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Blotto
Singles Collection 2004-2007 |
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Tracklist |
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01 - Ano Natsu no Hibi
02 - Riki Misugisu ni Nuki Sugisu
03 - Eejyanaika Ondo
04 - Ashita wo Mukae ni Ikou |
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Review |
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With a title that translates into "Those Summer Days," I expected this single by The Inazuma Sentai to be a driving summer anthem. But the real question was whether this release would contain any substance at all or would it just be light summer fluff. The Inazuma Sentai have never been one to delve into the harder side of music, and in this release, they maintain their cheery, youthful sound, to a fault almost.
The title track, "Ano Natsu no Hibi," sounds like the opening song to the latest hit anime. A sudden start, jangling acoustic guitar, and uplifting vocal melodies all work together to create a harmless mood that seems familiar even at first listen. The song plows ahead, stopping only briefly before the band launches into the chorus. A simple and pleasant guitar solo and the occasional presence of backing vocals also contribute to the song's cause. But as a cohesive whole, "Ano Natsu no Hibi" fails to leave a lasting impression. Like an eventless summer day, the song fades away as soon as it is over.
"Riki Misugisu ni Nuki Sugisu," the following track, is marginally more interesting. Catchier guitars and a creative percussion section make this one rise above the title track as a more interesting and driving number. Backing vocals, one of my favorite parts of The Inazuma Sentai's earlier releases, have more of an impact here, which is definitely a good thing. And even though the mood doesn't change, as we're still dealing with happy summer songs, "Riki Misugisu ni Nuki Sugisu" betters the title track. It is more interesting as a whole and possesses catchier melodies. However, can they keep this up for two more songs?
The third song, a nostalgic number called "Eejyanaika Ondo," sounds like a ballad at first. But the slow piano intro becomes a jazzy backing instrument as the song picks up its pace. Unfortunately, an increase in pace does not yield as increase in quality as the piano quickly becomes an annoyance. Other than a few good moments, such as a slightly interesting bridge section that tries very hard to keep you on your toes, there really isn't anything very exciting or engaging about "Eejyanaika Ondo."
"Ashita wo Mukae ni Ikou" starts off in the worst way possible, with tribal hollers that bring back unpleasant memories of an Atlanta Braves game. It doesn't get much better, as the same chants become the meat of the chorus, backed by the most boring drumming I've ever heard. And if you thought it couldn't get any worse, they decided to throw hand claps and foot stomps into the mix. What could have been an interesting guitar solo collapses on itself as more percussive wankery adds fuel to the fire to this disaster of a song.
I can't say I'm pleased with the changes that The Inazuma Sentai have brought with this EP. In their defense, the last release I heard from them was their stellar first album, Katte ni Rock n Roll, full of fun, interesting songs that latch onto you and never let go. Perhaps I missed a crucial evolutionary phase present in their second album. However, the difference in sound present on Ano Natsu no Hibi, while subtle at times, is definitely crippling. The vocalist, who in the first album blew me away with his passionate singing, has seemingly lost his edge and delivers an empty performance on this single. Let's hope this EP is a one hit blunder and that The Inazuma Sentai are able to get back to form. |
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