exist tracevanguard -of the muses-
sequence/monster
MOCD-1901 | ¥1,995 (cd)
japanfiles.com | $5.94 (mp3)
2009
Exist Trace has a unique and identifiable sound; the way the guitars curl around the rhythm; Jyou's singular vocals splashed overtop; the purposeful tempos, never too hasty or only rarely in a hurry; the thickness of it all.
And, all six songs on the disc meet the expectations of coolness that come with an Exist Trace purchase, with the title track, "Vanguard," easily being the strongest.
Orleans no Shoujo" also has a lot going for it, hitting its stride in the chorus. But damitall if I wasn't disappointed overall.
"Requiem" has a diggable chorus line, slow and plaintive, but it doesn't push my buttons in any powerful way. "Rouge" I totally forgot about even before I was finished listening.
"Hana" almost makes it, with it's catchy & quick chorus but I feel like the musical themes weren't fully explored. The overlapping vocal on the very very end was a nice little treat though.
"Lost in Helix" is dirge-like in its plodding, and layered, but goes nowhere. I kinda think I see what they were aiming for with the chords in the chorus but the effect, that clicking-into-place that lets the simple transcend into the special, isn't there.
Exist Trace are: Miko (g), Naoto (b), Jyou (v), Omi (g), & Mally (d).
rating: :\
