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.

Matenrou Opera’s first mini-album released on 2008.05.15. It contains the singles alkaloid showcase and sara.

The mini album opens with the stunning plastic cell. My first Matenrou Opera song, and one of my favourite’s still. It’s just so awesome in so many ways. Frantic piano starts the song over dark, ominous synths before the heavy guitar chords come in. The song is dark and ominous filled with a sense of urgency and desperation. The use of airy synth gives it a lot of atmosphere, as well as other effects like breathy noises and the piano part. Sono’s vocals are amazing, and he really completes the song with an amazing vocal performance- not only his voice emotional, but he constantly alters it. It’s pretty damn impressive. The song itself constantly shifts in mood, the instrumentation constantly changing with Sono’s voice- overall it makes it interesting and powerful. This is an absolutely awesome song.

Next up is alkaloid showcase, from the single of the same name. It’s another dark and atmospheric song with the heavy use of the synth and amazing guitar parts. I love the instrumentation. Sono continues to morph his vocals, proving just how versatile his voice is. This song is a lot rougher compared to Plastic cell, with more shouted parts and a grittier feeling to it. Still pretty amazing filled with emotion and power.

Breaking the trend of dark and heavy tracks, the third track Twilight Parade has a much different feeling to it: the opening instrumentation is really cool then the song really changed, becoming a lot grittier and darker. Yet the song has a lighter quality compared to the previous two. It’s still pretty dramatic with a more desperate feel over frantic/urgent. I love Sono’s vibrato in this. The guitar solo is awesome, like always, and the slight mood shift after that is pretty interesting. I really like just how much Matenrou Opera has going on their songs, it stops it becoming boring or from dragging on: makes it interesting to unpick the emotions in the song.

The next song, Sara is a gorgeous ballad of epic proportions, containing an extreme amount of emotion and power that one cannot help but be moved. Light, childish piano opens the song before the epic rock instrumentation comes in…and it sounds so sad. The song is filled with longing, yet at the same time the sense that someone is letting go even as they reflect on the past and it hurts them. Sono’s vocals are still stunning, and he adds so much emotion to the song. I love his wistful adlibbing. The instrumentation is so powerful, I love the strings and the piano that come in at times. You can really feel this song; I almost cried the first time I listened to it. In one word: beautiful. In two: beautiful and heart-wrenching. The song ends as it begun with that same simple childish piano part. It’s so bittersweet.

Lastly, the mini-album ends with 虚空からの手紙. It’s a bit of a wake up call after being lulled to silent melancholy by Sara. This song is pretty cool: although I feel the random accordion sounding thing really annoys me. Otherwise I really like the more upbeat feeling to it. However once again there is amazing instrumentation and gorgeous expressive vocals. I love how he warps his voice at one point. It’s really fascinating just listening to him sing. I can’t really say I like the instrumentation much- that damn accordion thing is off-putting.

Overall rating: 8/8 (Incredible)
Favourite Tracks: Plastic Cell, Sara

This is one hell of a mini-album, to put it bluntly. From dark and dramatic rock numbers, to the epic ballad that is Sara Matenrou Opera give some very powerful and epic songs here- filled with power and emotion. Matenrou Opera tend to remind me of Heidi., their music is powerful and absolutely amazing in so many ways. Yet both have that same flaw, there’s just SO MUCH power- it’s so full on sometimes it’s overwhelming and it ends up washing over you. Thus, I find sometimes I just blank halfway listening to these songs, growing rather tired and/or bored. However the music isn’t bad, you just have to be in the right mood to listen to it, as most of the tracks though on this album manage to stay pretty interesting through constant changes and the amazing vocals from Sono. Overall it’s pretty incredible, and I can’t help but really love this mini-album. There are some really great songs, and really…. Matenrou Opera are just so talented. I especially love Sono’s voice, which is so amazingly versatile- the vibrato and the way he reaches up to the higher notes… so incredible and it really makes these songs shine.

alice nine. is the band I always hear about but have never bothered with much. I last listened to them many months ago, I think their alpha album. All I remember now is the vocalists’ deep voice. Haha. However, after reading a good review of this single I decided to try it out. So here I am sampling alice nine. with their latest single Rainbows. This single was released on 2008.08.06 and came, like most singles do, in three different versions.

