Akiko Shikata – Laylania July 10, 2012

Track Listing

1. Laylania
2. Ta Fatie
3. Fujouri≧Tanoshii?
4. Kaze wa Harukana Asu wo Shiru
5. Makuai~Kaokageuo: Sono Koro Dan’intachi wa Kentouchigaina Houkou wo Daisousakuchuu
6. La ciel
7. Toumei Nostalgia

1. Laylania

Starting this short album, Laylania kicks things off with its title track!  It’s cute since it feels like she meshed jazz with her folk style and got this unique mixture.  It’s a playful little fitty from Akiko and I thought it was cute as hell.  Add in that Akiko sounds really pretty in the song and you get a great tune and first track ^_^.

2. Ta Fatie

Things go into weird mode with Ta Fatie which is totally not like “Laylania”.  The song is a bit more mysterious and quieter since Akiko is singing with her breathy tone…it almost kind of sounds like a Cirque du Soleil tune because of how baroque and how much focus is on the accordion (I think that’s what it is).  It’s a really nice sound and the changes in her tone are surprises but good ones at that!

3. Fujouri≧Tanoshii?

To boost things back up to cuteville, Fujouri Tanoshii? is kind of like pico-pop but with this super quirky wonderland kind of style to it and it’s really making me remind myself of something like “EXEC_EP=NOVA/.” just not as random and squeaky.  It’s definitely unique and fits this whole fantasy world so right!

4. Kaze wa Harukana Asu wo Shiru

Moving onto our next track, Kaze wa Harukana Asu wo Shiru kind of goes into this mix of latin and folk which is really surprising for me.  I will say that flute/piccolo instrument is REALLY nice in this song.  Akiko’s vocals are a bit more extreme and advanced in this song and that’s cool that she’s able to show more of her voice here.  After a while, the song does kind of let go of the dance beats to this more ethereal and flowing style and that impressed me a lot.  This is probably my favorite song off the mini-album.

5. Makuai~Kaokageuo: Sono Koro Dan’intachi wa Kentouchigaina Houkou wo Daisousakuchuu

This incredibly long song starts off in a magical way with a sparkly and fairy-tale like melody starting things with strings that get louder and then stops with this kind of odd melody.  It sounds like it follows a mouse and its adventure (that’s what it sounds like to me…stick with me here).  I’m sure there’s a reason for this but there’s no Akiko in the song itself so it’s just a rather nice interldue of sorts (but I’m sure it’s part of the story).

6. La ciel

It does at this point make me think it’s tied alongside her Ar=ciel stuff when I get to La ciel.  The intro to the song reminds me of “Resshi Kouki” with the chanting and all that.  Akiko comes in and the song gets a bit unusual in the arangement.  It’s like someone is doing percussion on metal pipes and throw some traditional Japanese instruments and you get this song.  It’s a really cool sounding tune and quite mystical as well. 

7. Toumei Nostalgia

The final track is a good way to close things up on the mini.  It starts off like it would be best played during the night for some reason.  It doesn’t strike me as something that stands out like the other tracks but it is pleasant and has a bit of a regal glow to it that I appreciate about this.

 

 

While I’m not 100% sure that this is tied to Ar=ciel or not, Laylania is a rather pleasant and fun mini-album to listen to.  Most of the tracks are quite happy tunes with the same amount of fun written through it.  The thing I’m surprised is that there wasn’t an electro-type tune here but I’m content with this release!

FLOPPY – GREENWORLD

Track Listing

1. GREENWORLD
2. Longinus
3. Hoshi wo Miru Hito
4. Kanashii Ame
5. Kioku Soushitsu no Asa
6. the music
7. Lost Planet

1. GREENWORLD

Our album begins with a two minute intro with the title track, GREENWORLD.  Their signature 8bit sound is present and it sounds really good and kind of has this awesome NES feel to it!  Hiromu’s arrangement’s always seem to be captivating and it really stood out with this intro!

