6 May 2013

angela - ZERO

Tie-ins:
Track no. 1 - K OP
Track no. 2 - Valrave the Liberator ED
Track no. 4 - Soukyuu no Fafner IN
Track no. 5 - Soukyuu no Fafner IN
Track no. 6 - K IN
Track no. 7 - Heroes Fantasia OP
Track no. 9 - a-Generation ED
Track no. 10 - K IN
Track no. 11 - K IN
Track no. 12 - K IN
Tracklist:

1. KINGS                                       
2. Boku ja Nai                                   
3. So sweet memories
4. Remember me                                 
5. Seimei ~inochi~                              
6. 境界线 Set me free                         
7. THE LIGHT OF HEROES           
8. This is my wish
9. Always Suki da yo                        
10. Itsuka no Zero Kara                     
11. - Requiem. Of. Red. -                  
12. To be with U!

1. KINGS

No prelude? I'm kind of used to hearing something that will show me right away what the concept of the album is. Anyways, this one opens with angela's last single in the era, KINGS. The song starts of as a rather empty and unimaginative arrangement that mimics any generic anisong, but the chorus is the part that is really worth listening to, as Atsuko performs it with her, as always, perfect, dramatic vocals. One thing I don't understand is why angela needs its own guitarist, because the guitar chords are just randomly and lazily slapped on the song, which makes it feel very sluggish and slow at times, while they are supposed to be active and engaging, as this is an anime OP. I'll probably grow to like this in time, though I didn't like the song when I first heard it.
Rating: 6

2. Boku ja Nai

The preview given for this song doesn't reflect at all how it actually sounds like, and I was a bit confused when the sound of a machine starting led into a surprisingly upbeat choir, which unravels into calm chanting of the lyrics "Boku ja Nai" in a ballad-like arrangement. After KINGS, a strong and fast electro-anisong track is very welcome, especially when it has both the artistic elements of complexity, but at the same time reminds of one of KOTOKO's trance mixes. Guitars are here, for a difference, much more active and darker, and they harmonize with the crescending choir which occasionally reappears. Perhaps the only thing I dislike here is the needless rhythm change in the middle of the chorus, but it doesn't hinder the experience too much.
Rating: 8

3. So sweet memories

This song is quite original by its genre mixing, as there is a calm piano playing traditional Japanese melodies to gritty hip-hop beats in the background which later on become elements of a full rock song with some techno in it. Even with all of this, the track still somehow manages to sound like it is tied to an anime, although it is not, and I'll regard that here as a positive thing, as it is not overused and works well with the rest. The vocals are quite deep and sharp here, with a lamenting, sad tone which preserves its energy throughout the whole, and it is such a shame that they are filtered; except in the piano and bell breakdown after each chorus, which give a pleasant contrast.
Rating: 7

4. Remember me

Following is the first real ballad in the album. The instrumentation is very natural and relaxing, making great usage of an acoustic guitar and a chello, with a barely present rhythm besides the occasional sound of a water droplet or a small drum. Moving away from the projection of a seaside in the first part, when the song really unravels it has even more of a fantastical motive, with added saxophones and the powerful vocal ability which keeps almost constant vibrato. The range of this song can go from very simple to very complex, but it still gains my full attention.
Rating: 9

5. Seimei ~inochi~

The ballad before it was quite original, and Seimei fixes that in a moment, with your typical sparkly instrumentation of piano, strings and bells making it quite a generic, elongated ballad in a Disney movie. Atsuko's vocals are, surprisingly the main difference, being weird hearing her sing that high and cute-ish, although she does sometimes slip in her natural tonality, and completely contrasting the same deep choir from Boku ja Nai. This song may be nice, but it is still a typical album filler.
Rating: 5