Rainbows is upbeat and fast but with a darker feel. It’s an energetic rock number with a dance-y feel to it. The instrumentation is pretty cool, especially the guitar part(s-the bass sounds kind of cool too) and the use of…was it a keyboard or some synth? Both way the overall composition of the song is really good, gives it a dark, almost sexy feel and it’s really upbeat and energetic. Shou sounds good too; he really belts it out, lending a certain power to the song (And once again I’m reminded of how deep the vocalists’ voice is- though I rather like how unique it is). It’s pretty catchy and rather cool.

The first B-side is ストロベリー ファズ which is another upbeat song which actually has more of a pop-rock feel to it, leaning towards the rock of course. It’s got decent instrumentation and good vocals too. Further it has a good feel too it and is good to listen to. There is something clearly more sorrowful about the song- it is in a way beautiful. I quite like the middle variation, as the song had begun to drag, and also the solo. Overall the song is quite nice, although it doesn’t live up to Rainbows in a way. Somehow although there is emotion and feeling presented in the song, it fails to be powerful enough to really move or go beyond ‘just nice’.

Lastly 胡蝶蘭 is the track only available on regular edition. It’s a laid back song with a gentler feel to it- like a ballad. The song is quite relaxing, with good instrumentation and wonderful, emotional vocals. I like the rhythms of it and I think its very pretty- with a certain feeling about it that makes it appealing. It does sound like it’s aiming for a certain power, and I don’t think it achieves that really even if it doesn’t fail to be a good song. It’s more relaxing kind of hypnotic feel to it than powerful and in your face type ballad. That still doesn’t mean it’s bad, it’s a great song to listen to. It’s a very beautiful song, and as I said it’s so laid-back and relaxing to listen to with some very beautiful and sincere vocals.

Rating: 3.5/5 (Good)
Favourite Track: Rainbows, 胡蝶蘭

This was quite good. Rainbows is a really cool song and 胡蝶蘭 is a nice laid back ballad like song. Strawberry Fuzz I think is the weaker track made for putting on in the background and nothing more. I also think that the look, the promo pictures for the single are really cool. It’s quite creative how they incorporated the rainbows in there and it looks awesome. No doubt that no matter what I think of their music, alice nine. all look really good just about always. Back to the single and it was quite nice with a couple of strong tracks, and overall the composition and vocals were clearly very good. I rate is low as I don’t feel that’s it’s something I will put on repeat or listen to obsessively.. so thus it’s not something I would recommend. I don’t think I’m hooked on this band yet, though I’m beginning to like them.

Kaya’s second album & a compilation of previously released material. It was released on 2008.07.16.

Kaya I only just discovered today. I was like “wow…”. Kaya’s music sometimes reminds me of Kozi, it’s really weird but in the totally good way. It draws on a lot of synth and electronic effects, creating a bizarre but interesting sound. I also think that on the other end, his ballads like Silvery Dark are very moving. Overall, Kaya’s music is good.

The album opens with Carmilla, drawing on synthetic sounds and effects alongside a rather nice violin part that pops up now and then. Also has a noticeable dance beat to it. It’s quite slow though, with a very dark and romantic feel to it. Not the best of songs, but a good introduction of what to expect from this album.

Next track is Walkure, and sounds like a dance tune to me. Reminds me in a way of a game song or an anime opening in way- especially the opening and the sense of urgency the song gives. It’s got that fast, heavy and darker feel to it. I do like the dance feel to it yet at the same time it still retains that darker undertones I’ve come to expect of Kaya’s music, that sort of underlying hints of sadness or regret which gives it another edge to it. It’s an awesome song really. Kaya really has a wonderful voice which really brings out a lot of emotion in the song.

