Kaya – Nocturne December 17, 2012

Track Listing

1. Marionette
2. Coppelia
3. Kugutsu 2012

1. Marionette

The first track on the single opens quietly with a pretty violin solo before the song moves into Kaya’s signature darkwave style and it’s very elegant yet very creepy (sounds like an ALI PROJECT song, but with Kaya’s deep vocals).  It’s kind of like a lot of his past songs so it’s not offensive or anything, but I think there’s a lot better out there.

2. Coppelia

If I thought “Marionette” was dark, then this is kind of extreme lol.  Coppelia is definitely fitting to the theme of the single which is goth.  To me, the song felt like it needed something more in its arrangement because it sounded kind of empty compared to the previous track.  It’s kind of creepy though in a way especially with Kaya singing in that distant, whispery tone.  I think I could grow into really liking it, but for right now…it stands as ok.

3. Kugutsu 2012

It’s been a while but we get a new version of one of Kaya’s indies songs, this time Kugutsu from “Hyakkiyagyou” got a new touchup.  Back then, I kind of thought it was a nice track but a bit too slow for me.  The new version is has a bit more going on from what I remembered about it and it still is an evil song to listen to ^_^.  It’s not a bad touch-up but there’s something going on in that chorus…like some warbling effect on his voice…that wasn’t good…but this is still a dark song overall and I think I’m enjoying it more (the original and the new take).

 

 

As the third single of the era, Nocturne isn’t as strong as “SALOME” was but falls in between that and “Vampire Requiem” to be honest.  All three tracks have something potentially great about it, but they all have their own issues like Marionette not standing out in Kaya’s A-sides, Coppelia’s empty arrangement, but solid vocals in that song.  Kugutsu is a good track, but some of the vocal choices were a bit shady…still not a bad single, but not his best.

Kaya – SALOME July 2, 2012

Track Listing

1. Prologue -La pleine lune-
2. SALOME
3. Babylon
4. Epilogue -Babylonia-

1. Prologue -La pleine lune-

Singles with introductions?  I really don’t know why but there is one of these here.  La pleine lune is kind of dark and forboding.  Some weird synths and heavily filtered vocals with some strange guitar playing broken chords.  Strange way to open the single but it moves into “SALOME” easily though.

2. SALOME

Since the full single hasn’t come out, we got SALOME (our lead track!).  The song is so much better than “Vampire Requiem” that it’s not even funny to me.  I mean we’re back with Kaya’s mysterious and deep vocals and his goth-trance that I love to death from him.  It really does have that edgy atmosphere down and it’s crazy and powerful at the same time.  This is probably Kaya’s best A-side in a LONG time!

3. Babylon

The other song of the single, Babylon is a bit more darkwave-based which is cool to hear as well.  It kind of reminds me of circus music (but not heavily drowned in it).  I like that the song is different from Kaya and while I do feel that it is a bit short and doesn’t leave as much of a mark as SALOME did, it was REALLY unique.

4. Epilogue -Babylonia-

As the ending of the single Babylonia pulls us back into that dark and creepy atmosphere but does it so much more stronger than “La pleine lune”.  Same stuff with the electronic quips and filtered lyrics.  Then it slowly builds to this synth breakdown as a final touch.

 

 

Kaya’s single is just SOOO much more amazing than “Vampire Requiem” was…a total 180.  I mean switching from rock/trance hybrid into what Kaya is known for OH-SO-WELL is great and should’ve been the follow-up after “QUEEN”.  SALOME is strong as hell and energizes them quickly while Babylon (while a hard song to get into because of how unique it is) is a nice touch to the single.  As for the intro/outro it suits the single, but still is strange to see such a thing for a SINGLE!  Love to see what he releases next!

Kaya – Vampire Requiem January 29, 2012

Track Listing

1. Vampire Requiem
2. Curse of Rose
3. Vampire Requiem -Kayaless ver.-
4. Curse of Rose -Kayaless ver.-

1. Vampire Requiem

I’m actually quite excited to see this release actually!  I will say it’s not like Kaya’s previous single since it’s less electronica and more of a gothic kind of song.  I mean it has harpischord and a buttload of strings which might be something typical but HIZAKI produced this so it’s not like anything before.  I will say the chorus does add the dance beats…but I will say, this one didn’t really impress me much >.<

2. Curse of Rose

The B-side of the single is also quite different for Kaya since this one is V-kei goth rock which might throw some people off.  I will say I actually quite enjoyed this right up until the guitar solo which sounded like every other rock solo and it kind of went downhill after that.  I’m just rather meh with it.

