Tsuki Amano – Bara to Shinjuu December 9, 2011

Track Listing

1. Bara no You ni
2. BLACK BEE
3. CORE -rose ver.-
4. Ringo no Ki -rose ver.-
5. LUCKY DOG
6. HOWEVER
7. Shinjuu

1. Bara no You ni

Starting off Tsuki’s mini-album, we have Bara no You ni which kind of follows in after “CHELSEA” with the whole lighter vibe and such.  I mean it’s kind of lighthearted and has this kind of happy mood.  It’s great though when we enter the chorus because we see some synths and Tsuki’s vocals are quite powerful.  Just from the louder guitars, I can tell this is going to be way better than her last mini.  Even the guitar solo sounded awesome…Awesome way to open the mini!

2. BLACK BEE

Adding a little speed and experimentation in one song, we have BLACK BEE which is so charming at the beginning with the synth melody (or is it a guitar-base but under filters…hmmm).  I kind of like Tsuki’s direction for the song and once again, I hear this synth but I think it makes a good bridge into “CORE”.  Another great tune!

3. CORE -rose ver.-

The mini includes new versions of both A-sides she released this year.  I was curious to what was new about CORE since it’s one of my favorite A-sides released this year (better this was released on New Year’s).  To me, it feels like nothing totally changed but listening closely, the song got clearer and the percussion stands out a little brighter than before…less processed and more like a studio version.  The changes while small, made it pop out better for me…still loving CORE altogether though!

2. Ringo no Ki -rose ver.-

The same applies for Ringo no Ki which has a bit more natural feel to it which is super nice.  This song is special since it was written for the Touhoku Earthquake and all that so it was really nice to see it here along with “CORE”.  It’s a pleasant ballad from Tsuki and she sung to a sweet and soft degree that it’s surprising of the difference between her powerful vocals in the previous track against this one. 

5. LUCKY DOG

After such a quiet song, it’s an interesting move that LUCKY DOG is a lot more aggressive of a song with its thumping beat and rockin’ style.  Tsuki doesn’t sound too into the song until she starts hitting the higher notes (but those are a little pitchy).  Another guitar solo ensues as well, but this one sounds better than the one on “Bara no You ni” so that’s good…very cool song though once Tsuki gets things going.

6. HOWEVER

A little more synth-based, HOWEVER comes in and reminds me of something that would’ve been nice to hear on “ZERO” since it’s got a lighter vibe.  I still can’t really get into Tsuki’s Engrish since her accent is pretty heavy and all that.  At least the song is charming and kind of is the cute, lovey-dovey song here.

7. Shinjuu

I thought Shinjuu was fitting for a closing since it’s part of the title of the mini-album (and “Bara no You ni” at the beginning).  It is the longest as well being a little over 5 1/2 minutes.  Talking about the first song, Shinjuu kind of reminds me of it but a little more quieter overall.  It’s a pretty uplifting ballad and it grows on you the longer it plays so in the end it turned out to be a rather good closing tune.

 

 

I’m so happy that Tsuki released this after that horrid “CHELSEA” mini-album for sure.  None of the songs sounded like one another and most of them actually were catchy (also having CORE and Ringo no Ki helped a lot).  There’s not a lot of bad that can be said here but this is her best work yet since rejoining OTAKURA.

Tsuki Amano – Ringo no Ki May 23, 2011

Track Listing

1. Ringo no Ki
2. Finger

1. Ringo no Ki

I didn’t think Tsuki would release an A-side that’s actually slow and sweet to listen to, but she surprises me with Ringo no Ki which is funnily enough a drastic change in sound from her last A-side, “CORE”.  Opting for a more lighthearted and acoustic tune mixed with some other things it’s kind of nice.  Tsuki’s vocals are also calm which is a plus in any order.  Simple tune though…hmmm.

2. Finger

Then again the B-sides is also pretty light in sound but also a much nicer piece from Tsuki.  Also utilizing acoustic guitar for the main instrument, it’s like a poem for some reason.  Also to note is the short length at 2:25, damn short.  The third thing that I noticed pretty quickly is that Tsuki is singing in English and to me she’s not that great, but it’s passable and easy to understand most of the time. 

Tsuki’s 2nd single…(I’m not sure if it’s a new era, lack of “CORE” on “CHELSEA” stands out).  Ringo no Ki isn’t a bad single, but it might be a bit of a surprise seeing as both songs are ballads.  Not bad, but I really only see the title track as listenable while Finger is well….ehhhh.

