[Single] NICO Touches the Walls - Kakera -Subete no Omoitati e & [Mini Album] 4Men - Voice of Autumn
[Single] Nico Touches the Walls (ニコタッチズザウォールズ, Niko Tatchizu Za Wōruzu) - Kakera -Subete no Omoitati e-
Release date: 2009.11.04
Genre: Alternative rock, Post-grunge.
Label: Ki/oon Records
Sounds like: Base Ball Bear, UNISON SQUARE, Apogee and semi-Daughty & Coldplay.
Language: Japanese
Bit rate: 320 kbps
01 Kakera -Subete no Omoitati e- (かけら -統べての想いたちへ-, Fragments -To all the thoughts-) (MusicVideo@YT)
02 Aurora (Prelude)
03 Hologram (ホログラム, Horoguramu, Live ver. 2,009/6/20 @ Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall) (MusicVideo StudioVer@YT)
They're winners of the Lotte Prize at the Yamaha Teen Festival in 2004. This band sounds just as good live as they do in the studio. Known for Full Alchemist: Brotherhood's 2nd opening theme song - Hologram, they've become somewhat of a sensation. The titular track opens with the start of an eager bass-electric guitar-drum greeting. The lead vocalist's voice resonates deep within your thoughts as he belts word after word with conviction and carries it off that soul grabbing cry. But it's over before you know it. A little too soon I think as I've become quite attached to it already.
Aurora on the other hand draws you in quite unexpectedly. For instance, I first thought it to be too stretched and a little overbearing. However the seemingly heartbreaking vocals transcending over piano keeps me listening. The last seconds grant a sudden if not interesting surprise of a super-short drum&guitar opening or closing. That I'm not sure.
The live performace of Hologram will certainly keep fans of Full Alchemist: Brotherhood happy. Yes, the band does deliver. It's a rock/punk-ish song afterall that's geared to make you bounce/bop your head to each beat.
DOWNLOAD
Multiupload
COMMENT ~~
[Mini Album] 4Men - Voice Of Autumn
Release Date: 2009.11.03
Genre: Ballads, R&B
Label: Sony Music
Sounds like: Noel, Shinhwa, Wheesung, the earlier years of DBSK.
Language: Korean
Bit rate: 320kbps
01 Sweet Lady (Preview@imeem)
02 똑똑똑(Preview@imeem) (Music Video@YT)
03 Everything (Preview@imeem)
04 다시 사랑 할 수 있을까 Can I Love Again (feat. Davichi) (Preview@imeem)
05 Sweet Lady (MR)
06 똑똑똑 (MR)
07 Everything (MR)
08 다시 사랑 할 수 있을까 (MR)
OMG! They're back!! I did hear of the band going separate ways and all sorts of uncertainty about the band's future and changing of members. I'm so glad all that didn't affect the group much. Well, I sure you've noticed that there are "3" men on the cover instead of the usual "4" men they are supposed to be. Despite whatever, none of that R&B magic has been lost.
"Sweet Lady" denotes a certain sensuality and sophistication amidst smooth jazzy tunes. A perfect setting for a loungey meet that's tells you it's only the beginning. "똑똑똑" grounds the album with a boost of R&B classiness and vocal prowess. The vibe is strong in this one. Lol.
"Everything" sobers the listeners with a melancholic string-plucked melody and fantastic falsetto control. It weaves scenes of a sad yet revelation-like moment that keeps you slowly wondering if that certain love was meant to be.
The ballad "다시 사랑 할 수 있을까" featuring Davichi appears to be a signature of the 4Men (member changes aside). Although I'm not exactly a fan of Davichi, this ballad clearly shows you the better side of them. Stronger and less childish perhaps? Expect a soulful chorus and yet more stunning vocal performances from the 4Men (whoever they are right now). LOL.
DOWNLOAD
Multiupload
Mediafire
Additional credits go to nekomomoka@imeem for previews.
C O M M E N T - that's the way things are and you know it.