D - Torikago Goten ~L'Oiseau bleu~

author: Geisha

As the theme for their first release since returning to their indie label, GOD CHILD RECORDS, D have chosen the Blue Bird of Happiness. As is often the case with D, the story has its roots in history; in this case, in European fairy tales.

The blue bird has appeared in various literary works since the 17th century as a symbol for happiness and hope. Going by the lyrics and PV, however, D refer to the stage play by Belgian symbolist Maurice Maeterlinck. In it, the siblings Mytyl und Tytyl go on a search for the mysterious blue bird, which leads them into the forest, the Land of Memory, the Palace of Night, the Garden of Happiness and the Kingdom of the Future, until they recognise him in a caged bird in their own home and realise that happiness was with them all along.

Torikago Goten ~L'Oiseau bleu~ links the blue bird symbolism to Japan’s recovery after the earthquake in March this year. Vocalist ASAGI was moved to write this song by the thank you note from a shop in the heavily damaged city of Sendai, from which he had ordered some goods. How has this been implemented? And how does the single, which the band produced themselves, compare to the lavishly produced music and PVs from their major days?

The title track is a power ballad that begins with a gentle piano melody, but quickly develops into sweeping symphonic metal. At times HIROKI's drumming reaches breakneck speed but, in keeping with the lyrics, the melody remains romantic, mystical and a little melancholy throughout the entire song. One wonders why D don't tackle this genre more often since ASAGI's powerful operatic vocals are perfectly suited to the epic sound. Especially impressive, as always, are the very high notes he manages to hit. The instrumentation holds a few surprises: after HIROKI was given a whole track to showcase his drum skills on the most recent album, the guitar solo here isn't played by Ruiza, but HIDE-ZOU, who rises coolly and competently to the occasion. And in addition to his electric guitar, Ruiza also plays a few chords on a twelve-stringed acoustic guitar, whose warm, organic sound lends extra emotional depth to the song. Overall, Torikago goten ~L’Oiseau bleu~ has the potential to become a new D classic.

Hane wo hitohira, too, boasts classical sounds. The song opens with a light-hearted violin tune, which is cut short by a volley of brutal metal riffs and Tsunehito's heavy bass. Once this brief storm has died down, ASAGI's clear, melodic voice sets in, only accompanied by bass and occasional guitar chords. The guitars don't return to full power until the lively, slightly poppy chorus and in the second round they are joined by strings and Ruiza's twelve-stringed guitar. When after an extensive guitar solo and one last, head banging inducing onslaught of heavy riffing finally silence returns, one almost wants to lean back for a moment and take a deep breath.

Not a chance, however, because with Denshou sareshi sora no monogatari D pack an even harder punch. The song is an almost non-stop head banging fest, dominated by metal riffs and pounding bass. Its approach of setting clear, mystical sounding vocals against aggressive death growls is reminiscent of 7th Rose, but this alternates with a short burst of powerful rock and two surprisingly poppy passages, during which ASAGI delivers wild background screams. Of course the song wouldn't be complete without a guitar solo, before finally coming to a close with ritualistic chanting and one last scream. This track is a prime example for D's ability to take a mix of very different musical styles and fuse them together into a harmonious, usually darkly romantic whole.

Torikago goten ~L’Oiseau bleu~ (Voiceless), finally, is the instrumental version of the title track; originally intended for karaoke, it also makes a great mobile phone ring tone.

Summary: Torikago goten ~L’Oiseau bleu~ is a thoroughly enjoyable release that seamlessly continues the high standard of D's major works. On the one hand, it is extremely well produced, on the other hand the band continues its journey of discovery into the realm of infinite musical possibilities. This is all the more astonishing as the songs were written on the fly while the band was touring at home and abroad. As you'd expect from D, even the artwork complements the blue bird theme down to the last detail. Those who would like to own the imaginative, lavishly produced PV will have to additionally buy the [Type A] version of the single, but this means doing a good deed because part of the proceeds are donated to the Japanese Red Cross. Unfortunately, the CD is only available until August 31st, so one has to pounce quickly. It's a pity - such an uplifting musical message should reach as many people as possible.