About the Band: REIGN is a brand-spanking-new Loud-Kei band made up of ex-AND members Ikuma (Vo) and Kaji (Dr), and newcomers Ryuzi (Ba), Nagi (Gt), and Tano (Gt). Their image is that of mischievous demons and their fans are referred to as Koakuma, or Little Devils. Kyumei is the second of a promised five releases.
The Packaging: This single came in
only one version with a pretty standard single-disc package. The
cover art depicts a rather forlorn-looking little boy sitting on the
hand of a clock surrounded by troubling red eyes. Also hanging from
the clock is a lantern. The disc itself is printed with a clock set
to 7:05. Their previous release, Giwaku, was also printed with a
clock set to a different time. I am curious to see if it becomes
thematically relevant.
The Tracks: I want to start this
review by saying how much I appreciate the fact that this release, as
well as the one that came before it, contain three ACTUAL songs and
not two songs and an SE. I mean, get real, we all know the SE is
filler and I can't help but feel more like I'm getting what I paid
for when I get actual songs.
Anywho, let's get on with it.
M1: Death ParadE
Composed by: Ryuzi
This track opens with the eerie sound
of an organ playing a bouncy tune which is soon joined by the rest of
the band, producing a strange, crunchy thing that sounds something
like a broken music box. Ikuma joins the fray with a catchy,
chant-worthy “Let's joy paradE” (yes, Ikuma's English makes no
damn sense, but that's why we love him, right?) that will stick in
your head for weeks. Trust me on this one. The story of the song is
that of a demon trying to tempt the listener away from life to join
his parade of joyful monsters and the motif of the song fits this
image perfectly. I can almost see a little accordion-playing imp
dancing in my head as I listen. And I want to squash him.
M2: 「撲殺？毒殺？ねぇ、ダーリン？」
M2: 「撲殺？毒殺？ねぇ、ダーリン？」
Composed by: Tano
This song may start out all electronic
dissonance but it's all about the guitars on this one. While the
main riff is pretty simple and repetitive, it is broken up by some
delightful back and forth between the two guitarists as they trade
solos, bouncing off of and wrapping around each other with delicious
melodies. Tano and Nagi, while still green, show great potential in
this song. Give them a couple years experience and they'll be
battling on stage like pros. The plainness of the main riff seems to
be designed to make room for the dynamic bass fills that pervade the
verses, filling the noiseless gaps with pops that lead seamlessly
into a catchy hook that will find you swaying in your seat.
M3: Bunny Go Round
Composed by: Kaji
This one sounds like AND put through a
blender. If you don't know what that sounds like, think a pair of
sneakers in an off-balance washing machine. But, in a good way.
Ikuma's powerful vocals are the highlight here. Silk throated and
sandpaper-tongued, he roars his way through a labyrinth of grinding
guitars and skull-crushing drums. I have to say, Ikuma is one of my
favorite growlers and I am so happy to see it put to good use. And
the drums. My God, the drums. Every inch of this song strikes like
a bullet, giving only the slightest moments of relief. Silences
punctuated by canon blasts. This is the kind of song that leaves you
gasping for air and feeling like you've just run a marathon in four
and a half minutes. So, naturally, it's my favorite.
All in all, this single is a great
example of what this young band has to offer. As an AGENT of AND, I
couldn't be happier with Kaji and Ikuma's performance as they deliver
all the melodic rage I've come to expect from them. Couple that with
the all the young potential in their new lineup, and it makes for a
band worth watching. I can't wait to see them grow into the
powerhouse I know they can be.
I am already so intrigued by the story that is unfolding. And this is only the beginning.
~ Kort
I am already so intrigued by the story that is unfolding. And this is only the beginning.
~ Kort
