For the last installment of the “color” series (that counts with the previous releases “Black” and “Red“), “White” showcases an inconsistent, shaky SolidS trying their hand in new territory.
Single: WHITE Label: Tsukino-Pro Release date: 30/09/16 Genre: J-Pop/Rock
Tracklist:
1. ライア・クライア(SolidS) 2. 東京LOVEジャンキー(SolidS) 3. ライア・クライア-off vocal- 4. 東京LOVEジャンキー-off vocal- 5. 白いキャンバス (MINI DRAMA) 6. そりらじ特別ミニミニ編(ver.WHITE)[SORIRADIO]
Track by track analysis:
1. ライア・クライア
Mixing the tenderness from the piano melody with simple drumming and a thunderous bassline turned out to make ライア・クライア, a track that, note after note, melody after melody, builds up in tension, leading to a mesmerizing chorus.
For those knowledgeable about Tsukino-Pro‘s units, this track could have been easily from SOARA, falling a bit far away from SolidS‘ trademark pop-rock sound (either too electronic-driven or full out rock).
It’s impossible to not be moved by the delicate chorus – in which even the background vocals fit like a glove to it. Expect a long song (6 minutes long) that won’t feel like it at all.
2. 東京LOVEジャンキー
Funky guitar riffs lead the way in 東京LOVEジャンキー. But changing things around wasn’t the best thing for them this time around. Synths, piano, samples, splashy drums are just some of the elements present in this song.
The problem is that the instrumental sounds too crowded in the chorus, it’s messy and confusing especially if it’s on a first listen. Sadly that impression didn’t change for us as we gave it the benefit of doubt and played it once again.
Yes, it’s nice to have an exciting song from time to time, but this whole arrangement sounds a little bit off and didn’t do justice to the quartet’s vocals at all. An unfortunate track. 3/5
Final considerations
This time around SolidS left a weird aftertaste. What started out to be a perfect release thanks to ライア・クライア (Liar Crier)’s beauty and tenderness in a never-before seen feat by the group tackling such a mellow track, was completely ruined by their attempt at making an overly exciting song to complete the release.
We already gave our two cents about Tokyo LOVE Junky‘s messy arrangement so we won’t dwelve on it any more.
Besides the obvious issue, the vocal performances were satisfactory, especially in Liar Crier, track that put everyone away from their comfort zone, providing us with a beautiful, unexpected performance by all members.
Taking everything into consideration, this release failed to make a big impression, making this group fall behind some of their peers as SOARA and GROWTH.
With a new unit debuting by the end of this month, if SolidS keep the inconsistency going, they’ll be in for a rough trip with the following releases.
“White” is available for purchase at CDJAPAN for all overseas fans.
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