9GOATS BLACK OUT ~ Raw
[2008.09.24] Plastic Tree - Utsusemi (album)
My relationship with Plastic Tree is sort of...simple. I like their stuff, and I like their sound. Even though yes, it's boring more often than not. It's a GOOD boring. It has this feeling of not trying to be anything. Part of this is helped by Ryutarou's ridiculously monotone singing. But the bass is usually always competent, as is the guitar. I don't really remember Nega to Posi, so I can't tell you if this one sounds like that one. To me it was much like any other Pura album. Consistent, with very few standout songs. It just sort of melts together. Although, Melt was one of those standout songs, ironically.
I haven't listened to it more than once though...
Other newish things that have been good or bad. The Unfade single from way back in August, which coincidentally is the last time I updated, was pretty boring. A lot of their stuff sounds much too much the same. SEX-ANDROID's new single was good, though unduly long. I really liked the Vistlip though. It showed a lot more polish than their first release. A band to watch, I think. The Studs singles have so far been fantastic, at least the a-sides. The lives are rather awful, but only because Daisuke is a particularly horrible live singer. I suppose you could argue that about him in general though. Similarly, Koda Kumi's Taboo single was mostly for the a-side, which was awesome, but I can't even remember the b-side. The new Lynch single was downright boring at worst and really only so-so at best. Nothing like their last one. They don't always put out strong singles though, so I'm mostly hoping there's an album coming up. Finally, if you don't currently listen to 9mm Parabellum Bullet, what the hell are you waiting for? Their follow-up to last year's Termination was every bit as awesome.
Older things I've been excited about lately...
Lance of Thrill. I'm not sure what to make of them, especially their sometimes shrill vocalist, but Iono, something about the music is pretty compelling. They're closer to metal than a lot of bands in that time period. Tourbillon are not as boring as I thought. Or they are, but it's a GOOD boring. BAISER were awesome. Something like Lareine, Phantasmagoria and Laputa rolled into one.
And that's it for now.