Then it’s my first Kaya song, and a favourite, the strange but awesome Paradise Lost. The song starts with deep plucked string part, immediately conjuring up a feeling of (twisted) fairytales and the feeling of marching. Backed by a frantic synth instrument, which continues throughout, it all combines to have a very urgent and twisted, darker, feeling. The instrumentation is alternative and experimental, drawing on a lot of electronic sounds and effects, but at the same time it creates a very interesting feeling. Kaya’s vocals are distorted in the verses, and still slightly for the chorus. There is effective use of female voice too. Overall this is a dark and strange song, but it’s really really cool.

Track 4 is the beautiful funerary dream, and unfortunately it’s limited edition only! The song itself is lovely. It has a bit of a dance beat to it, with that high piano part that you’d expect from an older song (pre-millennium). But of course there’s a lot of other synth and effects mixed in, giving a very interesting sound. It’s like a ballad, with that sort of emotion, of regret and loss, presented through the instrumentation and Kaya’s vocals. The epic use of Strings (obviously fake but still as good) alongside the piano at points is truly moving. It’s a rather beautiful song, and quite relaxing to listen to.

Psycho Butterfly is next, starting with a light and airy instrumental before developing into a much darker song, reliant on synth and effects… and strangely it has a bit of a dance beat to it, almost a dance song underlying the darker synth and more sorrowful vocals. Talking of vocals, Kaya’s vocals are beautiful and emotional. Despite everything I’ve said, the song has got quite a soft and gentle feeling to it, with slightly darker and sadder undertones. A really good song. The ending is very interesting too, with the repetition and then dying away till it’s only that light and airy instrument. Very effective. I think pyscho butterfly, that sort of contrasting image, is rather fitting to the overall feel to the song…

Masquerade follows, starting with a violin part, building to include more strings and finally becoming an alternative tune, with heavy use of synth and effects. It’s got quite a jazzy feel to it actually, and I quite like the rhythms and the distorted/keyboard strings. It’s strange how in the chorus it suddenly feels like a pop number! It’s got that upbeat feeling of a pop number, the rhythm and feeling of a jazz piece, and the rest is electronic and alternative with a bit of darker edge. A strange but curious song. I don’t find it amazing, but it’s decent.

Epicurean is track 7. I hate the take off opening, but the heavy dance feeling to it is pretty cool. The song goes through a lot of variation, gives very different feelings at times. It’s got a very dark feeling to it, and sometimes sounds a little sleazy (?!) yet other times it sounds perfectly innocent and upbeat. The screaming or whatever is a little strange too as some of the other effects. Alternate but in that awesome way, and it still has that dance feel to it like a lot of the tracks. It’s quite cool.

Then it’s the stunning ballad, Silvery Dark. The song combines a beautiful piano part, some strings and with a lot of synth- giving it a soft and dreamlike quality fitting to the image created by the title. Kaya gives a very emotional, not to mention beautiful vocal performance. The song is sorrowful, and very beautiful- driven by Kaya’s wonderful vocals. There are a lot of dynamic changes and variation, the song constantly builds up and down. This song is definitely moving. Like when you listen to Gackt, you stop and you listen and you feel so moved by the beauty and emotion of the song. It’s an epic ballad, and a wonderful song.

Next up is Kasha -shining flowers-, which has a very grungy dance feel to it. It’s fast and electronic with a more upbeat feeling to it. I really like the fast and gritty dance instrumentation, combined with a guitar part of sorts and Kaya’s pretty awesome vocals. A good track (if nothing more).

Track 10 is Rose Jail, another gritty dance tune in the light of Kasha or Epicurean. It has a sleazy feel to it, the whole smothering of Kaya’s vocals and the way he reaches up to the higher pitches, with the backing vocals- sounds like breathing… hmm. It certainly succeeds in creating an image fitting to the lyrics. I admit despite the meaning behind this song, and how overall it creates that sound and feel so effectively, I really like Rose Jail.