6. Kyoukaisen Set me free

Set me free starts of with foreboding synths, but eventually becomes a combination of hard rock guitars and strangely, saxophones. I'm disappointed that Atsuko is in her high tonality most of the time again, but in this happy arrangement it seems to be actually beneficial, as it can still get incredibly powerful and a real enjoyment to listen to. Chipped 8-bit breakdowns give quite a comical effect to this song, and even though it's not what I expected, it is still somewhat redeeming.
Rating: 7

7. THE LIGHT OF HEROES

The grandiose title and instrumentation still don't escape from the trappings of most of angela's anime songs - that is, an empty arrangement most of the time mixed with a happier version of KINGS. There is usually something in a song worth listening to, and the only thing here is some quirky disharmony of instruments from the 80s, but it's sluggishness ruins everything good about it. In another words, it is just one big 'meh'.
Rating: 4

8. This is my wish

A spring themed song must always be in most albums at this time of the year, and this song can unusually mix it with beach-themed acoustic guitars and completely random wood chirping sounds. This is not something I'd listen to with dedication, especially with the vocals again being weird, nasally, and reminding of a child from Barbie and Hatsune Miku, but it is very catchy and dance inviting with the interesting melodies.
Rating: 6

9. Always Suki da yo

A very fast tempo opens, accompanied by strings, but it just unravels in another Disney-like song again, just with an unusual rhythm. Her guitarist seems to be taking a break again here, and it gives space for a certain someone to be even more weird and experimenting with her voice, and it results in a rather disturbing, failed try of being cute (we have Yukarin for that, please don't even try). At some point, even a children's choir is included just so they can yell "YAY!" repeatedly, and that's usually the point where I stop listening and begin laughing. I'd only listen to this song again if I wanted to precisely know what a fail sounds like.
Rating: 2

10. Itsuka no Zero Kara

Utterly disregarding my hopes, we get even slower anisong which may as well be too simple, with only the rhythm and several lazy and short guitar chords randomly inserted Well, on the up side, at least the vocals are back to their natural, deeper tonality, and I could swear I heard this song somewhere before, as the chorus is especially familiar. Jazz takes prevalence in the second part of the song, at it could of been way better if KATSU, who is also the composer, stuck to it consistently.
Rating: 5

11. - Requiem. Of. Red. -

I don't really think this was supposed to be looked at as a full song, more something along the lines of an interlude. Still, this is finally something different and unique, even though it actually has no arrangement or rhythm or form whatsoever, especially at the beginning. The first thing that is heard is the sound of heels walking across the room, and Atsuko slowly speaking into your ear on one side of the headphones, while a slow, creepy violin plays in the other. As the song progresses, it unfortunately loses it's creepiness, as the male choir gets back in the spotlight, reminding more of a triumphant battle song, or an anthem. An anime anthem.
Rating: 8

12. To be with U!

Guessing a song by a title seems to be very irrelevant in today's anisong. Instead of a closing ballad, a hard, catchy and serious rock song ends the album. Of course, some exotic instruments are native to angela, such as the saxophone, but it merges perfectly with everything in a very gritty arrangement. Finally, Atsuko's voice is here in its full light and glory, making for a great way to close an album, even if it wasn't as good.
Rating: 9

I otherwise wouldn't pick up an album knowing that most of it is going to be bad anyways, but the few songs that are good, and an actual effort from angela, make most everything worthwhile. I'm aware that it is their 10th anniversary, but precisely because of that they should struggle even more to make songs that their fans will appreciate, not just copy from themselves. My overall rating of this album is: 6

The comment box doesn't bite; be careful when feeding it, though.

