REVIEW: L’Arc~en~Ciel - Daybreak’s Bell
Once upon a time, the venerable L’Arc~en~Ciel was my absolute favorite band from Japan. But a few hiatuses and solo breaks later, I have rather lost track of them in favor of bands slightly more active. However, 2007 has been a busy one for Tetsu and the guys, with three singles already released, one more to go, followed by an album. Not to mention a tour earlier this year spanning Asia, and an upcoming one when the album is released.
This is their third single, and also the featured opening for the new Gundam series. Is L’Arc~en~Ciel back? Or is this more watered-down rock serving as filler before the next solo series?
L’Arc~en~Ciel
Daybreak’s Bell
Genre: rock, pop, alternative
Release Date: 10.10.2007
Price: ¥1,020
Released By: Ki/Oon Sony
Tracks: 4
01.Daybreak’s Bell
02.Natsu No Yuutsu [Sea In Blood 2007]
03.Daybreak`s Bell (Hydeless Version)
04.Natsu No Yuutsu[Sea In Blood 2007] (Tetsu P`unkless Version)
Daybreak’s Bell starts with Ken’s guitar mingling with a
bell, which continues mournfully for a few seconds before the strings,
drums and bass kick in. Part of what screamed “throwback” to me is the
fact that Tetsu’s bass (a five-string now, by the way) carries this
song with a very prominent line. Yuki’s drumming is also very active,
holding up somewhat of an offbeat, since Tetsu has the main rhythm
line. He used to do this all the time with Sakura, the difference is
that Yuki’s drumming is a little stronger and stands out more.
Hyde’s vocals are mostly smooth, with a particularly striking falsetto
for the main chorus. His breathing is a little too obvious in places,
however.
The solo and bridge are rather combined towards the end, and an unexpected drum breakdown brings up the last chorus.
The next track is the part I always dread: the P’UNK. Natsu No Yuutsu [Sea In Blood 2007].
It starts out with a little guitar and harpsichord before launching
into a buzz-saw guitar riff and someone screaming. Ken’s drumming is
pretty standard speed-metal issue with some poorly-timed cymbal
splashes. Tetsu’s vocals aren’t terrible, and in fact, stronger than
usual. But it does sound like he’s trying too hard for that growly tone.
Hyde’s guitar riff was interesting the first minute or so, but it
actually repeats about three chords for the ENTIRE four minutes. I can
never hear Yuki’s bass in these songs, and this one is no exception.
The structure is almost comical in its predictability, including the noisy breakdown at the end.
L’Arc~en~Ciel at their best, are a genius band, no doubt about it. The title track is gorgeous and worth repeating (and I have on several occasions), however, as a long-time fan, I do not understand this recent P’UNK phenomenon. They essentially pick some of the best songs out of their discography and proceed to ruin them with amateur playing and structure. Perhaps it IS supposed to be a joke, but I have to admit, I don’t find it very funny.
Each single this year has definitely gotten better, and fortunately for my ears, the P’UNK b-side was at least slightly more listenable than past offerings. ★★★☆☆
Key:
★★★★★ = Excellent, flawless, perfecto
★★★★☆ = Very good, has some minor flaws
★★★☆☆ = Good, maybe a few boring moments, but overall enjoyable
★★☆☆☆ = Fair, bad outweighs the good
★☆☆☆☆ = Poor, possibly offensive to your ears
(originally published Oct 19th, 2007)