Second to last is Glitter Arch, and it’s got that old feeling to it with the heavy, computer generated feeling. Well, it’s got a strong dance beat; fast as well, with use of other synth. It’s actually rather upbeat and happy- quite a hopeful feeling to it whilst still retaining that darker edge to it. A very nice track.

The album ends with Hydrangea. The song sounds quite creepy at first, but the flute and that other instrument gives it a rather traditional Japanese feel. It’s very soft and quiet; Kaya’s soft almost whispery vocals are stunning. The way his voice builds up power at the end, and the emotion he presents- it’s quite moving. The song has a very soft and relaxing feel to it- it doesn’t make major changes or build up an incredible much. It is quite ethereal, hypnotizing yet dramatic feel to it. A great ending, very soft and relaxing way to go.

Rating: 10/10 (Awesome. Recommended)
Favourite Track: Paradise Lost, Silvery Dark, Rose Jail

Overall, I’m impressed. This is quite an awesome album, it’s all quite alternative and can be quite elaborate with the use of synth and electronic sounds- yet the album has a good feeling to it, and I like all the different sounds and stuff presented. I also liked how it was like dance music, yet at the same time not. It was a lot more interesting, and very creative. Tracks like Paradise lost were downright experimental though, in the coolest way. Kaya has beautiful vocals too, and that always helps. It’s a rather awesome album.

Jinkaku radio is a band I had never heard of before, and I really regret that. I downloaded a song of their, an acoustic version of Buranko and was immediately captured by the simple but emotive composition and the tone of the singers voice. The singer doesn’t have the strongest sounding voice, but surprisingly can hold notes a long time and manages to convey a lot of emotion. Naturally, after that one song I hunted out the original. I found it on the B-side of their single, Akui which was released on 04.12.2005.

Akui(malice) is just WOW. It starts with a calming guitar and synth string part which makes you think that it will be some sort of ballad: before introducing the rest of the instruments making for a far heavier and darker sound. Things quiet down for the verses, with a soft piano part and the vocals sounding blunt- simply conveying the lyrics building up the emotion to the chorus where the singer just lets go. His voice sounds strained, which adds to a feeling of despair and pain instead of being annoying. The chorus is followed by a long and excellent guitar part before again toning down to the piano and the vocals. The highlight being the end where the main lines like “yami no ame” is sung out and the vocalist sustains the notes over a beautiful guitar part. The song then ends much like it began, piano and string and guitar in a calming motif, totally contrasting to the rest of the song. Overall It’s a dark song filled with emotions particularly despair, the lyrics seemingly depicting some sort of breakdown.

Buranko(swing) is totally opposite of Akui. Actually, it’s a strange beast. A fantastic beautiful beast-but strange. The lyrics are cryptic, the feelings it makes you feel and the atmosphere of the song is mixed- it in part is a song filled with hopelessness, despair and yet by the end you are feeling hopeful and relaxed. It stars with what sounds like a wooden xylophone over a heavy bass drum. The xylophone drops out and is replaced by a repeating piano part and the vocalist comes in, singing softly conveying a strange feeling. The chorus is the highlight, beautiful and sad- yet at the same time hopeful. The vocalist has a beautiful tone to his voice, and it’s lovely the way he floats up to the really high notes in the chorus, The repeating rhythms are like the gentle rhythm of the swing going back and forth, During the bridge a childish element comes into the song, the simple melodies and the repetition like a nursery rhyme. This is backed up by the ending, where the xylophone comes back in and you can hear children singing. A strange beast, but beautiful and emotional: simply amazing. No to mention, totally unlike anything I’ve heard before.

