chatmonchy – Henshin October 26, 2012

Track Listing

1. Henshin
2. Hatena
3. Thermae Roman
4. Shoujo E
5. Convenience Honeymoon
6. Yes or No or Love
7. Hatsu Hinode
8. Aruku Object
9. Kirakira Hikare
10. Futari, Jinsei, Jiyuugaoka
11. Utatane
12. Mangetsu ni Hoero

1. Henshin

Cool that the duo started the album off with the title track for sure.  Henshin begins smoothly with a nice guitar intro that leads into one of their more different styled songs.  It has a bit of a chanting style (even though Eriko and Akiko do not sound great trying to be melodic together.  It’s a simple track overall but I don’t think it really stood out to me beyond the repetitive hook.

2. Hatena

I am SOOOO HAPPY that “Yume Mitai da” did not make the album cut (since it was an A-side and all as well).  Tying with “Thermae Roman” as the best A-sides of the era, Hatena really surprised me.  I think that it’s because it’s more energetic and both ladies are into the song (unlike in “Henshin”).  It was really fun and the track catered to Eriko’s distinct vocals nicely.

3. Thermae Roman

Which led to my other favorite A-side, the shower song, Thermae Roman also worked for the duo.  It’s nice as loud as “Hatena” but I really found myself loving the arrangement and melody of this track.  I still kind of wince a little at Eriko in the chorus, but this song is pretty friggin good!

4. Shoujo E

Moving on to another new track, Shoujo E starts off with a cool percussion beat and then Eriko comes in with guitars and the song kind of has this darker style which I instantly got hooked to.  Eriko’s voice sounds a little more stronger and less whiny which is a good sign!  Definitely an impressive track right here.

5. Convenience Honeymoon

As the 5th and final single from Henshin, Convenience Honeymoon is kind of strange because it feels like it suits more as the ending song rather than where it is here.  I think the song is reasonably good, but it’s nothing that we haven’t heard so it doesn’t stand out on the album unfortunately.

6. Yes or No or Love

Something about the song sounds nostalgic when I begin it.  It might be the keyboard that makes it sound a little old.  I also noticed there was a guy singing alognside some of the track which is nice, but this song is simple and doesn’t really get more exciting.  I just kind of forget about it in the end since it doesn’t really leave much of an impression.

7. Hatsu Hinode

The next track, Hatsu Hinode sounds like a mess to me since it also has a minimal sound to it but only with guitars and drums (and a lil bass).  There’s just something about the track that just doesn’t work and I think it’s Eriko’s vocals here.  The fact that it’s only slightly under 3 minutes helped, but the song is still underwhelming.

8. Aruku Object

Moving from one of the shortest to the longest track at almost 7 minutes, Aruku Object had me worried since some of the songs previous have not been good.  I do like the song is a slow one from them and it includes strings to king of make the song sound more complete (at least more than the previous two tracks).  It is a little long, but I liked it overall.

9. Kirakira Hikare

Funny how we go back to a short song (actually the shortest song on the album) which was also an A-side.  For being so short though Kirakira Hikare was pretty fast-paced and energetic.  Eriko’s performance is a little too shrill but for what its worth, it’s not a bad track.  I’d say it’s good, but a little shouty in areas.

10. Futari, Jinsei, Jiyuugaoka

Back to the final two new tracks, Futari, Jinsei, Jiyuugaoka is probably the closest I think the group goes to sound like something off their last album.  Sadly, like the other new tracks, it doesn’t really stand out nor does it really do anything positive.  It’s just kind of there…meh.

11. Utatane

The last new track, I was at this point kind of tired of the new tracks for being mostly unimpressive.  Utatane is another slow jam but I feel like they went a little too slow since it kind of moves at a snail’s pace.  Nothing exciting to listen for here either sadly….

12. Mangetsu ni Hoero

At least the album ends with Mangetsu ni Hoero. which was the first release they after Kumiko left the band.  It’s funny that I remember this song the most because of its chorus which Eriko screams out lol.  The song has grown on me a whole lot since I reviewed the single, but it’s still kind of loud sometimes.