2. Longinus

It conyinues with the first track on the album, Longinus.  I kind of enjoy the style here as well even when Sharaku starts to sing with the track.  It’s weird that the arrangement does overpower his vocals a bit but otherwise it’s a bit cool.  I will say that it lacks a direction and I don’t think there’s a chorus…so it gets a bit boring after a while.  Not bad but could’ve used a bit more spark to it.

3. Hoshi wo Miru Hito

I kind of hope our next song is a bit more interesting.  I was kind of right because Hiromu really outdid himself in the arranging of the song.  Sharaku however is once again is quieter than normal which does put more emphasis on Hiromu’s work which could be a bummer to some people.  It’s a song that has a LOT of triplets in use, which is weird…but it’s passable

4. Kanashii Ame

Adding piano to their crazy 8bit style might be just adding salt to the wound but Kanashii Ame is more of the same that I’ve heard so far in this album.  I mean I could barely tell what Sharaku is saying until the filters get a bit louder in the song.  I mean it’s no different from the previous two tracks besides the piano melody.

5. Kioku Soushitsu no Asa

I’m starting to wonder if this album has anymore life to give at this point but Kioku no Soushitsu no Asa includes strings aside from the normal electronic arrangement.  It sounds pleasant and probably is the best of the songs on here which isn’t much when you really look at it.  Sharaku is just tough to hear on this track…

6. the music

I was surprised getting into the sixth track that it doesn’t really sound like any of the previous track because I hear guitars and some grittier sounds and HEAVY vocoder action which sounds fresh and unique,  though I’m also thinking it was a longer instrumental because the only lyrics I can point out is ~I love the music~ over and over.  It’s a cool track though.

7. Lost Planet

The final track is a bit more of what I would’ve heard from “Over Technology” but also follows alongside most of the other tracks on the album which is a little disappointing.  However, I can hear Sharaku just fine and it sounds really pleasant.  Probably my favorite of the vocal tracks…hmph…

 

 

I’m not sure how to take GREENWORLD.  I mean I enjoyed “Over Technology” a lot but this kind of dove into the “PROTOSCIENCE” field.  I just can’t seem to get into this album.  The tracks seemed to flow into each other but they have sameish arrangements and Sharaku was just too quiet here.  The instrumental songs were the best things off here TBH….I’m just disappointed in this.

Piko – 2PIKO

Track Listing

1. Joujaku: Yappa Dame ka
2. Emi’iro Refrain
3. Kimi ni Aitakute
4. Rankaku Parallel
5. Tengoku
6. Syndrome
7. Piko Piko★Night of Galaxy
8. Yume Hana
9. Unlimited Dream Walkers
10. Maker÷Breaker
11. ONLINE
12. Acid soul -Kanzen ni Chuuni Byou-jan-
13. ☆Piko Piko★Legend of the Night of Galaxy (Limited only)

1. Joujaku: Yappa Dame ka

Opening up Piko’s sophomore album, Joujaku opens with a synth-based melody and I already was impressed hahah.  I’m seeing that Piko’s vocals are getting a bit stronger and he doesn’t depend on his higher register here which is a plus.  It’s a fast song and it’s full of interesting chords and sounds.  Great opening for the album!

2. Emi’iro Refrain

I’m happy that Piko changed up styles in his A-sides because it was starting to get REALLY bland for me.  Emi’iro Refrain sound a lot lighter than “Joujaku” so that was good and this song actually sounds really pleasant.  I still do think he sounds very unenthusiastic doing the chorus.  Otherwise, it’s not a bad song and is a lot better than “Yume Hana”.

3. Kimi ni Aitakute

o.0 at the way Piko opens up this song because it was loud and his vocals were high there.  It gives off a very anime opening kind of feel which is different for him but he’s done it before on his last album.  Otherwise, this song isn’t very memorable for me.  It just needed a little more oomph towards the arrangement and vocals.