Overall rating: 893893893/5 (Awesomeness)
Favourite Tracks: Akui, Buranko

Overall, this is a fantastic single from a brilliant and clearly talented band. They tend to remind me a lot of Muse actually. I’ve not heard a lot of Muse but what my sister plays, but the alternate element to Jinkaku’s radios music, the prolonged notes and the sense of urgency are all there: especially in Akui. Overall a fantastic and unique single, which is strangely catchy and great to put on repeat for a day or so (note: I’ve been playing this at least 5 times a day for the past three days). Furthermore, this is a good intro single to their music and just how awesome this band is. Highly recommended!

This is 12012’s first single after the release of their first major album DIAMOND. It is their 15th single overall and was released on 2008.04.16.

The title track Merry go world has quite a poppy feel, but still retains a dark edge. This song has an interesting feeling, going from light and hopeful choruses to a much darker sound in the verses. I really love the guitar part, and the rhythms are quite cool. Wataru’s vocals are good here too, packing a lot of energy into the song and adding enough emotion to bring out the most of the instrumentation. Overall, perhaps not something I would listen to regularly but still pretty damn good. I think it’s a little mediocre in some ways though, and a little repetitive. It feels long which isn’t a good sign.

The B-side Lovers is what really makes this single. It is like 12012’s old, emotion packed gritty works mixed in with their slow, soothing ballads and new mature sound. It’s fucking awesome. The song starts off really quiet and gentle with gorgeous instrumentation before the quiet and equally tender verses building up to an emotional, beautiful chorus filled with pain and longing. This is the sort of song you sit, put on loud and listen to again and again without getting bored. This song captures your attention and pulls on you’re heart. It’s so beautiful, with a fantastic arrangement, gorgeous rhythms and guitar solo and of course: Wataru’s beautiful, powerful vocals. Throughout the song Wataru’s vocals are filled with emotion, sounding so beautiful in a pained way as if saying goodbye to the most precious thing in the world. Especially the bridge, at which point you almost want to cry and the ending too which only makes you want to cry even more. The lyrics are even more beautiful, the poetry you expect from 12012. I don’t like to compare old 12012 and new 12012 but damn, this song is everything I loved about 12012. This song has the same heartbreaking emotion of “deep forest” and the tenderness of “want,want,want” showing 12012 still have it. This song makes me want to cry, and I didn’t expect that level of power from 12012 anymore.

So there are two more tracks after LOVERS (although at this point I just want to replay LOVERS again and again). 未来図(Miraizu), available on the regular addition, is a very calm and dark sounding song, where Wataru’s vocals take on a much different tone, one that works very well. The guitar part is really really nice throughout this song, and the song holds a very quiet power to it. Although not quite up to the level of LOVERS, this song has emotion. I really like the instrumentation, Wataru’s vocals are excellent and the song has a great arrangement so it doesn’t feel boring.

The next track I BELIEVE…, available on Type B, has a very dark tone to it, and the synth adds an unique feel to it. The whole song, contrary to the title, sounds very sinister. Almost in an over the top, in your face way though. Wataru’s voice, yet again, takes on a much different tone, almost speaking/shouting out in the verses. The chorus is very powerful, and once again the guitar part is awesome. The song does wash over you in a way, perhaps it is too in your face and packing too much in until it just becomes a bit whatever. But it’s still pretty great.

Overall rating: 5/5
Favourite Tracks: LOVERS, 未来図

This single is reminiscent of heart, with a gritty but slightly mediocre A-side followed by a beautiful, almost relaxing and highly emotional B-side. 12012 has matured and compared to their old stuff, their sound has changed, but I don’t think this is a bad thing. 12012 have finally found a good balance between their old sound, and their newer experiments in this single. This single is just brilliant, with some interesting songs on it. The tracks here are interesting and refreshing. MERRY GO WORLD is probably the weaker one here, being a little “meh” but LOVERS is heartbreaking, 未来図 has a subtle and beautiful power to it and the last track I BELIEVE… is very in your face but still, they are powerful songs. They are interesting. So, this is a fantastic single from 12012 and it’s sad that they couldn’t continue like this.