 

 

I’m kind of surprised that I didn’t find myself interested in this single (especially after coming off such a great album in “QUEEN”).  I think it was because Kaya worked with HIZAKI rather than Kalm and Hora which resulted in a rather odd sounding single.  Vampire Requiem does sound alright but dark…but Kaya has better.  Curse of Rose though is kind of too unusual and it’s not his style but more of HIZAKI’s…Meh single.

Kaya – QUEEN May 2, 2011

Track Listing

1. Arachne
2. Nouvelle Mariee
3. Awilda
4. Ophelia
5. Sorcière
6. Rose Kingdom
7. Sugar Rose (Type B only)
8. Medusiana
9. Last Snow piano ver.
10. Addict
11. Transmigration

1. Arachne

Starting the album off, Arachne actually sounds pretty damn good when it opens up with such an ethereal glow and the ad-libbing that’s going on.  It’s almost surreal to listen to the song in the beginning.  Once Kaya enters the ad-libbing stops and it’s left with timpanis, acoustic guitar, and an interesting sound that sounds unworldly to me.  I thought it was a pretty awesome opening track and with Kaya’s light vocals it really worked here.

2. Nouvelle Mariee

I do know that a lot of the album is going to be Kaya’s electro sound and starting with Nouvelle Mariee, it makes me kind of wonder who he’d work with on the album seeing as there’s many people he did work with.  I like Kaya’s vocals here since they’re more deeper and with a more gothic/electro feel it’s an interesting mix.  I do think the arrangement is a little more better than the vocals, but not by much.

3. Awilda

As the era’s 3rd A-side, Awilda has always caught my attention with such finesse between the electro beats and strings used in the song which made for a good and evil sounding tune.  I also think Kaya’s vocals totally took me by surprise because they were strong and just full of emotion.  There’s also times where I heard the Pirate theme being prevalent so that caught me too….such a great A-side ^_^

4. Ophelia

Then we get the A-side released before “Awilda” and it has similarities to said song but without the pirate twist thrown in.  To me it feels like what if “Arachne” was given an electro boost.  However, time has not done well for this song because amongst the other tracks, this feels almost disappointing…even though I really liked the song before it kind of died out after “Awilda” and “Madame Rosa no Shoukan” were released.

5. Sorcière

Oooo, another new song found!  This one amps up the grittyness after “Ophelia” quite well with a little more guitarwork and different set of synths.  It’s dark and creepy and Kaya’s vocals sound pretty much different than it is in other songs and that’s pretty cool.  However, it’s pretty short at 3 minutes straight, but it’s a great song. 

6. Rose Kingdom

Being the only B-side added on the album, Rose Kingdom (B-side from “Ophelia”) was probably the best choice to add from the other B-sides of the era.  It still does have similarities to “Ophelia” to be honest, but the biggest changes were the amount of filters were used on Kaya that made him sound like he was singing underwater.  It doesn’t stay as his voice comes out afterwards.  Beyond that, the marching drum line stands out as well.  It’s pretty cool and did a much better job standing out than it’s accompanying A-side.

7. Sugar Rose

Funny that Type-B’s edition contains an extra song in the form of Sugar Rose.  Also it’s bold because it was released in limited takes on his live tour.  I will say this actually stands out on the album being as there’s this repeated trumpet line and Kaya’s more feminine vocals take charge here.  I found it to be the kind of fun and happy song on here and while it does slightly break the darkness in half, Sugar Rose isn’t too bad, but his vocals here can be unfitting sometimes…

8. Medusiana

Returning to the dark side of Kaya’s music, Medusiana feels like a mix of “Ophelia” and “Rose Kingdom” with the gothic music and then Kaya’s vocals under filters again.  Then again it seems to be the sequal to “Rose Jail” because the parts where his vocals aren’t filtered are repeated a lot…that is until the song goes into this creepy waltz tone and things just become odd and add salt to the wound that it’s the shortest of the songs on the album.  After a while…the song really does feel like it’s “Rose Jail” pt. 2.

