Amazingly, this will be the first time I'll be doing an AKG album review. I guess it's because I'm having a lot of free time now to just listen to music and allow feelings to develop with the songs. Watch out for more reviews, while the holidays are still ongoing :P
"Magic Disk" is Asian Kung-Fu Generation's sixth studio album, and marks the start of a change in direction for the band's music. Consisting of 13 tracks, including 3 singles previously released (Shinseiki no Love Song, Solanin and Maigo Inu to Ame no Beat), the overall feel is definitely a step in a new direction and a more refreshing change from their previous music.
Its quite evident that AKG have grown over the years, progressing from raw, angsty punk rock in their younger days, to melodic guitar driven rock, and finally to a blend of experimental and mellow rock.
While their previous full-length album "World World World" had the Bleach tie-in "After Dark" and the excellent "Aru Machi no Gunjou" single to boost sales and radio-friendliness, "Magic Disk" is more of the band telling the rest of the world "Hey, we're trying something new, why not take a listen?"
Tracklist:
01. Shinseiki no Love Song
02. Magic Disk
03. Soushiyou
04. Sayonara Lost Generation
05. Maigoinu to Ame no Beat
06. Aozora to Kuroi Neko
07. Kakū Seibutsu no Blues
08. Last Dance wa Kanashimi wo Nosete
09. Microphone
10. Rising Sun
11. Yes
12. Daidai
Bonus track
13. Solanin
Notable tracks:
1) Shinseiki no Love Song
The opening drum beats really set the tone for the entire song. Coupled with the guitar volume swells, delay, complicated rhythm and Goto's half-rapping, this is really one of their most creative songs on the album. It progresses to standard-rock fare halfway into the song and really takes you in, as if you were standing on a cliff facing the new century (ala the PV). Goto's lyrics, deep as usual, speak of adversity and uncertainty, and of humanity's ability to face the darkness with love (no matter how cliche it sounds).
2) Magic Disk
The title track of the album and definitely the most radio-friendly of all the tracks. It shouts AKG all over, with guitar riffs meshing wonderfully with each other and Goto's characteristic vocals given a dash of delay. You get the feeling of being trapped on a spinning CD, with the world rotating in a blur around you.
4) Sayonara Lost Generation
An upbeat, pop/rock flavoured track that gives the lead guitarist pretty much freedom to spice up the song. Goto tries his hand at rapping yet again, giving the song a much needed change of pace right down the middle. Nothing special, yet very friendly to the ears.
5) Maigo Inu to Ame no Beat
Infusing a brass band with rock is no mean feat, and they've done it with this track. Amazingly, it blends in well, providing a touch of grandeur to an otherwise straightforward rock song. The lead guitar riffs are spot on as well, matching the big band feel of the song, unobtrusive (except for the solo) and often complementing the brass instruments.
7) Kaku Seibutsu no Blues
Probably the most mellow track of the album, and for once there isn't a single trace of distortion in the song. The clean feel is enhanced by the inclusion of a strings ensemble playing in the background, giving the track a little class as well as proving that classical can mix with rock. The guitar (and strings) riffs during the verses are downright addictive. A nice chill-out song to slow things down a bit.
13) Solanin
You knew this would be on the list right? Its not the most overplayed song on my player for nothing :P Manga and movie tie-in aside, this song brings out the best of AKG. It starts out slow and mellow, before slowly building up to a climax at the end. Emotional and heartfelt, wonderfully blended guitar riffs, beautifully constructed verses and breaks, uncomplicated and simple. Lyrics, even though not written by Goto (by the mangaka of "Solanin" instead), resonate well with the youth of my generation, speaking of regrets, lost opportunities, goodbyes and starting anew. If you've read the manga or watched the movie "Solanin", this song will touch your heart even more so.
The other songs on the album may not be as memorable as these 6 tracks but are equally good. "Microphone" infuses synth, as does "Rising Sun", while "Daidai" gives a nod to their mini-album "Surf Bungaku Kamakura", surfer rock style.
"Magic Disk" will never be able to replicate the success of "Sol-fa", arguably their most popular album no thanks to Full Metal Alchemist, but its definitely one of their more creative, balanced and varied ones musically. A step in the right direction perhaps?
I'll be looking forward to more the next time.
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