1 comment:

  1. About Requiem Of Red... since I already watch the K Project anime and read the song translation I feel like how the song is sung is way too upbeat for those lyric. The lyric sound more like an anthem that is sung during a funeral of a soldier or such, so singing it triumphantly like that seems a bit disrespectful(?).
    I love the characters' version of the song much more though... where the song is sung by the VAs of Anna and Red Clansmen. It made me cry but it is perfect for the situation on the last anime episode :]

    ReplyDelete

6 May 2013

angela - ZERO

Tie-ins:
Track no. 1 - K OP
Track no. 2 - Valrave the Liberator ED
Track no. 4 - Soukyuu no Fafner IN
Track no. 5 - Soukyuu no Fafner IN
Track no. 6 - K IN
Track no. 7 - Heroes Fantasia OP
Track no. 9 - a-Generation ED
Track no. 10 - K IN
Track no. 11 - K IN
Track no. 12 - K IN
Tracklist:

1. KINGS                                       
2. Boku ja Nai                                   
3. So sweet memories
4. Remember me                                 
5. Seimei ~inochi~                              
6. 境界线 Set me free                         
7. THE LIGHT OF HEROES           
8. This is my wish
9. Always Suki da yo                        
10. Itsuka no Zero Kara                     
11. - Requiem. Of. Red. -                  
12. To be with U!

1. KINGS

No prelude? I'm kind of used to hearing something that will show me right away what the concept of the album is. Anyways, this one opens with angela's last single in the era, KINGS. The song starts of as a rather empty and unimaginative arrangement that mimics any generic anisong, but the chorus is the part that is really worth listening to, as Atsuko performs it with her, as always, perfect, dramatic vocals. One thing I don't understand is why angela needs its own guitarist, because the guitar chords are just randomly and lazily slapped on the song, which makes it feel very sluggish and slow at times, while they are supposed to be active and engaging, as this is an anime OP. I'll probably grow to like this in time, though I didn't like the song when I first heard it.
Rating: 6

2. Boku ja Nai

The preview given for this song doesn't reflect at all how it actually sounds like, and I was a bit confused when the sound of a machine starting led into a surprisingly upbeat choir, which unravels into calm chanting of the lyrics "Boku ja Nai" in a ballad-like arrangement. After KINGS, a strong and fast electro-anisong track is very welcome, especially when it has both the artistic elements of complexity, but at the same time reminds of one of KOTOKO's trance mixes. Guitars are here, for a difference, much more active and darker, and they harmonize with the crescending choir which occasionally reappears. Perhaps the only thing I dislike here is the needless rhythm change in the middle of the chorus, but it doesn't hinder the experience too much.
Rating: 8

3. So sweet memories

This song is quite original by its genre mixing, as there is a calm piano playing traditional Japanese melodies to gritty hip-hop beats in the background which later on become elements of a full rock song with some techno in it. Even with all of this, the track still somehow manages to sound like it is tied to an anime, although it is not, and I'll regard that here as a positive thing, as it is not overused and works well with the rest. The vocals are quite deep and sharp here, with a lamenting, sad tone which preserves its energy throughout the whole, and it is such a shame that they are filtered; except in the piano and bell breakdown after each chorus, which give a pleasant contrast.
Rating: 7

4. Remember me

Following is the first real ballad in the album. The instrumentation is very natural and relaxing, making great usage of an acoustic guitar and a chello, with a barely present rhythm besides the occasional sound of a water droplet or a small drum. Moving away from the projection of a seaside in the first part, when the song really unravels it has even more of a fantastical motive, with added saxophones and the powerful vocal ability which keeps almost constant vibrato. The range of this song can go from very simple to very complex, but it still gains my full attention.
Rating: 9

5. Seimei ~inochi~

The ballad before it was quite original, and Seimei fixes that in a moment, with your typical sparkly instrumentation of piano, strings and bells making it quite a generic, elongated ballad in a Disney movie. Atsuko's vocals are, surprisingly the main difference, being weird hearing her sing that high and cute-ish, although she does sometimes slip in her natural tonality, and completely contrasting the same deep choir from Boku ja Nai. This song may be nice, but it is still a typical album filler.
Rating: 5