9. Last Snow piano ver.

Oddly enough, I found it surprising that he added Last Snow to the album since it’s been a long ass time since it was released.  It also got special treatment in that the original’s arranged form was stripped to just Kaya and piano.  I wasn’t too big of a fan of the original and the new version is slightly better by being more relaxed and calmer.  Kaya also isn’t stressing too much by being louder than the arrangement either so that’s a plus.  It’s good actually but not as good as various other songs.

10. Addict

Nothing like more darker electro songs on the album right?  The beats in the song also remind me of “Rose Jail” for some reason but whatever.  I kind of like the arrangement out of this song since it’s dark but it’s also great to dance and lose yourself with.  Kaya also does a good job vocally keeping up with the song and his deeper vocals really sends shivers down my spine sometimes.  Great track!

11. Transmigration

Closing out the album is oddly enough the song that promoted the album.  Unlike the other electro songs on the album, this one is more happier and light-hearted.  Sadly, I don’t think I was finding myself too interested in the song because it felt somewhat corny to listen to, but the synths here were just flying all over the board giving this traveling kind of feeling.  It’s good, but not as good as I thought it’d be.

Tracks Recommended

• Awilda
• Addict
• Sugar Rose
• Arachne
• Rose Kingdom

Song of Avoidance

• Ophelia

I actually can say that I loved Kaya’s 2nd album…or is it 3rd???  I don’t know but he put out a great album this time with QUEEN and I wasn’t really disappointed with any track…Ophelia still gets its listens despite being the “worst” of the album.  I think he stepped his game up and did well on the songs and working with different producers worked as well!! GO KAYA!!!

Kaya – Madame Rosa no Shoukan December 27, 2010

Track Listing

1. Madame Rosa no Shoukan
2. Madame Rosa no Shoukan -Kayaless ver.-
3. Madame Rosa no Shoukan -Remix-

1. Madame Rosa no Shoukan

As the third of the A-sides that’s based on a certain someone, Madame Rosa no Shoukan is surprisingly upbeat for someone that was terrible if you know what I mean right?  I swear the synth melody at the beginning reminds me alot of Edvard Grieg’s “In the Hall of the Mountain King” but slightly different especially in the last few measures of it.  Besdies that, Kaya keeps his tradition of his electro roots for the song and it’s dark and easily danceable.  It’s actually not that bad of a song, but I’m not sure if it’s a step above both “Ophelia” or “Awilda”.

3. Madame Rosa no Shoukan -Remix-

After going through the instrumental of the song, we’re treated to a remix of said song as well.  While it does such that we don’t get an actual B-side from the single, the remix of Madame Rosa is definitely a lot more underground electro than the upbeat nature of the original.  Of course, there’s so much synth and filters going on that the song kind of loses focus in places, but the pulsating beat keeps me intrigued for most of the song. 

Kaya must be getting close to an album release I hope.  Like I said, it was pretty disappointing to find out that there’s no true B-side to the single, unlike the previous two, but Madame Rosa no Shoukan continues to show Kaya’s ability to do what he does with electro music and do it well.  Being as this is about a very cruel person, it’s a bit odd that it’s set to something so upbeat.

Kaya – Awilda July 31, 2010

Track Listing

1. Awilda
2. Sink
3. Awilda -Kayaless ver.-

1. Awilda

I’m always pondering what Kaya will release next as his A-side.  Even though the last few singles have been changing things up (except Ophelia, since that was electro).  Awilda starts out like something you would hear in a Pirates of the Caribbean movie with it’s string play and such before Kaya’s electro beats appear.  They don’t seem to take over and Kaya does fine singing along with this mixture of genres.  I know that this and “Ophelia” share somewhat of a topic on past legends which is awesome and it seems Awilda is based off a female pirate so that’s even cooler to know.  I liked this tune a bit.

2. Sink

The A-side might be about a legend, but Sink is more of a personal song to Kaya and was about leaving his hometown to pursue his career in music.  It does carry the same strings-based electro feel that “Awilda” had, but this seems more like it could easily be remixed and turned into a heavy track easily.  It might not have the same boom that previous B-sides have had, but I like this as well.

 

 

I am surprised that Kaya released Awilda as an indies single rather than major and that could either mean he’s just doing that for this single or his label dropped him.  Anywho, I think so far this is his strongest single yet because both songs sound equally great and if he continues this legend project, he might have a great album in process too!