Tsuki Amano – CHELSEA May 10, 2011

Track Listing

1. CHELSEA
2. MONSTER
3. Tokimeki
4. Hyena
5. Ride On
6. BITTER SWEET GIRL
7. PiC NiC

1. CHELSEA

From the beginning of the mini-album, CHELSEA is definitely a new side to Tsuki by being jazz-based.  I love the amount of funk and brass that it has and it oddly fits along with Tsuki’s vocals quite nicely.  The thing is however is that she’s yeliing the chorus and that might be a turn-off.  It’s a fun-sounding track and starts things on a good note…The synth breakdown in the middle was just terrible though…what was she thinking….”CORE”?

2. MONSTER

I did hear that MONSTER was a self version of something she did for 9nine from their second album and since I’ve heard their music, I was surprised Tsuki had written it for them like she did with “Shiroi Hana -White Garden-”.  Unlike the jazzy beginnings of “CHELSEA”, MONSTER is a bit more synth-pop/rock and it might surprise a few people perhaps.  It’s just as fun and the arrangement is quite a bit brighter than I’d expect from Tsuki, but it’s not that bad…just got “Bowling” vibes from this.

3. Tokimeki

Keeping some of the synths involved, Tokimeki to me has an interesting mix of disco and regular upbeat styles going for it giving it a rather interesting mix.  It’s a lot of different ideas put together but it’s not messy luckily.  I think I like it, but maybe just for background music is more like where it sounds.

4. Hyena

The next song feels like it should’ve been on “ZERO” instead of here by the slow-moving mid-tempo track.  It does start off strong with guitars and synths playing the role, but the guitar leaves and gets replaced by piano and somehow that made it feel rather bland to me for some reason.  Yeah, it does nothing for me on this mini-album to be honest.

5. Ride On

Which is so weird because our next song does pick up things quite nicely.  It’s one of the more synthy songs Tsuki has on the album and I ended up really enjoying this for some reason.  Once again, I ended up feeling like Ride On sounding WAY similar to “Bowling” (B-side from “Howling”).  It’s the same beat and upbeat nature, but the track from before sounds more better than Ride On….but this isn’t too bad.

6. BITTER SWEET GIRL

If there was a song that was rather odd to the ears, BITTER SWEET GIRL might be that song since it has a rather upbeat feel to it, but the gritty guitars and busy arrangement says otherwise.  To me, this was an alright song but the bustling arrangement and sheer loudness of Tsuki’s voice to counter the arrangement was a bit more of a clashing disagreement to me…

7. PiC NiC

Closing the mini-album out, PiC NiC is prolly the other song I really enjoyed.  While I do think it feels like “Bowling” once again, this actually separates itself quite nicely by adding some interesting chords, loud bass, and a rather childlike atmosphere to it (which I guess she was going for, I imagine).  It’s alright overall, but nothing I’d totally go back to.

After “Licht” (her first mini-album) and “CORE” (her first official single going to OTAKURA), CHELSEA felt like a very bland representation of her music to be honest.  It truly felt like I was listening to “ZERO” without the Fatal Frame tie-in.  It started off nice with CHELSEA and MONSTER, but it soon became bland and the songs all sounded like an older B-side….THE SAME ONE….I was pretty disappointed here and thanked god “CORE” wasn’t on this.

Tsuki Amano – CORE January 24, 2011

Track Listing

1. CORE
2. BLACK HOLE

1. CORE

Ahhhha, CORE is finally something I can enjoy in full.  I’m not sure why but CORE definitely sounds like something I would’ve heard back on “A MOON CHILD IN THE SKY” because it revolves around a mixture of synths and rock, but done very well despite Tsukiko being on an indies label.  I love how powerful she is in the chorus and how petit and in tune she is in the verses.  I think I’m finally impressed by a single since “Zero no Chouritsu”.

2. BLACK HOLE

Unlike the A-side though, I was surprised to find that BLACK HOLE has a lighter arrangement than “CORE” does.  Of course it fits the whole space-like idea the single is putting out since there’s still synths present.  I also love the fact that Tsuki’s vocals are a lot more lighter to find the mood as well.  It’s just like her other singles where the songs are just totally opposite to one another and some fans would call this a rather “cute” song for her.

While this is actually her first official single under OTAKURA, CORE was actually an impressive single for sure and the A-side kind of ranks up there with the better songs I love from her.  BLACK HOLE was also quite a treat and sounds so nice when compared next to CORE.  If she keeps this up her next album will turn out better…then again “Licht” was a pretty good start hmmmm…let’s see if she’ll impress me more.

