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Blotto
Singles Collection 2004-2007 |
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Tracklist |
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01 - Violence Summer
02 - Ougon Wave
03 - Akai Suna
04 - Hotaru
05 - Slow Curve
06 - POGO (More Tight Version)
07 - Raigyo
08 - Watashi no Ringo
09 - Galaxy Kuukou
10 - Reserver
11 - Silent |
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Review |
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From the get go, I liked Second Fanfare. The way the album starts, with "Violence Summer"'s hazy feedback intro and guitar melody, I knew that this was going to be a fun, playful and absorbing record. Laid back vocals continue throughout the first track, backed with a dirty-sounding but refined instrumental section. The sound isn't as polished as their most recent album, Sun Sun Sun, but perhaps more fitting to their style. Sparta Locals are at their best in Second Fanfare, letting their fun side and odd quirks shine through the rugged production.
A lot of unexpected twists and turns occur throughout the span of this 11-track album, with songs like "Violence Summer" and "Slow Curve" going in a new direction several times at the drop of a hat. This unconventional song structure, with verses that sound completely different from each other, suits Sparta Locals perfectly. "Ougon Wave" brings back memories of Gang of Four, with its driving rhythm and sing-back vocals. This is perhaps the most exciting track on the album, with plenty of opportunities for fist-pumping and singing along. The interplay between lead and rhythm guitars is also a very involving element of this song. Actually, the guitars should be noted in the album as a whole. Throughout the entire thing they are technically impressive and engaging.
Sparta Locals also shows their mature side on Second Fanfare, proving that, as fun as they are, they are fully capable of writing serious songs. "Hotaru" builds up into an impressive, albeit technically flawed vocal climax, with Abe Kousai's scratchy voice almost losing steam completely. "Reserver" begins with a deceptively simple rhythm section but evolves into a passionate and dramatic performance, extensive length-wise without sounding boring or drawn out. The most interesting track on the album, however, might be "Watashi no Ringo." Slowing it down a few notches, Sparta Locals dives headfirst into reggae/dub territory while retaining that oddness that is characteristic of the band. Creative songwriting prevents it from becoming a straight-up reggae song, and instead Sparta Locals blends it with their own brand of strange pop rock to come up with a very enjoyable song.
While many of Sparta Locals' fans claim Sun Sun Sun to be the finest of the three albums, I personally prefer Second Fanfare. It is a much more enjoyable and interesting record, with no glaring weak spots and enough twists and songwriting tricks to keep it interesting, even after repeated listens. The production is also more suited to the band, who never boasted a clean image to begin with. A slightly gritty sound is mantained throughout the entire album, balanced perfectly with fun melodies and technical proficiency. |
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