Tracks Recommended

• Shoujo E
• Thermae Roman
• Hatena
• Mangetsu ni Hoero

Song of Avoidance

• Hatsu Hinode

This album was bad…and I would assume it was from Kumiko leaving the band that’s affected the group in a negative way.  I thought they had it together with the singles for the most part, but they let the album tracks just fall flat entirely (cept Shoujo E).  This is a major flop when compared to their last album, “YOU MORE”.  Ugh….so depressed after this one…

chatmonchy – Convenience Honeymoon September 23, 2012

Track Listing

1. Convenience Honeymoon
2. CHA CHA CHA

1. Convenience Honeymoon

As I would’ve expect, chatmonchy would put out a slower track as an A-side and for some reason, I kind of really enjoyed the toned down vibes and for the most part, Eriko didn’t sound bad here.  It might not be the strongest song of the era, but it did its job and stayed true to the band.

2. CHA CHA CHA

I wish I could say the same for the single’s B-side.  It’s actually VERY off the wall for the duo.  I mean it sounds ridiculously cheap and has most of the song focus on this synth line.  I’m actually surprised this is another cover (from Akemi Ishii).  I still can’t believe that this song is the only track in the era that doesn’t really feature guitars period!  I’m kind of on the fence if I actually really enjoyed it or despise it.

 

 

As it’s the duo’s 5th and final single before releasing their first album as a duo, “Henshin”, Convenience Honeymoon might not be their best release, but this wasn’t terrible.  The leading track is a bit laidback from their previous 4 but it’s a solid A-side worthy of being on the album.  The B-side isn’t as big of a disaster like “Yume Mitai da” was, but it’s very unusual for them IMO.  Not bad and I liked that Tamio Okuda produced and sung on the tracks too, gave the duo a deeper voice for the single.

chatmonchy – Kirakira Hikare July 9, 2012

Track Listing

1. Kirakira Hikare
2. Karisou Method

1. Kirakira Hikare

chatmonchy has been really shoveling these A-sides out haven’t they?  Now I’m not their biggest fan of theirs but they’ve been doing quite good since becoming a duo for some odd reason lol.  Produced by Ajikan member Gotou, Kirakira Hikare is pretty rockin and all but did a lot of it have to be yelled by Eriko?  I mean she kind of makes me squint when the chorus is around.  The other parts are nice though and for being under 4 minutes it’s not bad…just got parts that were off like “Mangetsu ni Hoero”.

2. Karisou Method

Their B-side though is something else but in a good way for some reason.  I mean the guitar riffs have more oomph and Eriko sounds really strong.  I will say, I wasn’t expecting a male vocalist to be in the track too (Goto perhaps?).  I like that line of ~ra ra ra ra ra lu ra la~ that melody is kind of cool and catchy.  It’s different in a good way actually!

 

 

Like I said, chatmonchy has been feveriously releasing singles in 2012 and Kirakira Hikare might be the best of the four so far.  I think Kirakira Hikar as a song, is alright but the usual Eriko problems are here but they aren’t a red flag to the song (plus the PV was funny to me hahaha).  Karisou Method on the other hand was better and the collaboration of the guy vocalist helped and made the song more playful. Is there an album next for the band?

chatmonchy – Hatena/Yume Mitai da May 4, 2012

Track Listing

1. Hatena
2. Yume Mitai da

1. Hatena

After their last two singles, Hatena actually did a good job at bringing some interest back into the group.  Eriko doesn’t sound all wild and aggressive as she is normally heard.  I love the guitar riffs that open, including the harmonica parts as well.  This song is pretty damn good and I’m happy this was released hahah.  Not bad!

2. Yume Mitai da

I’m surprised that the other A-side is actually a cover of “Proofs” from MATES OF STATE…you wouldn’t expect that from chatmonchy right?  However, it’s kind of off they made this an A-side at the last minute because it’s really only 2:40 in length and a lot more stripped down than the feel of “Hatena”.  However, I just don’t enjoy the song…it is a cover of an indies song…but it’s still so unattractive to me that I really wished it just stayed as the B-side as it originally was planned to be.

