HYDN Designs

Ikimono Gakari - Kaeritakunatta yo

Another band I found on International Wota. After hearing SAKURA, they're major label debut single, I couldn't stop playing the song over and over. Kiyoe's voice is so soft and soothing during the verses, but during the chorus the true power of her voice comes out and just sends shivers down my spine. I've uploaded a few tracks into my jukebox. I highly recommend it.

They write their own music, which is something I respect a lot. This means admittedly through their long indie period (they've been together since 1999) some of their early songs have been really good, but some of can be a bit bland.

Thoughts on the Kaeritakunatta yo single:
One thing should be noted; when I listen to music, I care more about the composition and the arrangement than the lyrics themselves, which is why I like a lot of progressive rock even when I can't understand what they're saying (especially Mars Volta). With this in mind, I love the piano and the orchestra accompaniment of the song. Kiyoe's vocals abilities aren't exercised in this song except for some short chorus sections which kind of makes it a bit bland in that respect, but the song as a whole is slow and relaxing to listen to.

The coupling track, Nokori Kaze, is the complete opposite in terms of pace as Kaeritakunatta yo. I personally like this song more out of the two. The verses are a bit more exciting and the chorus is catchy, but what really grabs you is, man what a bridge! All you can hear is a low drum beat and soft piano, but the main focus is the just beauty of the Kiyoe's voice.