REVIEW: Arlequin - Near Equal

A few of the editors at VKH Press have been keeping a keen eye on Arlequin over the last year. It's been quite awhile since we've heard such a promising sound from a small indie band's debut EP. In the year since the release of that EP, Arlequin has signed with Goemon Records, released three singles, and gained a noticeable amount of traction. They've ended the first year of their existence with the release of their first full album. Near Equal is a mixture of tracks from their previous singles and some new tracks, all of which demonstrate this band's massive potential. It plays it pretty safe compared to the band's debut EP, but overall Near Equal makes one strong statement about Arlequin: this band is going to be awesome.
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NOTE: The final sections of both of Near Equal's types have slightly different tracklists. Differences in order have been italicized, and type-exclusive tracks have been bolded.

Near Equal Type A Cover

Tracklist [Type A]:

1. akatsuki (暁)

2. Eclipse

3. Missing

4. himanimahi (ヒマニマヒ)

5. hakaana (墓穴)

6. zou (像)

7. Alive

8. ano mado ni osowatta koto (あの窓に教わった事)

9. stella (ステラ)

10. clepsydra

11. -eseringo- (似非林檎)

Near Equal Type B Cover

Tracklist [Type B]:

1. akatsuki (暁)
2. Eclipse
3. Missing
4. himanimahi (ヒマニマヒ)
5. hakaana (墓穴)
6. zou (像)
7. Alive
8. ano mado ni osowatta koto (あの窓に教わった事)
9. Kaleidoscope (カレイドスコープ)
10. stella (ステラ)
11. clepsydra

Arlequin's sound is a strong new take on an old favorite: the "anime-opening" song style. Often used as anime opening theme songs, this style is personified by songs that have a catchy, memorable, and usually upbeat sound, especially during the chorus (some examples include "THE WORLD" by Nightmare, "Shiver" by the GazettE, and "Enamel" by Sid). But to write off the band's style as just that would be a huge mistake. More than any other band in the scene, Arlequin has succeeded in making this type of song sound delightfully heavy and intense while retaining an addictive  and upbeat sound. The songs on Near Equal are built on strong power-guitar chords, stylish verses, smooth transitions to flawlessly appealing choruses, and in-your-face electronic programming that still enhances the overall sound. The album demonstrates Alrequin's potential for massive appeal to indie visual kei followers and mainstream audiences alike.

Most of the songs that fit the energetic and captivating sound that Arlequin has spent the last year cultivating are contained in the stronger first half of the album. Songs like "Eclipse" and "hakaana" show off the band's A-side power from previous singles, while the others show just how melodic, rocking, and/or heavy Arlequin can be. "Zou" in particular shows a heavier and crazier side of the band that I wish there was more of on the album. It lets the programming and breakdowns run wild, and is hands-down my favorite track overall.

The second half is a little lighter and adds in what seem like a few obligatory "light" songs to keep the album varied. "Alive" is the album's lead track, and is the culmination of the catchier, more melodic side of Arlequin's sound (it's my second-favorite track behind "Zou").  The fun dance sound in "ano mado ni osowatta koto" also stands out as a fun departure from the usual sound. Previously released as a single, "stella" is a decent song, although it comes off as a slightly lighter sequel to "Eclipse". I recommend getting Type B of Near Equal: the lighter "clepsydra" makes for a better ending to the album than the new version of "-eseringo-" does. I feel like Type A would've been better if the band chose to include one of their better pre-Goemon songs instead of "-eseringo-" (such as "blind bud" or "Fiction").

Goemon Records may be on to something big with Arlequin and this new style. The label is already preparing to launch pentagon (formerly the period band Call Me), a promising band sporting a similar core sound with a spooky twist and a Mejibray-esque personality. As for Arlequin, this album was a great first start for them. I would've liked to have seen more variety from them on this album (and will definitely expect more variety in the future), but Near Equal serves as a solid foundation for the band to expand upon. I'm excited to see what Arlequin does next, because if they play their cards right, experiment more freely with their style, and unleash their wild side, I wouldn't be shocked to see them turn into the indie equivalent of the GazettE. Yes, they have that much potential.

Buy It On CDJapan:

• Type A
• Type B

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