 

 

chatmonchy’s third…Hatena/Yume Mitai da is good and bad in ways XD.  I love Hatena and is there best since becoming a trio (granted there’s not many songs for the duo right now XD).  However, Yume Mitai da was probably an idea they should’ve not dove in with since it’s just kind of bad all over XD  I’m not sure how to feel for the single as a whole though…just get it for Hatena XD

chatmonchy – Thermae Roman February 9, 2012

Track Listing

1. Thermae Roman
2. Thermae Roman (TV Edit)

1. Thermae Roman

I guess when you’re chatmonchy, you can get away with odd songs once in a while and Thermae Roman is definitely one of those huh??? songs.  Learning that Eriko has actually become the drummer (as well keeping the lead singer title), she actually sounds a bit better here than in their single last week in “Mangetsu ni Hoero”.  In a way Eriko sounds a little like Shion Tsuji here.  Besides the odd topic of showers, this song is surprisingly good from the duo!

 

 

I’m a little confused why the duo released two singles in two weeks…it’s kind of random and could’ve been easily made into a double A-side if they wanted but whatever xD.  Thermae Roman is quite nice actually and really shows the group at their best (despite their loss).  Though I’m wondering if this means something in the future for them…

chatmonchy – Mangetsu ni Hoero February 1, 2012

Track Listing

1. Mangetsu ni Hoero
2. Mangetsu ni Hoero (Piano Inst)

1. Mangetsu ni Hoero

Mangetsu ni Hoero by chatmonchy is kind of a bit slower than previous A-sides (though let’s not forget their last single was back in 2009).  I will say that it sounds like good ole chatmonchy with a solid rock melody but I’m not sure if I can really take Eriko’s screaming in the chorus very much since it’s kind of piercing in headphones.  Though I can see this being a popular song sung live actually. 

 

 

Since it’s the first for the era, I was surprised at Manatsu ni Hoero since it’s not really bad of a song but Eriko can still manage a sour note here and there.  I will say since it’s the first single since their drummer Kumiko left the band, it feels like nothing has totally changed but it’s an alright song…I wonder how “Thermae Roman” will turn out.

chatmonchy – YOU MORE April 18, 2011

Track Listing

1. Birthday Cake no Ue wo Aruite Kaetta
2. Lady Navigation
3. Kingashinnen
4. Sougen ni Tatsu Nihon no Ki no You ni
5. Namida no Yukue
6. Boyfriend
7. Sakura Zensen
8. Last Kiss
9. Shounen no Jump
10. Kenjuu
11. Yoin

1. Birthday Cake no Ue wo Aruite Kaetta

Beginning the album with the promotional song for the album, I thought it sounded a lot like something YUKI would’ve sang since it has that light pop/rock kind of atmosphere going.  Oddly enough Eriko sounds good singing here, but it could just be the fact that I mentioned above how similar the two are…but still pretty good.  Good song and the interlude was quite interesting as well.

2. Lady Navigation

Going into our next song, Lady Navigation sounds a bit more edgier than the previous song of course, but the time signature will throw you off at first since it doesn’t sound like normal 4/4 time.  I still can’t find a good groove for the song, but now with the more aggressive sound, I do think it reminds me of Stereopony, but only slightly.  It’s a good song and not annoying….at least after getting used to the weird melody.

3. Kingashinnen

I don’t exactly understand the beginning, but Kingashinnen pulls us back into the rather light-hearted and fun side to the trio and I must say Akiko (their bassist) stands out to me more than the rest of the band for some reason but that’s good.  I like the little Taiko drum additions in the song as well…however that’s for the good stuff.  Eriko kind of ruins the experience by returning to her more outrageous notes that sound terrible and off-pitch when she hits them…random song, but icky vocals.

4. Sougen ni Tatsu Nihon no Ki no You ni

I wish Eriko would try to stop going for those high ass notes because they really suck and hurt my ears whenever she demonstrates her perserverance for them.  As the shortest track on the album (barely over 3 minutes), Sougen ni Tatsu sounds quite awesome arrangement-wise and is a much more energetic song than “Kingashinnen”, but the vocals once again stops the song for becoming 100 times better…sorry but I can’t take Eriko’s squeaks.

