All seems to be go for pop artist May'n in 2012. The beginning of March saw her announce her Japanese tour dates for May through October. Right after her special concert at Yokohama Arena on March 20, 2012 came the release of her third full-length solo album HEAT.
HEAT is, as the title suggests, quite a fiery rock-filled offering compared to her last couple of albums which were more pop. The first single off the album and opening theme of anime series "Phi Brain -Kami no Puzzle" sets the tone for the album. A strong mix of fierce rock guitar and contrasting synths, it certainly packs a punch. The synth becomes quite overbearing after a while, but the chorus remains powerful and catchy and is fitting for the anime it represents.
Another song that has been used as a theme is Giant Step, which had May'n teaming up with ex-SURFACE vocalist Shiina Yoshiharu to form the duo Astronauts. Together they recorded the track which is used as the ending theme for the live action series "Kamen Rider Fourze." On HEAT, only the May'n version is included, but the absence of male vocals doesn't detract from it at all. It's Para Para Dance colliding with old school power rock, producing a Frankenstein baby containing such heavy bass lines it shakes your subwoofer. The song is so full of manly burning spirit that it's practically on fire. It's unashamedly over the top and proud. Scarlet Ballet runs along the same lines as Giant Step, so much so that it's surprising they weren't composed by the same person. With its Eurodance beat and theatrical operatic soprano, it's more cheesy dance fun. Not surprisingly it is also used as a theme song, this time as the opening to anime "Hidan no Aria."
There are some lighter pop-rock tracks as well, such as the sunny NUMBER ONE! which is written and arranged by May'n herself and first appeared on the bonus CD with her "1st ARTIST BOOK LIVEALIVE" book. GET TOUGH is a likeable and feisty track similar in sound to a popular earlier work, KIMI SHINITAMOU KOTO NAKARE. HEAT of the moment is equally high-spirited but is a little too heavy on the shrill synthesized strings.
A few slower tracks provide some needed breaks from all the fast rock and synths. Kagami is a classic rock tune built on the piano and some subtly complex electric guitar playing. This quieter rock ballad allows May'n to show more emotion in her strong vocal performance, which most of the other tracks don't give her a chance to do. The piano-only Koi reveals her softer side. While the melody itself is not particularly special, the song is a nice and gentle serenade that is a stark contrast to the rest of the tracks.
The final track, Jewels, definitely ends things on a very different note. Arranged by renown producer and composer Sagisu Shirou, it is a big and sparkling show tune unlike the songs preceding it. The sweeping strings, full backing chorus and magnificent guitar solos are reminiscent of Queen at their elaborate best. May'n is stretched to her limits when the song pushes her to the higher end of her range, but she delivers with true grandeur.
May'n's new, grittier rock chick image has been augmented by HEAT, and she definitely has the attitude and the vocal prowess to pull it off. Luckily the dance and pop haven't been left behind completely, and she's shown that she's able to take on any song given to her with a good deal of verve and flair. The tracks could do with less techno and heavy synths, but HEAT certainly can't be accused of not doling out what it claims on the cover.
Check out the clips of her songs HEAT of the moment and Scarlet Ballet below.
