raika - "hope" (CD EP)

The post-hardcore sound of the 2000s, with its screamo vibe and mid-tempo groove, is quite appealing. The ensemble of sharp guitar riffs and Japanese lyrics is great, but the beats are neither fast nor chaotic, which is really nice! There's also a certain delicacy that distances itself from heavy bass and heaviness, which is one of the elements that makes it distinctly Japanese passion. Musically, the ensemble that conveys the “space” between guitar riffs and beats seems to add further depth to the tracks.

Although there are only three tracks, this work heightens anticipation for a full-length album or live performance. It is recommended for fans of screamo and post-hardcore that have evolved uniquely in Japan, such as xonto and herside. The band's ensemble, including the guitar sound in live performances, is even more solid than the recorded version, and the way it is constructed with a completely different interpretation from bands that rely on distortion and heavy bass was shocking.

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00年代激情感とミッドBPMなグルーヴで展開されるポストハードコアがかなり良い感じ。切のあるギターリフと日本語詞とが合わさるアンサンブルも良いのですがファストさやカオティックではないビートがあるのがとても良い! かつ重低音や重厚感とは距離を置いたある種の細さ、これが日本の激情だよなという要素の一つ。演奏的にもギターリフやビートの"間"を感じさせるアンサンブルが楽曲に更なる深みを与えているようにも思えます。
収録は3曲しかないのですがフルの作品やライブへの期待感が高まる作品。xontoやherside等、日本で独自進化している激情・ポストハードコア好きにお勧めです。ライブでのギターサウンド含めバンドアンサンブルが音源よりもさらにソリッド、ディストーションや重低音で攻めるバンドとは全く異なる解釈で組み立てられていて衝撃でした。

tracklist:
1. closer
2. 花火
3. 満ち足りた