Starting out originally under the name of
GRANDSLAM, the four-member group was formed in 2002 in Fukuoka, a city which they take pride in representing in the music scene. After changing their name to
Buzz72+ in 2004, they were signed to Avex not long after.
Okujou no sora is their first major single, which was released back in 2005.
Opening with a guitar line from
Kenta Matsukuma,
Okujou no sora is a soaring, lighter rock song. It may take a moment or two for
Masaharu Inoue's vocals to grow on the listener until he hits the chorus, carrying one away easily into the catchy melody. The second track,
Aru tsuki no yoru, is fairly close to the spirit of the first without sounding like its exact copy. It doesn't flow quite as well, lacking some of the sing-along feel, but with a tiny bit more polish it could be a great listen.
Bita Orenji opens with some synthesizer tones, surprising the listener who'd started to expect either the guitar or
Takashi Todoroki's drums at the start of the tracks.
Bita Orenji is a slightly slower song than the other two on this single but it is no ballad; the simplistic yet effective music is uplifting, not melancholy.
Masaharu Inoue's vocals work perfectly in this type of tune, alternating between quick verses and memorable choruses as bassist
Norihiko Kitajima keeps the song trucking along.
This single is a great introduction to a band not often heard mentioned, yet, among Western fans of Japanese rock. Lacking frills and unnecessary shrieks or other vocal gimmicks,
Buzz72+'s lighter rock sound should earn them plenty of new listeners.
For more information about
Buzz72+, check out the
official site.