5. Namida no Yukue

I can tell this album is entirely opposite to “Kokuhaku” from the amount of light songs and somewhat upbeat.  Namida no Yukue does surprise me since it’s reggae-styled but in chatmonchy style which means no other instruments which is pretty cool.  I do give points here since Eriko doesn’t stress her vocals and sounds actually good in comparison to the last two songs.  I do feel that a little more could’ve been done with the arrangement which at random parts feel quite empty and lifeless. 

6. Boyfriend

Acoustics next?  Boyfriend isn’t too much of a surprise and once again it’s showing off a more cuter side to chatmonchy that reminds me of life “LOVE is SOUP” from their last album.  It’s simple and Eriko’s cuter vocals push the song forward.  It’s not too bad and she controls her notes a bit stronger, but the song could’ve used a bit more.

7. Sakura Zensen

Our next song does feel a bit more filled out with Akiko and Fumiko being louder.  Still, for being one of the mid-tempo songs on the album, it felt like it was just stale and kind of emotionless throughout from the band and depended too much on Eriko.  It’s just a bit forgetful, but Eriko doesn’t sound too awfully bad.

8. Last Kiss

I do like that there’s a serious song on this album to slightly get away from the gushy cuteness of the songs before so this is a nice reprieve for the moment.  Sadly, Eriko and serious songs somewhat have a rocky road due to her kind of grating vocals.  I will say hearing Kumiko and Akiko singing in the chorus was an interesting treat.  It’s a good song on this album but if it was on any other album, I’d say this is forgettable.

9. Shounen no Jump

I actually kind of enjoyed our next song quite a bit since it’s so bright and has a great guitar hook throughout.  Eriko is sitting on the line of blah and not blah, but it’s not totally bad and she doesn’t force it like other songs have shown off.  It’s oddly enough one of the album’s best songs if not the best that was offered.  Fun and groovy!

10. Kenjuu

Out of all the songs on the album, Kenjuu has the loudest arrangement with tons of guitar and bass and drums to fill the speakers.  It does have that power that “Last Love Letter” presented us during the “Kokuhaku” era.  I must say I found myself really enjoying myself with this song and everything felt good and strong from the trio….I actually liked it more than “Shounen no Jump”.

11. Yoin

Closing the album out, Yoin feels like a song that should’ve been towards the first half of the album rather as the ending.  It’s light and cute with the uber cute Eriko vocals that I’ve come to sort of dislike.  I take that back, if it was placed earlier, I probably would’ve been quickly bored of the song…then again I am bored here, but not as much.  It’s still pretty plain.

Tracks Recommended

• Kenjuu
• Shounen no Jump
• Birthday Cake no Ue wo Aruite Kaetta
• Lady Navigation
• Boyfriend

Song of Avoidance

• Sakura Zensen

It hasn’t really been that long since “Awa Come”, but damn did this surprise me.  YOU MORE is actually not that bad of an album and the trio worked hard to make this a much needed improvement after both “Kokuhaku” and “Awa Come” and this was a good move.  I still think Eriko’s vocals are mediocre, but some of the songs shown some hope for her…also interesting move to make this a lighter album than before as well…hmmm I might take time to listen more of this album.

chatmonchy – Awa Come October 28, 2010

Track Listing

1. Koko Dake no Hanashi
2. Caramel Purin
3. Seishun no Ichiban Fudashou
4. Kumo Hashiru
5. Ai Kawarazu
6. Second Present
7. My Sugar View
8. Mata, Chikai Uchi ni

1. Koko Dake no Hanashi

Uhm, why did chatmonchy had to begin the mini-album with a pretty bleh song?  I thought the flow in the beginning was pretty messy, but when the rest of the band came in, it straightened out pretty quickly.  It’s more or less what I expected from chatmonchy so I guess it’s alright.

2. Caramel Purin

I didn’t think that the song with a yummy title would be actually one of the serious sounding songs from here.  It’s pretty straightforward from them and since I can easily tolerate Eriko’s vocals more here than in any other songs, I ended up liking this quite a bit.

3. Seishun no Ichiban Fudashou

I know that I’ll end up saying this a lot, but I’d expect this song to have been put onto “Kokuhaku” since it has that flow going on and such.  I like the fast pace of the verses and the slow, yet weird flowing chorus of this song.  It’s also the first time I heard the other members sing something and I approve.  It’s still strange with the areas that go on so it might take some time adjusting to, but I could easily enjoy this for what it is, but maybe too sloppy for others.

