The more I listen to them, the more I realize that LIPHLICH is one of the most underrated indie bands in the visual-kei scene. Their past work has been exciting and original, but outside of a few well-received releases, they still seem to remain relatively unknown throughout much of the industry. And yet, LIPHLICH's newest album shines as brightly as many of the best releases this year, and in its own unique way. In Full Course wa Sakasa Kara, the band captivates listeners with an eccentric and energetic style that will leave them breathless. LIPHLICH's newest work is a breath of fresh air and an absolute delight to listen to.
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| Full Course wa Sakasa Kara Album Cover (Type B) |
Tracklist:
1. 街へ出よう (Machi e Deyou) (Instrumental)
2. 飽聴のデリカテッセン (Houchou no Delicatessen)
3. ヘンピッグ (Henpig)
4. 慰めにBET (Nagusame ni BET)
5. VESSEL -Album Ver.-
6. 大計画 (Daikeikaku)
7. マズロウマンション (Maslow Mansion)
8. 月を食べたらおやすみよ (Tsuki wo tabetara oyasumi yo) -Album Ver.-
9. Fiddle-De-Dee
10. ミズルミナス (Miss Luminous) -Album Ver.-
11. ジョン＆ジェーン・ドゥ (John & Jane Doe)
12. MANIC PIXIE
13. 主人の楽園 (Shujin no rakuen)
2. 飽聴のデリカテッセン (Houchou no Delicatessen)
3. ヘンピッグ (Henpig)
4. 慰めにBET (Nagusame ni BET)
5. VESSEL -Album Ver.-
6. 大計画 (Daikeikaku)
7. マズロウマンション (Maslow Mansion)
8. 月を食べたらおやすみよ (Tsuki wo tabetara oyasumi yo) -Album Ver.-
9. Fiddle-De-Dee
10. ミズルミナス (Miss Luminous) -Album Ver.-
11. ジョン＆ジェーン・ドゥ (John & Jane Doe)
12. MANIC PIXIE
13. 主人の楽園 (Shujin no rakuen)
It's very difficult for me to describe what LIPHLICH's songs sound like, mainly because I've never heard anything quite like it. They are a four-person, two-guitar band that incorporates a variety of eccentric backing instruments and sound effects into their rock music, such as accordion notes, jazzy piano melodies, trumpets, and much more. The songs on Full Course wa Sakasa Kara feature very retro sounds, but each song does this in its own way. These songs flow together almost without the listener noticing, and their varied and catchy melodies tell a musical story that made me desperately wish I knew Japanese. At the same time, each song resonated so strongly with me that I felt as if I understood the feelings conveyed better than if I knew the words. This album is definitely best-enjoyed as a "full-course"; all of the tracks are well-placed and compliment each other very well.
The intro track ("Machi e Deyou") opens with the clatter of silverware being used, followed by slow accordion music before transitioning into "Houchou no Delicatessen". A marriage of rapid guitar-playing and somewhat ominous accordion music, "Houchou no Delicatessen" sounds like it should be playing in the background of a sword-fight scene from a Pirates of the Caribbean movie. The rapidly-played guitars are accompanied by frantic drumming in "Henpig", which heightens the feeling of excitement accumulated in the previous track.
"Henpig" ends conclusively and abruptly, and is followed by "Nagusame ni BET". This track starts off with just the vocalist's singing accompanied by trumpets but quickly transitions into a jazzy ditty full of bass, trumpets, piano, and subtle guitar. LIPHLICH has fantastic timing when it comes to shifting the direction of each of their songs, as well as the direction of the entire album. This constant-yet-congruent variation makes it seem like you're listening to a musical theater performance infused with a rock flavor, and it is absolutely delightful.