Kaya – GLITTER July 18, 2010

Track Listing

1. Carmilla
2. Walküre
3. Paradise lost
4. funeary dream
5. Psycho Butterfly
6. Masquerade
7. Epicurean
8. Silvery Dark
9. Kasha -shining flowers-
10. Rose Jail
11. Glitter Arch
12. Hydrangea

1. Carmilla

Even though I think Carmilla opening the album is a little weird, its still makes for a good tune.  Now, the thing with the album is yes it’s classified as a re-release but the songs that were on the original “Glitter” and the newer songs have been retouched and resung.  I thought Carmilla got into its electro style a bit quicker and smoother than the single cut.  It also sounds a whole lot better and makes a better dance tune than before.  I still kind of dislike that bell that kind of doesn’t fit here.

2. Walküre

It seems that our strong trance tune appears and I really don’t hear the big difference between the two versions.  Maybe a little less guitar and more synths being involved and being resung as well.  Otherwise I still like the style it was going for.

3. Paradise lost

I remember liking this song off the first “Glitter”, and the updated version is just as freaky, dark, and demanding.  I think the opening is a little long-winded, but nothing that’s too bad.  I do like that the song doesn’t become happy-sounding like the original and this whole creepy sound is better for the updated cut.

4. funeary dream

Released previously when Kaya was working with Hora on “another cell”, funeary dream is a new song for me so I can’t compare it to the original.  What I can say is that the song has a fantasy-like arrangement and I kind of like that about this song.  It also seems to be a personal one for Kaya.  I love his vocals as they sound strong and hitting higher notes quite strongly.  Very pretty tune

5. Psycho Butterfly

Third version of Psycho Butterfly….really?  I guess I can’t complain because I really like the song and hearing it being resung and adding little things to the arrangement really worked for me because it adds a little more darkness ot the song and I loved this the most about the song.  It’s definitely the best version of the song.

6. Masquerade

Another song with three different versions, Masquerade has been a song that’s kind of been off and on with me.  I liked the original because of it’s interesting dabble in a jazz setting but the “Glitter” edit kind of screwed things up and felt so awkward.  It still kind of does sound off for me, but at least it was resung and that made it better since Kaya does sound convincing as jazzy.

7. Epicurean

As the album’s truly new song, I was surprised at Epicurean since it’s MORTAL KOMBAT music exactly.  I was like oh Kaya, why did you feel that you needed to make another one of these songs, but it turns out that I enjoyed it quite a bit.  It’s energetic, Kaya’s vocals are good, and yet the chorus changes moods too.  It’s different but I like it haha.

8. Silvery Dark

Oh yeah, this long ballad comes next and kind of disrupts the flow of the album quite harshly.  While I don’t think it’s as formidable against the live version on “Carmilla”, but it’s still a nice song to listen to once in a while.  To me, Silvery Dark seems to be less memorable to me than “Hydrangea”, but it’s still nice that it’s on the album.

9. Kasha -shining flowers-

I’ll be honest and say that I didn’t like the changes Kaya did for Kasha.  The only song from “Hyakkiyagyou” represented here the changes here are a bit more obvious like more piano lines and being resung, which didn’t need to happen.  I still love the song so it’s not a bad song just the changes weren’t needed.  I can still enjoy it fully though.

10. Rose Jail

On the flipside of the coin, what Kaya did with the rejuvenated Rose Jail was phenomenal.  The problem I had with the original was that Kaya didn’t sing it right and didn’t have the same sense of freakyness that the new version does which is a blessing to hear here.  I think the best addition to the song overall was his death scream was prolonged and to me sounded so much cooler and epic.  Still my favorite Kaya tune.

11. Glitter Arch

As we get into another happy track to throw the listener off after “Rose Jail”, Glitter Arch has Kaya’s vocals a little higher but not “Chocolat” high.  There’s some new stuff in the arrangement but otherwise it’s just like its “Glitter” counterpart.  It’s not a bad song at all and I ended up liking it a lot. 

12. Hydrangea

Ending the album like last time, the new version of Hydrangea takes out the tambourine that originally filled in the beginning spaces after the rainfall.  I love how ethereal Kaya sounds this time around and the music sounds really different and pretty, even moreso than the original.

Tracks Recommended

• Rose Jail
• Hydrangea
• Psycho Butterfly
• Kasha -shining flowers-
• funeary dream

Song of Avoidance

• Masquerade

Taking out “Kaleidoscope” and add three songs and give them all rearrangements and we get GLITTER which to me is more like a correction album because Kaya corrected a bunch of problems most of the originals had and he got them right.  Also, this is his first major label album which gives more reason why it would sound so much cleaner.  Would’ve preferred an album full of new songs but this’ll do.