Tsuki Amano – Licht July 19, 2010

Track Listing

1. Hikari no Circus Licht Ver.
2. Utsukushiki Mono Licht Ver.
3. Clover Clover
4. Pulcinella no Namida
5. Strawberry on the Shortcake
6. 1 + 1 ga 2 ni Naranai
7. Yogoreta Inu

1. Hikari no Circus Licht Ver.

Considering the fact that we have a new version of Hikari no Circus, her first picture single (don’t ask).  Now I’m not sure the entire difference between the two versions are here, but I think Tsuki’s vocals are a bit more echoey and perhaps the strings are stronger, but otherwise Hikari no Circus is a nice little tune to listen to once in a while.

2. Utsukushiki Mono Licht Ver.

I know I haven’t listened to the original yet since it’s never been leaked out, but if it sounds like how similar the two “Hikari no Circus’” are than I’m pretty sure that I might’ve ended up liking this quite a bit more.  I mean when compared to her first song of the era, this is a bit more serious of a song and I definitely missed Tsuki’s vocals since her time off since “ZERO”.  Her voice still owns quite a bit and she knows how to sound emotional.  I liked this!

3. Clover Clover

Now getting into the new tracks off the album, Clover Clover strips away a lot from what we’ve known from Tsukiko and hearing this as mostly a piano-driven song, Clover Clover is somewhat cute in a way, but at the same time kind of dry.  The strings in the background are kind of just hiding out and don’t really pose a main idea throughout. 

4. Pulcinella no Namida

I’ve always liked Tsukiko’s more sillier songs especially the ones that were on her singles most of the time.  Pulcinella no Namida is a song that sounds like it would be a sillier song, but it sounds more serious lyrically and having this rather folkish background gave it a twist to the normal sound I’d be used to.  I think so far I’m enjoying this track the most.

5. Strawberry on the Shortcake

I’m starting to wonder if this album is actually trying to be more of a light-hearted album because Strawberry on the Shortcake is kind of a fun song to listen to because it’s light and happy sounding.  I mean if the title of the song used in the chorus with the even more bizarre ~strawberry in the suitcase~ line is just being silly of course.  I definitely fell in love with how catchy it got before it ended.

6. 1 + 1 ga 2 ni Naranai

While I did say the album was mostly filled with happy and fun songs, 1 + 1 ga 2 ni Naranai is devoid of the idea…The beginning really sounded depressing to listen with the string melody going.  Once the full arrangement and Tsuki comes in, it does slightly raise the mood but only a smidge.  It’s like odd on how it’s supposed to come off as, but it was nice.

7. Yogoreta Inu

Dirty Dog translated?  Tsuki and her weird song titles.  This is the only song to me that features keyboard/synths whatever.  I know it’s another kind of silly song, but it’s done quite nicely.  The arrangement is different and keeps me interested.  It’s like a Licht version of “Polar Bear” from her “ZERO” album.

 

 

I’ll be honest and not do the usual thing with recs and avoidance because the album doesn’t have enough songs to really pull it off (plus it’d leave one song out if i did).  While “PEEK A BOO” is considered a concept album now, Licht is her first album with OTAKURA RECORDS and it’s actually not that bad.  I mean compared to “ZERO” this is way lighter in execution and the rock style for the most part is missing while Tsuki uses strings and piano to show off her writing skills.  I didn’t expect her to pull it off, but I kind of like this album (to me it’s a mini-album though)

Tsuki Amano – Hikari no Circus February 23, 2010

Track Listing

1. Hikari no Circus

1. Hikari no Circus

I find it pretty interesting that Tsukiko (now Tsuki), decided to come back into the music league quietly with Hikari no Circus.  While her music isn’t entirely the same all-around and she hits basically most genres, Hikari no Circus is rather a cute song with an interesting mix of strings and electric guitar.  It seems that Tsukiko’s vocals are somewhat weaker than what they were on her last single “Zero no Chouritsu”, but I guess she wanted to be soft hence the overall feel.  Not bad, but she’s got better songs.

 

 

It’s funny that artists like to say they’re retiring from the business, but majority of the time they always come back (even though melody. needs to return now!).  In Tsukiko’s case it’s somewhat weird she erased two letters and released this as a damn picture song, which I still don’t overall understand.  Not bad, but go back to regular singles!

Tsukiko Amano – Konton -chaos- August 10, 2009

Track Listing

1. Konton -chaos-
2. Kabosu

1. Konton -chaos-

Konton, out of the 3 singles I reviewed so far in the 5 simulataneously released singles is the messiest.  It has a heavy incorporated rock sound to it and other knick-knacks that make it what it is.  You can actually get away with calling it a chaotic song because it really is.  Tsukiko once again shows great vocals, but with the crazy arrangement it’s kind of difficult to really appreciate it.  Definitely not the best A-side.

