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Blotto
Singles Collection 2004-2007 |
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Tracklist |
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01 - higher
02 - amplified my sign |
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Review |
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Normally singles are relegated to be previews for the upcoming album, with a strong "grab you" title track that will be on the upcoming album and a "throw away" track that didn't make it as a b-side. However, the band apart's RECOGNIZE ep decides to take two tracks and give them equal weight, unified by mood, tempo, and a seamless transition. It works well, however fans of previous the band apart efforts may be put off by the "kinder, gentler" sound.
The first track, "higher," starts off with a solid march-like rhythm established by Kogure Eiichi's "one-two" drumming. Then the instruments step in; first one guitar, then the second accompanied by the bass. The word "mellow" describes the song's sound well, as clean guitars and a steady rhythm keep a steady pace. The instruments, though together in spirit, will often go into their own tangents with smooth abandon. Though this has always been a quality of the group's sound, it is much more apparent in "higher" than in past work. The drums aren't tied to keeping the rhythm, as heard later in the song, but everything doesn't fall apart at the same time since time is so rooted in all the instruments.
Eventually all instruments fade out leaving a lone guitar that brings us into "amplified my sign." The guitars are much more apparent in this song and have a life of their own during verses and bridges. The rhythm is also much looser and the loud and soft dynamics are more extreme than in "higher," however the song still retains that overall mellow feel present in the first song.
That overall mellowness may seem like a turn off to fans of the group's more rocking songs like "Fool Proof," "August Green," or even "K. and His Bike." This is mostly attributed to the vocals, which never seem to reach the point of screaming that is evident in those three tracks as well as numerous others. The instruments and production also exercise notable restraint. Overdriven guitars are used sparingly, with Arai Takeshi and Kawasaki Nobukazu preferring a cleaner sound. The end of "higher" boasts an overdriven drum solo (!), but production relegates the drums to the back, eventually forcing them to fade out. "amplified my sign" almost gets to the point of past songs, but the dynamics never reach that extreme.
However, there are some key differences that do show the group's progression. the band apart is much more technical in these tracks, displaying a mastery of melodic variation. The polyphonic tones mesh together blissfully and play well with each other, almost seeming like they're having conversations with one another. And Arai's singing and English lyrics have improved. He's much more in control of the song.
The exercise in restraint, though yielding possible mixed reactions, does portray a group that is comfortable with trying new things, yet seems familiar to their fans. The tracks aren't of the "grab you" variety apparent in most singles. It may take one or even twelve plays to hook you in, but with enough dedication it makes for quite and enjoyable listen. Despite adhering to the two track format, RECOGNIZE ep's fluidity and its songs' thematic similarities set it apart from the typical single. If this is a "preview of the new album," their upcoming full length quake and brook could be quite a surprise. |
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