Gesshoku hana -MOON FLOWER- is the first album released since Transtic Nerve regrouped as the Underneath. It was released in mid-March during their two month Rockstar Taste of Chaos tour of the United States. Like the tour, this new release signals a promising beginning for the Underneath.
The album takes off with Tsukikage -GEKKOH-, a lighter song with mesmerizing melodies that will carry you along until the pace picks up in the chorus. The song has a number of elements that cast a dark haze over it as well: some angsty vocals from Taka, heavy guitar riffs in the intro and a groaning, wailing guitar bridge.
This is followed by Rensa -CHAIN-, which oozes an ominous dark attitude. The heavier headbanging sections provide a stark contrast to the more mellow chorus. The bridge features beautiful anguished screaming from Taka and a bold rebellious guitar bridge.
Dazai -MARIE- opens moodily with some heavier drums and guitars, but grows tame with the quiet verses which feature some soft piano playing. With the angsty melody and Ryo's baleful bass playing in the chorus, the song's overall coloring is dark. The treat is the emotional progression towards the end as Masaki's drumbeats become more complicated, while Taka's singing becomes more wild and tortured.
The fourth track, Konpeki -DEEP-, breaks up the violent sound of the album. The ballad's intro includes a soft piano and violin, and the rest of the song is similarly emotional, with Taka's falsetto during the verses and and the slow but powerful refrain. With a poignant guitar intro, shifting and complicated drums and an epic, classical-influenced refrain, Rakuyou -FALL- is another powerful track. The wind instruments lend the song a grandiose, orchestral air, and Taka's vocals easily match that large-scale feel.
Track six, Houshoku no buta -FATTY F***ING PIGS- , is (as one might guess from the title) entirely hostile and rebellious. Especially striking are Taka's growled demonic voice and screaming vocals. The chorus calls for jumping and headbanging, and the guitar bridge is wild and defiant. Juutsume -BITE THE BULLET- is another fist pumping song, unique for its more dance-like beat, most noticeable in the catchy, darkly inspiring refrain. The beat changes frequently throughout; sometimes it is slow and heavy, at other times it's fast, light and almost techno-like. Masaki handles the drums with ease and skill either way.
Track eight, Hanami -ALONE TOGETHER-, may be the jewel of the album. It's too fast to be described as a ballad, but it's light and melodious. Tal and Masato compliment each other perfectly throughout, playing their respective guitars in perfect sync. This is one of those songs where the lines are all very different but they merge seamlessly to create a very rich and perfectly harmonic piece.
Wakusei -WOMB IS PLANET- is another must-hear number, impressive for its unusual atmosphere that combines psychedelic rock and folk music played by a traditional South Asian stringed instrument. The refrain's melody is mesmerizing and poignant, and Taka ends the song on a stunning note. Finishing up the album is Inori -PRAYER-, a powerful rock ballad with unpredictable rhythm and an inspiring, soaring chorus.
This album very aptly showcases the incredible talent and creativity of the Underneath's five experienced musicians, and also demonstrates the band's versatility through a range of musical styles. For fans of Transtic Nerve, of melodic, dark rock or for people interested in hearing a promising new band, this album will certainly be a good purchase.
