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Tracklist | |
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01 - アクセル (Accel) 02 - シグナル (Signal) 03 - ストラト (Strato) 04 - ナツカゼ (Natsukaze) 05 - ロデオ (Rodeo) 06 - リヴァース (Reverse) 07 - スロウ (Slow) 08 - Mari Me! 09 - トレモロ (Tremolo) 10 - サンドラ (Sandra) 11 - イツカ (Itsuka) 12 - D33 13 - Phase+ (Bonus Track) 14 - ランチタイムブギー (Lunchtime Boogie) (Bonus Track) |
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Review | |
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Japan's been fertile ground for supergroups within the past few years, what with Tokyo Jihen and Singer Songer springing to action and Ajico and Mean Machine's less recent excellence still fresh in the mind. Reverslow, led by PENPALS' bassist Hayashi Munemasa, comprises a group of 13 musicians who are more than competant in the instrumental department, but sorely miss having anyone in the same league as Shiina Ringo, Cocco or UA on vocals to push the melody forward. Melody Chain was crafted almost as a concept album, meant to tell a single story - and a long story at that, as the album is loaded with 14 tracks. Too bad all Melody Chain's story equates to is one terrific bore, its 64 minutes running on for far longer than it has any right. Most of Melody Chain simply coasts along with nothing to grab the listener's attention. Songs sometimes sport a catchy riff or two, but rarely possess any hooks, the lifeblood for guitar pop like this. The keenly flowing bass guitar throughout the album does deserve a mention, but this resolute performance alone is not enough to drag the recording out of monotony. The vocals could breath some life into Melody Chain. Every once in a while the guitar picks up the pace, and together with the bass, they make for a solid background. It's the vocalist's job to sell the melody here, but instead his monotone sits mired in the lower register. Even when he attempts to cut loose in the chorus, his voice is too inconspicuous to carry much emotion or power. Every once in a while he's swapped out with a female version, but her mismatched vocals are far better suited for dream pop or shoegaze. Adding insult to injury, her voice suddenly turns loud and robotic on "Itsuka," ruining a track which had a chance to be worthwhile. Still, with 14 chances not to misfire, Reverslow (an appropriate combination of "reverse" and "slow") is bound to come up with something. The band chokes some enthusiasm out of their vocalist on opener "Accel." Coupled with the bass and the jangly guitar, they actually sound more than one-dimensional and catchy enough to be in radio-friendly territory. The vocals sink farther and farther towards dullsville until the nadir on "Rodeo," but "Slow" successfully revives the formula from "Accel," even tossing in synth for some bonus variety. "Sandra," while not terribly exciting thanks to the plodding instrumental section, places the vocalists in tandem for a pleasant ride. Considering Reverslow's approach to songwriting on Melody Chain, this release never had much of a chance to be great. Still, by cutting out the blatant filler tracks and forcing the vocalists to at least emote somewhat, Melody Chain could have made the cut for "above average." To any listeners who actually sat through this monstrosity comfortably, you have a commendable attention span. How about trying something more exciting? I suggest watching the grass grow. |
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