May'n - ViViD

Blood Lad OP

Tracklist:

1. ViViD

2. Wild Rose

3. ViViD (without May'n)

4. Wild Rose (without May'n)

1. ViViD

An impending intro joined by a western-style guitar open the Blood Lad theme song, unraveling into Mayn's signature uplifting  techno-dance beat mixed with light rock passages. As if it were from any J-pop singer, its catchiness and may actually be the main selling point, as the track switches from happy to relatively serious in a short amount of time. Unsurprisingly, though, the vocals, after climbing up in quality with her previous singles, remain consistently powerful and versatile, especially in one moment where she hits a very high tone, followed by a harder electric guitar sequence, and wrapping up the final chorus filled with unusual harmonies including the filtered supporting vocals. Overall, it's a bit simple and short when compared to most of anison, but still quite enjoyable.

Rating: 8

2. Wild Rose

In contrast with ViViD's energy, the next track starts silently, with a touching piano intro over subdued strings and bells. As the song progresses more, a rich arrangement appears adding acoustic guitars and even more strings with the slow tempo. In contrast, here, May'n switches from her dominant vibrato capability to a unique whispery vocal colour, which perfectly suits such a relaxing piece. Ending the same way it started, it gives the impression that it could very well be used in an anime as an ending theme, although the title is mistaken with the intentions and emotions this track reflects.

Rating: 9

In the sea of generic B-side ballad finishers, Wild Rose stands out, even surpassing ViViD in my eyes. This being either the third of the fifth single in this era, depending on if you count the digital ones, it seems it's already about time for a new album from May'n, which I am expecting to be of the same quality. My overall rating is: 8 ½

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