A few months ago, Kiryu, an indie band who is rapidly gaining attention for their unique and extremely Japanese sound, released their latest single Etsu to Utsu. The single was very well received by the Japanese market, even going so far as to briefly break into the Oricon major singles top 10. Although this was a huge feat for an underground visual kei band, is this single worthy of the attention it has received? The answer is a resounding YES.
Etsu to Utsu Limited Edition Cover Art (Type A)
Tracklist:
1. Etsu to Utsu
2. Hana Ichimonme
3. Shirakinu no Onna (Type C)
3. Hitoribocchi (Type D)
4. Etsu to Utsu (karaoke) (Type C and D)
5. Hana Ichimonme (karaoke) (Type C and D)
6. Shirakinu no Onna (karaoke) (Type C)
6. Hitoribocchi (karaoke) (Type D)
For those of you who are new to this band, Kiryu's musical style is a distinctively Japanese sound that could be described as a mixture of hard rock and extremely catchy instrumental and vocal melodies that is heavily infused with musical sounds reminiscent of traditional Japan (such as the shamisen). Their songs and look are very reminiscent of old Japanese music and culture (think medieval/samurai-era Japan), but retain a strong rock sound that allows for a large range of versatility in song structure and style.
The title track, "Etsu to Utsu", is a noticeable departure from the heavy, horror-movie-esque look and sound that was the theme of their last album "Shuka Ensen". Kiryu has done lighter songs in the past, but most of those songs have still been (admittedly more subtly) infused with a sense of high-energy. "Etsu to Utsu" on the other hand, isn't just slower: it's outright relaxing. Instead of their typical intense and energetic guitar riffs (Kiryu is no slouch when it comes to instrumental finesse), the song instead features simpler but incredibly well-placed guitar playing with very pleasant, traditional-Japanese-sounding instrumentation backing it up. The song is equal parts entrancing and relaxing; it's actually saved the reviewer from a few panic attacks during some stressful moments over the last few months. The PV for "Etsu to Utsu" suits the song perfectly. It incorporates a variety of vivid colors and imagery, as well as some entertaining ninja acrobatics, all of which takes place as the band members play and sway gracefully to this beautiful song.
Let's move on to the other tracks on the single. Types C and D of "Etsu to Utsu" each come with their own unique tracks: "Shirakinu no Onna" (a track whose sound frequently alternates between upbeat and heavy) and "Hitoribocchi" (best described as a mixture of the songs "Kisai" and "Mugen Houyou"). While both of these are solid tracks, the unsung hero of this release is the B-side that comes with all versions of the single: "Hana Ichimonme". This song blows the listener away with a short but stunning guitar riff before slowing down to a catchy tempo for the verses. It then slowly ramps up the speed and intensity of the song before bursting to a climax in the chorus. This pattern is repeated throughout the song before closing with the same addicting guitar riff. I cannot recommend this song enough; it takes the user on an enthralling musical journey that perfectly counters the relaxed setting of "Etsu to Utsu".
The bottom line is this: Kiryu has succeeded where many indie bands fail by releasing a lighter and coincidentally more mainstream-friendly song that evolves and expands upon their unique style rather than diminishing it to allow for acceptance from a larger audience. "Etsu to Utsu" is pure musical bliss, while "Hana Ichimonme" creates an amazing musical atmosphere that almost outdoes the title track. This single is an excellent starting point for new listeners, a pleasant surprise for fans, and arguably Kiryu's best release to date.
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