4. Rankaku Parallel

At least the problem goes away somewhat with Rankaku Parallel but brings us into a new problem.  Despite being more energetic and fun to listen to, Piko is singing in his high pitch…actually the highest I’ve probably heard him since his SONY debut.  I’m not a fan of his girlish tones and it’s a bit bothersome here.  Funny enough, the song is really catchy and kind of works with his odd tone…I’m surprised it worked so well!

5. Tengoku

Our next track opens with a cool drum and bass solo before going into this loud and wild arrangement with the guitar blaring out.  I have to say that I liked Piko in this song for some reason but then again, he’s pushing his vocals to the limit here because he’s shouting all over the place and such.  It’s a high velocity kind of song and it’s nice to see Piko push himself like he did.  After a while though, it does become a little annoying and it kind of gives me a headache but it’s not too bad if a sibg but just a little too much on Piko’s part.

6. Syndrome

We move from screaming into Syndrome which kind of sounds like something from Final Fantasy X with it’s relaxed and calm nature.  It’s a rather nice tune from him since it doesn’t really have any faults and I seem to be enjoying the arrangement just as much.  It’s chill and relaxing and this is what he needs more of.

7. Piko Piko★Night of Galaxy

When I saw the Piko Piko in the title, I knew the song was going to be once again the most energetic track on the album because it really is.  I mean it’s euro-trance and I love that stuff and adding that I loved what he did in the last “Piko Piko” track off his first album, I was more than excited to hear it and was happy with it!  I mean the arrangement is just a tad different but it’s still synth-happy and full of Piko’s strong vocals!  Probably my favorite song on the album!

8. Yume Hana

My thoughts haven’t really changed about Yume Hana very much.  I still don’t really enjoy the song because it was a lot like her first three singles and I just didn’t think it brought anything respective to the table.  Plus his vocals are kind of annoying in the song since he switches between high and medium notes.  Too blah for me…at least it’s kind of unique on the album since there’s not much that sounds similar to this.

9. Unlimited Dream Walkers

Our next song, Unlimited Dream Walkers sounds pretty cool of a title right?  Well it goes with a rather a pretty good song but it suffers the same with “Emi’iro Refrain” and that some of the song doesn’t feel like he put much effort to it.  After a while I do feel better about the song…sounds a bit like Amrican rock for some reason but I liked it nonetheless.

10. Maker÷Breaker

Next up, we get another anime-esque song but an odd one at that (have you heard the piano melody in the beginning?).  Maker÷Breaker actually isn’t a bad song to be honest because it’s fast-paced and Piko uses his vocals in a rather strong way here.  Does sound good overall and probably the best of the anime-ish songs on this album.

11. ONLINE

I kind of thought, ONLINE would’ve been a lot more electro than what we got but this is interesting.  Piko is back to using his girly tones here but once again, I found myself kind of interested in it because it wasn’t terrible or anything just something I’m still not used to.  Besides the Piko Piko songs this is about as electro we get with him.  The only thing I would frown upon is how he closes the chorus out with that EXTREMELY hugh note….that was a bad choice.  It’s like a ballad but a danceable ballad…interesting song!

12. Acid soul -Kanzen ni Chuuni Byou-jan-

The final song on the Regular editions of the album, Acid soul is kind of a weird title and the song itself is a bit strange as it opens up with spoken dialogue from Piko (really that’s his normal voice, or his seiyuu-y shtick?).  It lasts about a 1:30 until Piko screams the intro of the song out and it turns into this classic rock-styled kind of track.  I’m surprised at his deeper vocals because they’re like Mao’s from SID.  Edgy and something I wasn’t expecting from him but cool stuff and closes the album with a bang!  Though why the fade-out?  Ir just seemed odd to have that to close the song (and album)…

13. ☆Piko Piko★Legend of the Night of Galaxy

However, the limited editions came with a bonus track and it’s a GOOD ONE!!  It combines both Piko Piko songs together for this glorious mash-up.  The first half deals with “Legend of the Night” while the second half goes through “Night of Galaxy” and both tracks do sound similar to one another so that it could work together.  It’s a fun bonus and they flow seamlessly into each other (you might not even realize the change between the two!). 

