Just a shuffle of songs. Mostly lesser-known artists, although I didn't really intend for that to happen.
- Haruhi
안보이나요 - Holladang
Korean | Pop/Hip-Hop
I can't say I know much about this mixed group, except that it seems to be composed of one female singer and two male rappers. The acoustic guitar in the arrangement is a pleasant surprise, but other than that the song seems a bit lacklustre. It's a little slow in tempo, and aims for a dramatic sound that it can't quite find. However, vocally their singer is quite good. Their rappers aren't bad either. If you're a fan of hip-hop influenced music, try them out.
Du Bai (Monologue) - Renee Chan
Mandarin | Ballad
The simplicity of this piano ballad really caught my attention. Renee Chan's high, clear voice is light and airy, and although I wouldn't describe her as having a lot of power, her voice isn't weak, either. Strings are added later in the song. Upon first listen, it seemed a bit bland to me, but the song and especially the chorus is starting to grow on me.
Hello Hollow - Ibadi
Korean | Folk rock
Ibadi is mostly known for its main vocalist, who is Clazziquai's Horan. A really nice, mellow song with lots of acoustic guitar and some really nice, subtle piano melodies as well. Horan's smooth, rich voice is gorgeous as usual.
帰りたくなったよ (kaeritakunatta yo) - Ikimono Gakari
Japanese | Pop-rock
I love this band, although their latest releases have started to disappoint me. A fairly typical representation of their songs: a pretty mid-tempo ballad with a minimal acoustic guitar/piano/backbeat accompaniment. Strings are incorporated as the song builds.
It's Alright - Min Kyung Hoon
Korean | Rock/Ballad
Some of you may recognize him as the vocalist for the rock band Buzz. I love the guitar in this song, and Kyung Hoon's voice has a lot of texture and depth.
Labels: Holladang, Ibadi, Ikimono Gakari, Min Kyung Hoon, Renee Chan
Just a quick head's up, my next rotation will probably be a few days late. I haven't been doing much with the site lately simply because I've been so busy with school. I've also been accepted as a reviewer at the LJ community music envy, if anyone's a member there - my username is deadsymphony. Anyways, this is just a small update. Four songs chosen completely at random:
Lie - Instant Romantic Floor
Korean | Electronica
I really like these guys. Ambient synths, a great percussion, softly sung verses interspersed with rapping.
perfect blue - Jazzin' Park feat. Atsumi
Japanese | Nu Jazz
I believe this song was actually for an anime, but it stays true to their original style. Light, feminine vocals set against a jazzy, distant piano accompaniment and a busy, pulsing percussion. A sweet, genuine, simple song.
The Day After - Ibadi
Korean | Folk Pop/Acoustic Pop
A beautiful atmospheric song that has an air of mystery and revelation. I love the soft, warm accompaniment and Horan's (from Clazziquai's) full, thick voice.
Order Made - RADWIMPS
Japanese | Rock
A soft, fairly typical rock track that consists mostly of conversational singing. There's one verse I really love, when the accompaniment kind of fades away and transitions, but other than that it doesn't really lead anywhere or build much. The guitar gets repetitive and tedious after a while. It's pretty, but not a song I would revisit. Although a lot of people really like them, so maybe it's just me.
Labels: Ibadi, Instant Romantic Floor, Jazzin' Blue, RADWIMPS
