[Single Review] Polysics Shout Aloud/Beat Flash

Polysics has always been all over the place musically. However, there latest release, We Ate the Show, had a more Rock and Roll vibe and less of the spastic energy of previous releases. Polysics takes a step forward by taking a step backwards in there latest release, the double A-side single Shout Aloud/Beat Flash.

The first track, Shout Aloud, starts of with a quick drum fill and a vocoder bit before launching head on to the trademark Hiro vocals, followed shortly by Kayo's course. Also added to the mix is more Vocoder and what could possibly be the first Polysics sing along! The song is solid, but it is not the true gem on the single.

If you have seen the Shout Aloud video, you have no doubt wondered if the piece at the end of the video is the beginning of Beat Flash. Well, it is, and the song is as quirky as they get. The girls of Polysics team up for various sections of the vocals, and this track really feels like it was modeled after the track Peach Pie on the Beach. Once again, the band adds something untested into the song in the form of the backing vocals being pretty much screamed at one point. Weather this passes the test of time is to be seen, however it's my opinion that the band really returned to there older style on this track.

The last track, United, also has an earlier vibe to the track. The focus is no longer on filling every bit of space on the track with noises. Rather, the band lets the composition speak for itself, something they haven't done since there Polysics or Die era. Also the track features a quick drum solo from Yano, which really shows how he is truly the perfect fit for the evolved sound of Polysics.

In closing, fans of the older materiel might want to take note of the new direction the band is taking. Although it is not as predominate on the title track, the following tracks on the single really show a mixture of old and new styles. This is sure to cause excitement in the hearts of fans as they wait for the next output of the Kings of Japanese New Wave.

[Single Review] Megaromania - Apocalypse Single

Megaromania has been one of the few new Visual Kei bands to stick to the old tired and true style, yet continuously release quality materiel. Recently they released the Apocalypse single, which came in two types, each with a unique B-Side. How does the materiel match up to there older releases?

the title track kicks off the single at a blistering pace. Upon first listen, you can't help but think of the late 90s Visual Kei scene. But the band also has the edge in the aspect that they know what works and what doesn't. They don't go overboard with the synths or the over complicated guitar rhythms. The title track is five minutes long, but it seems to be over before you even knew it started, which is the true sign of a good music piece.

KALEIDOSCOPE starts off on a similar foot, and is the shortest track on the single, coming in at four minutes and twenty one seconds. The song has a very chuggy feel to it, with the guitars stopping for only a second, before chugging right back into the flow, but not before going into the melodic course.

The B-side on the B Type is Brilliance butterfly, a ballad if there ever was one. The vocals really take center stage in the song. As a matter of fact, the first minute and a half is strictly vocals. Once the music kicks in, the melody flows along with the vocals, creating a peaceful atmosphere, which really sticks out for a band which is, for the most part an aggressive band.

Chances are, you know if you'll like this already if you've herd any of there previous works in Megaromania or even Metis Gretel to an extent. Being Undercore's new poster boys can draw both positive and negative attention from listeners. But for those who long for the days where Visual Kei was a unique form of music may find solace in what Megaromania is doing. Although they may not be a completely unique band, they write solid songs and should find a spot in Visual Kei fan's CD racks.