Buy It On:
CDJapan
The intro track ("Machi e Deyou") opens with the clatter of silverware being used, followed by slow accordion music before transitioning into "Houchou no Delicatessen". A marriage of rapid guitar-playing and somewhat ominous accordion music, "Houchou no Delicatessen" sounds like it should be playing in the background of a sword-fight scene from a Pirates of the Caribbean movie. The rapidly-played guitars are accompanied by frantic drumming in "Henpig", which heightens the feeling of excitement accumulated in the previous track.
"Henpig" ends conclusively and abruptly, and is followed by "Nagusame ni BET". This track starts off with just the vocalist's singing accompanied by trumpets but quickly transitions into a jazzy ditty full of bass, trumpets, piano, and subtle guitar. LIPHLICH has fantastic timing when it comes to shifting the direction of each of their songs, as well as the direction of the entire album. This constant-yet-congruent variation makes it seem like you're listening to a musical theater performance infused with a rock flavor, and it is absolutely delightful.
"VESSEL" is as close as the band comes to sounding similar to other visual-kei bands. It's a calmer song that's still a little too energetic to be considered a ballad. It slows down the pace of the album just as I was beginning to feel overwhelmed by the rapid changes in style from song-to-song. "Daikeikaku" is slower, but has very somber guitar-playing accompanied by a haunting piano melody. It transitions with the tolling of a bell into "Maslow Mansion". One of my favorite songs on the album (and previously released as a single), "Maslow Mansion" has a mischievous-yet-elegant sound. Think of "Pastel Horror Yum Yum Show" by Sug, but more organic, theatrical, and captivating. "Tsuki wo tabetara oyasumi yo" is a great transition from the mysterious "Maslow Mansion" to a more elegant and slightly orchestral sound. I found this track to be very soothing, and yet another well-chosen change of pace for the album.
When I first heard "Fiddle-De-Dee", I was actually so amused and delighted by the sound that I laughed out loud. This song is written to sound exactly like it's introducing a game show, complete with cheesy 1990s electronic sounds, trumpets, and even an applause track. LIPHLICH did a fantastic job with this song: it's fun, catchy, and completely unashamed of itself. (It also reminds me of the introductions to late-night talk shows on the major television networks here in America, minus the obnoxious intro voice and irritatingly chipper host.)
The album version of "Miss Luminous" (one of LIPHLICH's best-known works) is a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike. It starts off with a soft backing melody that almost sounds like a tango, before opening into an enhanced version of the original song. The signature guitar melody that introduces the song and follows the chorus is now performed by trumpets playing in the background, and the other trumpet sections are much clearer. The verses have also been enhanced with additional acoustic guitar melodies. Overall, the entire song sounds significantly fuller, and each individual instrument is much more distinct. It's a definite improvement, and if you liked the guitar melody in the original song, then you now have two versions of the same excellent song to enjoy.
"John & Jane Doe" starts off with orchestral music that sounds remarkably like a marching band before changing to a soft-yet-frantic tune that increases and decreases in intensity throughout the song's duration. "MANIC PIXIE", previously released as a single and one of my favorite LIPHLICH songs, has been left in its original form. This is the heaviest LIPHLICH gets on the album, and it is absolutely thrilling. It's very impressive how catchy the song stays despite its intense pace. "MANIC PIXIE's" abrupt end almost leaves me too shell-shocked to process the last song on the album. "Shujin no rakuen" is an elegant-yet-powerful ballad that ends the album nicely. There is also a short secret track that I will leave for you to find and enjoy on your own (like all the tracks on this album, it is very good).
LIPHLICH completely caught me off guard with Full Course wa Sakasa Kara. I enjoyed some of their previous releases, but I never expected to find such a unique and enchanting masterpiece when I listened to this album. I highly recommend that everyone buy it. And for goodness sake, can someone get this band some funding?! They deserve it.
CDJapan
- Type A: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=DAKMSLP-11
- Type B: http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=DAKMSLP-12
What did you think about Full Course wa Sakasa Kara? Do you have any questions about the review? Let me know in the comments section below.
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