Tracks Recommended

• ☆Piko Piko★Legend of the Night of Galaxy
• Piko Piko★Night of Galaxy
• Rankaku Parallel
• Joujaku: Yappa Dame ka
• Syndrome

Song of Avoidance

• Yume Hana

Piko’s sophomore major label album is a lot more memorable than “1PIKO” for sure.  A lot of the song fixed what I wasn’t a big fan of in the first and Piko drifted away from the animu-like songs for more of a unique approach.  I know I’m kind of odd for loving the Piko Piko songs but they are his best tunes IMHO.  The rest brough a new side to him and he’s using his high tones for better.  A couple of songs were a little disappointing but that was to be expected.  Overall, it’s a good solid release!

exist†trace – virgin

Track Listing

1. WONDERLAND
2. Daybreak ~13gatsu no Shikisai~
3. HONEY
4. GINGER
5. Keiyaku
6. Little Mary to Utsukushiki Nikushimi no Donau
7. Signal
8. TRUE
9. Futatsu no Koe
10. Anata
11. KISS IN THE DARK
12. I feel you
13. SORA
14. virgin (hidden track)

1. WONDERLAND

Sweet that the album opens up with pipe organ with WONDERLAND.  I think it madee a pretty hardcore opening to the album.  Plus with the band exploding out of the way, I felt like this song was a great intro (even when it is a full track).  Jyou sounds glorious and fits with the darker atmosphere too.  Definitely a cool track here!

2. Daybreak ~13gatsu no Shikisai~

Though I wouldn’t have minded if they had decided to open up with this song instead because it’s so DAMN AMAZING!  If they needed a track to blow down the gates with, it’s definitely Daybreak (the leading track from “THE LAST DAYBREAK”).  I mean the tune is hard, edgy, and just all around badass.  There’s not much to say otherwise because it’s such a rockin’ track and Jyou and everyone else sounds great here.

3. HONEY

Moving back into some new tracks, HONEY is also hard-hitting but a ltitle more like their indies stuff which wasn’t that long ago for them so it’s a nice move on their part.  It’s raw and just fun to listen to.  Jyou also sounds really strong in this tune but I still prefer her in “Daybreak”.

4. GINGER

As the promotional song for the album, GINGER is quite the departure for the band because it’s not hardcore and kind of has more of a jazzy rock style to it which is surprising to me lol.  Also add in that miko is sharing the lead vocals with Jyou and you get this very interesting sing that might turn some heads from fans of theirs.  Unique track and I kind of enjoyed it.

5. Keiyaku

That’s an eerie opening for our next track Keiyaku lol.  It’s a pretty interesting song with an oddball riff and style for some reason.  The verses are really empty and depends on Mally’s rhythm and miko/Omi’s riffs.  Otherwise, the song isn’t really my kind of deal because it’s a bit too empty and only really gets better in the chorus…*sigh*

6. Little Mary to Utsukushiki Nikushimi bo Donau

Another song to come off of “THE LAST DAYBREAK”, Little Mary also included vocals from miko to go along with Jyou’s vocals and I’m surprised at how varied her voice could be because miko sounded badass in “GINGER” and now using a cuter tone for Little Mary.  This song is also a little unusual as well because it’s got a carousel/waltz like style to it which might not be to everyone’s taste but it’s unique as well.

7. Signal

After getting through the weird part of the album, we get back into some rock songs starting with Signal.  I was missing Jyou’s powerful vocals in the last couple of tracks so it’s nice to see a straightforward song to come from them.  Signal isn’t half bad and the chorus is really catchy…though the drums are a bit much.

8. TRUE

Moving onto their first song from their same-titled major label debut, TRUE is kind of like stuff from “TWIN GATE” with it’s furious riffs and angsty atmosphere.  Like I said back then though, it does feel like it was a bit too much like their older stuff and it didn’t stand out for me…but I think they were being safe considering the change in labels.  It’s OK, but there’s much better on the album.

