paradise lost

Taiyou was released on 2008.08.20, and was the second single after their first major album DIAMOND.

The title track 太陽(Taiyou) is a rather bright and sparkling little rock number which is pretty and relaxing to listen to if nothing more. The opening has some quite light uplifting instrumentation, and the verses are not bad although Wataru’s vocals lack the emotion needed to really make this song something incredible (his vocals here are kind of dull and uninspired- almost irritating). The bridge is rather nice with some interesting effects that break the mediocrity (it has emotion!) before a pleasant instrumental solo. The ending adlibbing is also nice. Ultimately the song kind of washes over you, like dull sunlight it’s just there without really affecting you. But as a bright, soft rock number it isn’t bad and although rather forgettable, it isn’t so offensive you really cannot bear to listen to it. Unfortunately it’s lacking somewhere, something…

So next up is the grungier KALEIDOSCOPE. Opening with some random noise it grows into a fast, aggressive number which is quite exciting. Sounds a little rebellious and Wataru’s vocals are livelier than in 太陽. The song kind of tones down for the chorus but still has a nice sound. There are some effects in the bridge and a cool instrumental solo although it does sound very structured like “here is this bit, now this bit” and well- mechanical might be the word. Much like 太陽nothing stands out. There are some nice effects, some more inspired vocals and pretty cool instrumentation but the song doesn’t’ shine. I do prefer it over 太陽 and I might listen to this more often. It’s not as forgettable and thankfully not bland/dull/annoying.

The limited edition TYPE B came with one last B-side Hello, Seventeen which is kinda funky. It’s like a blend of the two styles of the previous tracks, the shiny Taiyou and the grungier  KALEIDOSCOPE. I like the instrumentation, and the verses are good although the chorus drags out a bit. The song fades too easily into the background.

Overall rating: 3/5
Favourite Tracks: KALEIDOSCOPE

Taiyou is not a bad single. Although MERRY GO WORLD was a stronger effort and a false hope for things to come: Taiyou was not the worst that could be made (that was yet to be released) The title track is very pretty, even if it doesn’t grab you’re attention nor pull on you’re heart and KALEIDOSCOPE is also decent. The limited edition song is also really cool, and more refreshing and unique even if it is just as forgettable. Taiyou is worth listening to if (unfortunatly) nothing more.