2. Kabosu

I love how most of her single’s B-sides have titles that closely sound like the A-side respectively.  Kabosu is a farcry when compared to the A-side as it’s easier to digest than the chaotic arrangement of the previous.  Tsukiko’s vocals are once again pretty good and the arrangement’s anxious, yet ethereal is pretty nice.  The pipe organ that underlines the song is a welcome addition.  Better than “Konton”.

 

 

Tsukiko’s 3rd single in this idea of hers was more interesting than “Utakata”, but not as good as “Karasu”.  I’m a little disappointed by the fact that Konton was a hot mess and not a very good mess either.  It just didn’t flow right for me.  Kabosu on the other hand is probably the best B-side I’ve heard from her so far so that’s a good thing.  Maybe she should stick to softer songs and Fatal Frame stuff LOL jk.

Tsukiko Amano – Utakata January 28, 2009

Track Listing

1. Utakata
2. Uraraka

1. Utakata

For a song that’s called “Bubbles” this does fit that bubbly sound almost perfectly.  I loved the calm piano chords that filled with the strings and xylophone moments.  Tsukiko’s voice is just so refreshing and when the bridge comes up there’s additions of drum and guitar, where it leviates to a loud chorus.  Even the guitar solo was epic.  I loved this track hands down.

2. Uraraka

Uraraka is pretty much typical rock Tsukiko.  It has a nice rhythm and had some attitude.  It sounds like something you’d hear while riding on a motorcycle down a highway.  Even though it reminds me of her earlier stuff, it’s just was an OK B-side. 

 

 

Tsukiko’s 2nd simultaneous single was alright at best.  Utakata was just a great experience, but Uraraka did king of bring the single down a bit.  Since it was just a little too typical of her, but I guess it could’ve been worse.

Tsukiko Amano – Karasu December 23, 2008

Track Listing

1. Karasu
2. Garasu

1. Karasu

We begin the 5 single simultaneous release with Karasu.  The song has a pretty hard rock feel to it.  Even though it isn’t as epic as her past tracks, I found her voice very strong within the song and the keyboards remind me of “Devil Flamingo” from her album previous to this.  The chorus though, is definitly the song’s strongest point and it’s already becoming a favorite of mine.

2. Garasu

If I thought the previous track made me think of “Devil Flamingo”, this song is even more like it.  It’s more focused on the synths of the song which is a great thing to do. The bridges of the song is so awesome to me for some reason.  It’s quite funny how Garasu is a pop track and one of the more interesting tracks of this era. 

 

 

Wow, this era is definitly great starting with Karasu and continues to show Tsukiko’s strong vocals and her awesome ability to rock!  Garasu was totally something I haven’t encounterd because it’s an upbeat pop track will small rock effects.  Great single!

Tsukiko Amano – Zero no Chouritsu October 23, 2008

Track Listing

1. Zero no Chouritsu
2. Shiroi Hana ~White Garden~
3. Sully

1. Zero no Chouritsu

We start with the only new track on the single.  It was a tie-in to Fatal Frame IV, which by the way is an awesome series of games.  Anyway, we start with a piano solo before we hit the rock stuff.  Honestly, I love the guitar entrance, very powerful.  I actually think, this is better than the English version, “ZERO”.  There’s still some English, but majority is in her native tongue.  Still, I didn’t find the song as memorable as “Koe” or even “Chou”, but it’s still a great song in its own right.

2. Shiroi Hana ~White Garden~

The next two tracks are her own take on tracks that she wrote for other bands.  First, we have is Shiroi Hana and it’s pretty quick for song.  The chorus of the song really sounded nice with the underlying strings playing under her voice.  There was a lot of different sounds put in the song and some interesting ones too like the guitar solo during her verses, AWESOME! 

3. Sully

Wait, Sully sounds like metal…I mean it’s in your face hard rock and I was taken aback until Tsukiko popped in and sang.  It gathers momentum when we enter the bridge which added BKGD vocals and they sounded well together.  I don’t think it’s her best song though after the two previus tracks.  Too bad…

 

 

Tsukiko’s final single was definitly a strong single.  Zero no Chouritsu had the flair it needed to be a good Fatal Frame song and though the Japanese version doesn’t cut it to be on “ZERO” it’s still pretty good.  The other two tracks were made fine even though I like Shiroi Hana more.  Both tracks were actually known of beforehand because they were both on “Uma Salmon”