9. Futatsu no Koe

This is what I mean, Futatsu no Koe is definitely a much stroner song compared to “TRUE” with its more interesting melody and strong guitar riffs.  I also love Jyou’s vocals in the song, she just fits these songs so damn well.  Definitely the strongest of the new songs IMHO.

10. Anata

Probably the weakest song off the album, Anata really sounds like a mess to me because it’s so slow and has no real linear form.  Add in that Jyou sounds like she’s drunk or just trying to wing the song by being so dramatic and wild with her vocals.  It’s a song I just can’t get into the track since it lacks direction.

11. KISS IN THE DARK

The other song that came from “TRUE”, KISS IN THE DARK I think would’ve fit better in the middle of the album because it’s also upbeat and brighter than most of the songs here.  Jyou and miko together sound good, almost like a puzzle together.  It kind of feels like a beta version of “GINGER” but doesn’t quite sound as good. 

12. I feel you

Another track from “THE LAST DAYBREAK”?  Funny enough that I said it was the weakest song from the mini-album but here it kind of stands out in a good way even though it still is regular ole exist†trace.  It’s not bad at all and it does bring the best out of the group.

13. SORA

While this is the last main song on the album, SORA actually isn’t.  I actually was surprised they decided to close the album with a lighter track rather than going out with a band.  It’s no “Kimi no Masshiro na Hane” but this is a nice track to close thnigs off for Jyou since her vocals stand out brightly here.  A great way to close things out.

14. virgin

I was wondering why there was an extra track on the album but it seems like I didn’t expect what was actually up with it.  virgin is just instrumental versions of ALL of the songs racked up in one track (an hour long track). 

Tracks Recommended

• Daybreak ~13gatsu no Shikisai~
• Futatsu no Koe
• GINGER
• WONDERLAND
• I feel you

Song of Avoidance

• Anata

exist†trace’s major debut album is quite what I was expecting from them.  I mean virgin has its ups and down but mostly it turned out well for them.  I did notice they are slowly drifting from their rock sound to try new ideas like GINGER and Little Mary and letting miko share the spotlight with Jyou.  I’d say this was a good release.

Minori Chihara – ZONE//ALONE

Track Listing

1. ZONE//ALONE
2. Shakunetsu PARADISE
3. Forever Memories

1. ZONE//ALONE

No surprise that ZONE//ALONE sounds like a damn Nana Mizuki song because Elements Garden produced the song hence the surprising amount of synths and strings in the tune.  I mean it kind of reminds me of stuff like “Mugen” amd “METRO BAROQUE” by the way it stands which could be a negative but this is with Minorin’s vocals which are less dramatic than Nana’s.  One one side of the coin it’s a lot better than any of Minorin’s previous efforts in the “D-Formation” era but at the same time it doesn’t bring anything new to the table because I can get the same but better from Nana.

2. Shakunetsu PARADISE

Then we get into something a little less than appealing with Shakunetsu PARADISE.  It does suit her more cute style but her vocals took a dive for this song which is more nasally and suited for the arrangement.  It’s not as bad as some previous stuff like “Freedom Dreamer” but it’s a song that I would avoid lol.

3. Forever Memories

I kind of figured that a title such as Forever Memories would be considered a ballad and more lyrical-based kind of song.  While I wished Minorin ditched the nasal vocals, she sings with it here and I kind of found it odd to listen to her which the arrangement is more slow and focused on the piano and strings. 

 

 

I really don’t know how to feel about Minorin, I like her and sometimes I just don’t.  ZONE//ALONE is good for Minori fans since it is a lot more powerful and stood out a lot more than “Celestial Diva” did.  However, the single itself was a bit worse.  Her voice in both Shakunetsu PARADISE and Forever Memories is back to no good with her nasally tones and just overall ickyness.  I didn’t found either of those two tracks to be rather memorable anyways…At least her A-sides are still good!