Track Listing
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Poisoner
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Shojo Kaitai, Arui wa Hakkotsu Tou Yori Shoujotachi wa Hishou Suru
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Odakumi LADY
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Afuyou Shindai
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Kyokuiro Ichidai Onna
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Animals on the Earth
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Shanghai Ryouran Romantica
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Seikimatsu Genesis
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Kono Kuni no Mukou ni
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discipline [instrumental]
1. Poisoner
Considering ALIPRO is mostly a strings based unit, it’s not surprising that they would start off Poison with a strings track. Arika’s vocals are definitely an interesting sound especially with the arrangement. Now the synth parts are quite strange and a little bit erratic, but Arika makes the best with what’s there and Poisoner is an alright song.
2. Shojo Kaitai, Arui wa Hakkotsu Tou Yori Shoujotachi wa Hishou Suru
The next track starts off badly as there’s terrible chord progressions within the song. Luckily for us, the song leaves that part and goes for a more gothic-like sound with darker played synths and light electric guitar. I’m not sure why, but I would’ve thought the song would stand out more to me.
3. Odakumi LADY
The usual far of dissonant strings rear its ugly head to ALIPRO’s album and luckily it’s not the only thing here. There’s some cool synths playing and Arika’s ad-libbing going on that mixes with the strings to make it more interesting. At least the songs are getting better right???
4. Afuyou Shindai
Yep, another violin opening of course. I’m starting to feel the lack of differences in the album by track four. It’s a tad more bone-chilling and Arika’s distant vocals oddly fit here, but the dramatics of the song are a bit strange. It’s an odd ballad (if that’s what it is). Afuyou Shindai is an odd song.
5. Kyokuiro Ichidai Onna
I’m just a new fan of ALIPRO, but already I think this is a big WTF on the album. When compared to the other tracks, the style they used here is new to me. It’s basically jazz/big band with Arika’s vocals supporting it. It’s energetic, peppy, and full of hot solos that make “Shachihata” look amateur. Alright, I’m now impressed with this song altogether.
6. Animals on the Earth
Fortunately, that was a one-time deal since Animals on the Earth returns to their string-based arrangement. Unlike the other tracks, Animals on the Earth has a happier feel and at places feels quite epic. Though I do question that little synth line….it didn’t fit in the context of the song and threw me off quite a bit.
7. Shanghai Ryouran Romantica
A lone violin begins Shanghai Ryouran Romantica and let me tell you, it reminds me of something Kanon Wakeshima would so and that’s quite strange and yet awesome. It’s like a pop/waltz-like tune and it sounds interesting.
8. Seikimatsu Genesis
Wow, it’s funny hearing a chorale singing in Japanese…especially the guys. It’s also nice to hear Arika in her higher register as it does provide more of a emotional shock value to the listener. The music though is so odd…I mean beats, odd brass moments, and the choir continuing their chanting in the background.
9. Kono Kuni no Mukou ni
That’s a tongue twister to say XD. As an orchestral ballad, Kono Kuni no Mukou ni is actually quite nice to listen to. Yeah, the orchestra is just putting more emphasis on the bland arrangements this album has had so far, but I can’t help but love Arika’s voice. Though the best parts of the song are the solos…very strong.
10. discipline [instrumental]
I find it pretty useless to have a track that’s almost 4 minutes in length end the album as an instrumental. Without Arika’s vocals the song is just one long strings solo. Then again when harpischord comes in, the song gets more gothic-like and darker which is great. Once again, lyrics would’ve been nice, but this is ok.
Tracks Recommended
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Animals on the Earth
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Seikimatsu Genesis
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Kyokuiro Ichidai Onna
ALI PROJECT’s 10th album is rather kind of unusual for me. I mean I know they base they overall sound over the strings, but I’m hearing some changes like inclusion on synths and utilizing jazz which is great and all, but there’s not enough of that to really save this album. I don’t know, but I’m not enjoying this album much. Though the art cover is just awesome!