Kaya – Chocolat

Track Listing

1. Chocolat
2. Pourriture noble
3. Chocolat ~Sweet version~
4. Chocolat ~Kayaless version~

1. Chocolat

I could never guess that Kaya’s major debut would be a song that’s a bit more electropop than what I’m used to from him.  I do love the fact the music is a bit more happier than normal and Kaya under some light auto-tune was pretty interesting as well.  It’s also the first song I was introduced and while it’s not suited for him completely, I do love the arrangement a lot.

2. Pourriture noble

Well at least the B-side is what’s more important here.  Though the beginning with that clunking is the same one found in alan’s “Over the clouds”…Strange how that works huh?  Pourriture noble is definitely in the veins of his better songs like “Rose Jail” and “Psycho butterfly”.  Might not focus on getting louder and powerful, but it’s consistent and I like that the most about the song.

3. Chocolat ~Sweet version~

Being about 20 seconds shorter than the original, the sweet version takes the song into a more jazz/soft acoustic/random sound.  However, Kaya’s vocals have switched hardcore.  It’s like he’s trying to sound like a girl…his sister perhaps?  I’m not sure, but the uber cute vocals are kind of too odd for me and with how light the arrangement is, it’s kind of distracting hahaha.

 

 

For a single that begins his rather short (maybe?) major label career, Chocolat might not have been the direction I would’ve took to kick things off because his music isn’t exactly happy stuff like Chocolat was but more like the electronic stuff like Pourriture noble was.  I’ll still admit it was a pretty good single from him but it’s not mentioned on “GLITTER”.  Oh yeah, the Sweet version of Chocolat is creepy as all hell.

Kaya – Carmilla

Track Listing

1. Carmilla
2. Silvery Dark (Queen’s Ver.)

1. Carmilla

I really think Carmilla would be from someone different because it’s a bit different than what we’re used to from Kaya.  Instead of the usual electro style that we get from him, the song has a rather gothic orchestral feel.  Think Kanon Wakeshima’s music.  After a while it does go into electronica and the piano enters and it sounds so pretty.  Besides that it’s not really that exciting, but I can see where he wanted to take the song and I like its darker tone since it’s carried over from “Hyakkiyagyou”.

2. Silvery Dark (Queen’s Ver.)

Wow, I can’t believe the new version of Silvery Dark is past 7 minutes long.  I never really knew Kaya can stretch out his ballad out like this.  It also sounds like it was done live as well giving it a more touching sound.  He sounds really nice doing ballads as his deep vocals really fill the tune up nicely.  Most of the reason of its length is due to cello and violin solos though so that explains a lot.

 

 

As this is his final indies single (until 2010′s “Awilda”), Carmilla isn’t a bad single, but he’s had better singles to be honest.  I like the gothic tone of Carmilla but it feels like the electro inclusion seemed like a last minute edition.  Silvery Dark though was a nice treat since there was no live version beforehand, but damn was this long hahaha.

Kaya – Ophelia July 22, 2009

Track Listing

1. Ophelia
2. Rose Kingdom
3. Ophelia -Kayaless ver.-

1. Ophelia

After the odd mini-album, Kaya finally returns to what he does best and that’s darkwave tracks with HORA.  I’ll have to say, Kaya mixed in with a organ driven dance track is always a good thing and he hasn’t done one of those kind of songs yet.  It’s a bit safe as HORA songs go, but the mystic feeling and scary movements in the song worked it well.  So happy to see Kaya back to normality.

2. Rose Kingdom

Rose Kingdom also is a bit like “Ophelia” that there’s organ and a dance beat, but since it isn’t HORA’s work…it’s KALM’s work so there’s a big difference right there.  There’s also a heavier beat as well and a lot more synths which worked the song over so well.  Kaya is also filtered in various parts of the song which is sweet.  What really made the song was the march-like drums that are present through most of the song.  I gotta say, another strong B-side.

 

 

After “Bonjour! Chanson”, I wasn’t sure which direction he was going to go, but Ophelia is a great single from him.  Both tracks are good dance tracks and mixed in with his vocals, he definitely surpassed my expectations this time around.  By now he should be somewhat close into releasing a new album…unless “Last Snow” doesn’t count. *RECOMMENDED*