6. Kyoukaisen Set me free

Set me free starts of with foreboding synths, but eventually becomes a combination of hard rock guitars and strangely, saxophones. I'm disappointed that Atsuko is in her high tonality most of the time again, but in this happy arrangement it seems to be actually beneficial, as it can still get incredibly powerful and a real enjoyment to listen to. Chipped 8-bit breakdowns give quite a comical effect to this song, and even though it's not what I expected, it is still somewhat redeeming.
Rating: 7

7. THE LIGHT OF HEROES

The grandiose title and instrumentation still don't escape from the trappings of most of angela's anime songs - that is, an empty arrangement most of the time mixed with a happier version of KINGS. There is usually something in a song worth listening to, and the only thing here is some quirky disharmony of instruments from the 80s, but it's sluggishness ruins everything good about it. In another words, it is just one big 'meh'.
Rating: 4

8. This is my wish

A spring themed song must always be in most albums at this time of the year, and this song can unusually mix it with beach-themed acoustic guitars and completely random wood chirping sounds. This is not something I'd listen to with dedication, especially with the vocals again being weird, nasally, and reminding of a child from Barbie and Hatsune Miku, but it is very catchy and dance inviting with the interesting melodies.
Rating: 6

9. Always Suki da yo

A very fast tempo opens, accompanied by strings, but it just unravels in another Disney-like song again, just with an unusual rhythm. Her guitarist seems to be taking a break again here, and it gives space for a certain someone to be even more weird and experimenting with her voice, and it results in a rather disturbing, failed try of being cute (we have Yukarin for that, please don't even try). At some point, even a children's choir is included just so they can yell "YAY!" repeatedly, and that's usually the point where I stop listening and begin laughing. I'd only listen to this song again if I wanted to precisely know what a fail sounds like.
Rating: 2

10. Itsuka no Zero Kara

Utterly disregarding my hopes, we get even slower anisong which may as well be too simple, with only the rhythm and several lazy and short guitar chords randomly inserted Well, on the up side, at least the vocals are back to their natural, deeper tonality, and I could swear I heard this song somewhere before, as the chorus is especially familiar. Jazz takes prevalence in the second part of the song, at it could of been way better if KATSU, who is also the composer, stuck to it consistently.
Rating: 5

11. - Requiem. Of. Red. -

I don't really think this was supposed to be looked at as a full song, more something along the lines of an interlude. Still, this is finally something different and unique, even though it actually has no arrangement or rhythm or form whatsoever, especially at the beginning. The first thing that is heard is the sound of heels walking across the room, and Atsuko slowly speaking into your ear on one side of the headphones, while a slow, creepy violin plays in the other. As the song progresses, it unfortunately loses it's creepiness, as the male choir gets back in the spotlight, reminding more of a triumphant battle song, or an anthem. An anime anthem.
Rating: 8

12. To be with U!

Guessing a song by a title seems to be very irrelevant in today's anisong. Instead of a closing ballad, a hard, catchy and serious rock song ends the album. Of course, some exotic instruments are native to angela, such as the saxophone, but it merges perfectly with everything in a very gritty arrangement. Finally, Atsuko's voice is here in its full light and glory, making for a great way to close an album, even if it wasn't as good.
Rating: 9

I otherwise wouldn't pick up an album knowing that most of it is going to be bad anyways, but the few songs that are good, and an actual effort from angela, make most everything worthwhile. I'm aware that it is their 10th anniversary, but precisely because of that they should struggle even more to make songs that their fans will appreciate, not just copy from themselves. My overall rating of this album is: 6

The comment box doesn't bite; be careful when feeding it, though.

1 comment:

  1. About Requiem Of Red... since I already watch the K Project anime and read the song translation I feel like how the song is sung is way too upbeat for those lyric. The lyric sound more like an anthem that is sung during a funeral of a soldier or such, so singing it triumphantly like that seems a bit disrespectful(?).
    I love the characters' version of the song much more though... where the song is sung by the VAs of Anna and Red Clansmen. It made me cry but it is perfect for the situation on the last anime episode :]

    ReplyDelete