff and the ocean with furniture and lamp and musical instruments.
The third music video “Country Road” features the guys walking the country road. Passing by cardboard setups, vehicles (Subaru Forrester – product placement), musical instruments and people.
The fourth music video “happy” features the group in different areas of Tokyo during the winter and asking themselves if they are happy.
The fifth music video “Mr. Marduk” is a pretty cool black and white music video with the group just jamming and playing their instruments and rhyming at a car garage with women dancing or getting hit on by the band members.
The sixth music video is “Mr. Marduk” featuring an all instrumental track with the members playing their instruments and visual imagery.
As for the CD insert, the CD insert features the lyrics and production information plus photos of each member of the band.
Personally, I felt that this second album from ASIAN2 is solid. I’m glad that the CD+DVD version includes all of the music videos the group has released from “ASIAN VIBRATION” up to this album.
There are a lot of hip hop artists and bands in Japan but I like it even more when the band can have their own identity that separates them from the pack. ASIAN2 is one of those bands that manage to pull it off.
Each track is upbeat and the variety of music on this album, it’s all good!
If you are looking for more thrash-based rock hip hop or R&B beats/dance style of Japanese hip-hop, “VERONICA” may not be for you. But overall, for a straightforward rock hip hop band, “VERONICA” is a pretty good album. Check it out!
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