4. Kumo Hashiru

Being one of the more louder songs, Kumo Hashiru started out fine being so lowkey and quiet, almost rock ballad, but once the chorus jumps in all hell breaks lose and I’m finding myself grossed out by Eriko’s execution of the chorus being vocally mega stressed and hitting bad notes all over.  I mean I can see why she did it since the chorus is so loud and all, but that was just overkill for me and kind of ruined the niceness of the song.

5. Ai Kawarazu

If there was one thing I kind of despise more than Eriko singing over the limit, it’s when she tries to be cute and going over the limit and with Ai Kawarazu, she definitely tried to kill my ears in the verses.  It’s just the way she swoops her notes that bother me the most since the neding note she hits is very offkey and whiny at the same time.  Now I not be a total fan of chatmonchy, but it’s one of the reasons I can’t fully enjoy them musically.

6. Second Present

Second Present at least goes back to the styles I usually like from chatmonchy and Eriko finally isn’t getting off the boat here.  While it’s still under the realm of cute pop/rock music, it’s a bit more stronger and the other two gals come back for the chorus.  It’s funky and has good rhythm as well. 

7. My Sugar View

I’m not exactly sure what’s exactly going on with My Sugar View since it’s got a strange start with little instrumentation and Eriko singing by herself before the group cleans up and gets on with the melody of the tune.  At least Eriko’s guitar playing is nice to listen to for sure.  It might not be the most memorable song from them, but it’s good.

8. Mata, Chikai Uchi ni

Closing the mini-album up, Mata, Chikai Uchi ni is an Eriko solo basically with just her and acoustic guitar, but it’s also quite short being about a minute and a half long and all.  At least it wasn’t slow which is good.  It oddly reminds me of YUI for some reason since Eriko and YUI have similar vocals somewhat and it kind of struck me here as that.

While the rather long resting period was good for me (haha), chatmonchy’s return was alright but nothing I haven’t really heard already from “Kokuhaku”.  Maybe chatmonchy isn’t one of those bands that really wanna change their sound and I can enjoy that but Eriko really needs to get some control on some of the songs that demand her to go over the limit on her vocals, it’s kind annoying me now!

chatmonchy – Kokuhaku March 4, 2009

Track Listing

1. 8cm no PINWHEEL
2. Hira Hira Hiraku Himitsu no Tobira (Album Mix)
3. Umi Karade ta Sakana
4. Somaru Yo
5. CAT WALK
6. Yodan
7. Hibiscus wa Fuyu ni Saku
8. Aimai na Kanjou
9. Negai Metemite
10. LOVE is SOUP
11. Kaze Fukeba Koi
12. Last Love Letter (Album Mix)
13. Yasashisa

1. 8cm no PINWHEEL

Finally, an album not starting with an introduction.  I love the setting for this track and Eriko isn’t as grating as normal.  Then again the chorus could be a little more controlled because her squeaking just rubs me the wrong way, especially from her voice.  It’s an ok track though.

2. Hira Hira Hiraku Himitsu no Tobira (Album Mix)

I have no idea the main reason for the album mix being hooked on at the end because I don’t hear any difference from the single and here.  The track that began the era off, I think it’s grown on me since back then.  I love how lively Eriko sounds and doesn’t really seem horrible in the vocal factor, but I think she’s stressing herself because of the one-breath rule in the chorus.  That was interesting to see.

3. Umi Karade ta Sakana

The opening is pretty sweet with a strong opening from Kumiko and Akiko.  Even though her yelling is kind of hurting my ears, it’s basically nothing really special, but I love Eriko’s guitar playing.  One of the coolest solos so far on the album.

4. Somaru Yo

Somaru Yo is definitly the worst A-side of the era because they shouldn’t have done a ballad especially with how odd Eriko’s vocals are.  I remember that this song had a very depressing topic, but it just doesn’t help that this song was a big no-no for them.

5. CAT WALK

Again with the ballad?  CAT WALK was something I wasn’t expected to be one of those tracks, but yet here it is.  It is a smidge better than “Somaru Yo” but that’s not saying much, that is until the rest of the group comes in.  I can link the fact this song sounds a little like something Nichika would do.  It’s a pretty cool track after that boring start.

