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Blotto
Singles Collection 2004-2007 |
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Tracklist |
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01 - ウララ (Urara)
02 - トーキョウバレリーナ (Tokyo Ballerina)
03 - ぼくのホッパー (Boku No Poppa)
04 - UFOバンザイ (UFO Banzai)
05 - ロマンチックホテル (Romantic Hotel)
06 - ピース (Peace) (Remix)
07 - THE CLUB
08 - ALOHA!
09 - 名なしの犬公 (Mei Nashino Inu Kou)
10 - 森のメロディ (Mori No Melody)
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Review |
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There is a wide gap between the sounds of Sparta Locals' Summer 04's Sun Sun Sun and its predecessor Second Fanfare. Hell, there�s just as large a leap between Kanashii Miminari and Second Fanfare. Sparta Locals don't seem content in remaking the same album over and over, a trap all too many bands fall for when dealt a little success.
In addition to their exponential increase in instrumental talent, the songs on Sun Sun Sun are of a different family entirely. They are on the whole a lot softer and less intense making the first listen fairly surprising for an old fan. In the place of ceaseless throttle is some extremely mature songwriting, and that more than makes up for any loss of heat. In fact the songs on this album are definitely more exciting than anything they've ever done; the build-ups are more structured and the climaxes are thusly all the more fulfilling (see the sublime last minute of "Tokyo Ballerina"). Indeed it seems as though every single song on this album is fleshed out to perfection, a rare sight made all the better considering how unique their sound is. Every guitar solo ("Romantic Hotel"), every rhythm powerhouse ("Peace"), every moment of this album is completely thought out and deliciously executed.
The great potential Sparta Locals showed on their last two albums has come full circle. On Sun Sun Sun, each member displays a new level of mastery over their instrument; you can make passes through each song focusing on only one person and still be completely amazed. What is probably more impressive than their individual feats is the cohesiveness displayed; the rhythm section amazes me in new ways every time I listen to the album ("UFO Banzai") and the dual guitars playing off and through each other ("Boku No Poppa") is something I haven't heard done so well outside of Converge.
If I seem to gush more than a little about Sun Sun Sun, it's only because I've listened to this more than any other album in 2004. The fact that I still find it so thrilling should stand as a testament to its lasting power. Truly, this is probably my pick for the best album of 2004 (or at least close to it), it kept me amazed and frenzied all the way through three seasons. The combination of original post-punk song-writing and perfect instrumental execution give Sparta Locals one of the freshest rock sounds in years. |
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