Through CHILDREN, the metal rock'n'roll of Awoi has extended its feelers in unexplored directions and the result carries the listener away.
The visual kei band Awoi from Osaka has existed since 2004. In 2010 the drummer left the band, but reinforcements were soon found in the shape of not only a new drummer but also another guitarist, and this quintet has already had three CD releases. Awoi hasn't gotten heavier by gaining more band members, because there was plenty of heaviness in the band already as a quartet. However, an interesting and widened depth has been added to the sound of the music of the band, as is evident in the mini album CHILDREN (type A) which was released in October 2011 in Japan.
CHILDREN is introduced with under a skin, one sound being added to another in an effectfully expectant tempo until the sounds are full on and carry the listener away. The charismatic voice of Otogi growls along in various exciting ways so intensely that one can hardly hear what he is singing even when reading the lyrics, except when his voice suddenly goes falsetto to repeatedly chant "growing under a skin." This introductory track composed by the drummer Ryo sets the tone for Awoi and the listeners of the mini album—impelling, melancholic and heavy metal rock'n'roll!
bastard, composed by the singer, starts off in the same mood as the first track. But all of a sudden, the listener is reminded that Otogi is not only an experimental "growler" but can actually sing in a more normal manner as well, though with a voice that is slightly deeper than most others. This reminder is also marked by the music that changes character from compellingly heavy via impellent melody to softer as the song momentarily halts its energetic flow: "disappear soul..." But almost immediately the invigorating drums are on again, and together with the convincing bass and persuasive guitars the tempo and rhythm are back to the level of death growling and head banging again.
Just when one thinks one had figured out what kind of an album this is, the unexpected RED MUTATION by guitarist Shou comes. It begins in a manner most uncommon for the band, with distinct electro sounds followed by not-so-metal but nonetheless vigorous guitars, melodic bass, dancing drums and a completely new variant of Otogi's unique voice. Initially, those who are used to listening to Awoi might be a bit surprised, but soon enough the listener is sure to be charmed by Shou's and SIN's cosmic guitar work, Ryo's sensuous drums and Saki's pounding bass. The listener gets carried away by this catchy, not-so-heavy electro-influenced rock tune and its attractively swaying rhythm and falsetto-chanting chorus: "I'm red mutation."
The fourth track consists of a ballad by Ryo. Shuuyatou is the longest song of the album, but unfortunately it feels like it never really takes off in spite of its emotional delivery. However, the mostly slow tempo enables the listener to focus on the composer's wide drumming, Saki's deep bass work, Shou's and SIN's high guitar playing and the voluminous singing—in other words, each and every member's part in the entirety.
Fortunately, CHILDREN doesn't end like that, but instead with a completely catchy visual kei metal rock'n'roll spirit. Otogi's closet in my room is at the same time a typical and innovative tune for Awoi. The combination of melancholy and mostly heavy metal rock'n'roll feels like Awoi in every fibre and is one of the reasons the band stands out in a positive and memorable way among other visual kei bands. And in this song Awoi manages to incorporate the effectively catchy elements that signal typical visual kei music, without making it boring or trite. Instead, the closing track of the CD makes one want to listen to CHILDREN again. Was it really like that? As catchy and heavy metal as just perceived? Yes, apparently it was!
Type A of the mini album CHILDREN also includes a DVD with a PV featuring bastard. In this music video, rather depressing, mostly black-and-white scenes flash by, mingling with scenes where one gets to see how the band members look dressed in glossy black suit-like outfits. This is not disclosed on the CD cover by the way, for the front and back are filled with close-up images of Earth's nearest orange red hot brilliant burning star instead of a picture of the members.
Listening to CHILDREN whets the appetite for more of Awoi. This mini album is proof that the band's innovative explorations of the dark metal rock'n'roll outskirts of the visual kei sphere give intensely glowing results, making the listener long for more and more.