6. Yodan

Yodan was the first track to really make me think (WTF).  It just sounds like one hot mess that was conjured up in like 10 minutes.  It just lacks and direction for me and even though the bridge was awesome, the chorus was terrible.  At least Eriko isn’t covered up by the mess in BKGD. 

7. Hibiscus wa Fuyu ni Saku

They an acoustic route for our next track on the album and it’s a bit more cohesive than the last track for sure.  I did find the transition from the bridge in the chorus way messy and I had to stop and find my place to get back into the beat.  I do like this track however.

8. Aimai na Kanjou

I love this bass opening a lot.  Aimai na Kanjou just has this longing feeling and the groups slow pacing interestingly works here.  Eriko’s vocals has definitly gotten a bit stronger here as well so I praise her on that.  One of my favorite new tracks.

9. Negai Metemite

We get back into the normal pop/rock sound starting with Negai Metemite and I swear it feels like someone else is singing at first, but it’s Eriko using a more deeper tone than usual which is a nice change.  It seems to song doesn’t really have much going for it’s lyrics until the bridge, but once again I fell in love with this track pretty quickly. 

10. LOVE is SOUP

Hahahah, I love the whole diner sound LOVE is SOUP has.  The beginning lines are damn strange and yet really catchy at the same time.  Maybe simplicity is better than being so complex because this track is so cute and simple.

11. Kaze Fukeba Koi

The 2nd single to represent this era was just so energetic and actually was a more complex track than “LOVE is SOUP”.  There was a lot of cool and the chorus is catchy as well.  I’d call this the more frantic single release, but I love it all the way.

12. Last Love Letter (Album Mix)

What this song is amazing.  Ending the era was a smart choice for them because it was what they were all about.  Once again, I find myself not knowing what the difference between the single and album, but seriously this track couldn’t have been done better and I really enjoyed the PV that went with it as well.

13. Yasashisa

Rounding out the album is our final track, Yasashisa.  With it’s marching drum sound and how Eriko was singing, it was like “Edelweiss pt. 2″.  Sadly, it doesn’t exactly go anywhere besides staying on the cold, marching style.  I guess it was OK at the end, but I was hoping for more.

Tracks Recommended

•  Last Love Letter (Album Mix)
• LOVE is SOUP
• Aimai no Kanjou
• Kaze Fukeba Koi
• Negai Metemite

Song of Avoidance

• Yodan

chatmonchy’s 4th album and the first album for me was kind of weird.  Like the half was really strange and not really up to snuff.  The latter half really showed their true colors and brought out the big guns.  So it’s kind of an album that depends on your interest in them.

chatmonchy – Last Love Letter February 3, 2009

Track Listing

1. Last Love Letter
2. Katamichi Kippu
3. Good luck my sister!!

1. Last Love Letter

Well, I have to say I’m more fond of their rock sounds than their ballad-like tracks and actually this one of my favorite A-sides of the “Kokuhaku” era.  They seemed to get it right with vocals and musicality even though Eriko’s high notes are still piercing.  The track is lively and just full of life.  Even the PV was hilarious to watch.  Great song.

2. Katamichi Kippu

Eriko actually gets better with this track.  Our first B-side sounds pretty serious and a little somber as well.  Right from the start, I can tell that Eriko is actually playing safe and not blowing her high notes at all.  Katamichi Kippu is still upbeat, but not “Last Love Letter” upbeat.  Another great track!

3. Good luck my sister!!

The other B-side is actually the fastest of the 3 and wow was this a very energetic one as well.  Even though those 3 tracks can seem pretty similar to one another, this was the happiest of them.  Even Eriko has a great solo which is amazing IMO.  Wow, this wasn’t as bad as I initially thought, since my initials were that this would’ve been the ballad.

 

 

I am definitly happy with this single.  Not only was it devoid of a ballad track, all 3 songs were consistent and energetic songs that can make you appreciate chatmonchy.  Last Love Letter and Good luck my sister were the happier of the 3 while Katamichi Kippu was more on the sadder side but still upbeat.  Early favorite single for me.