Speena - Strange Days

Strange Days was Speena’s first release of 2004, followed by another single and their second album later that year. At that time, drummer Shoko was still a part of the all-girl’s band, and it was she who wrote the title track of the single.

The song starts with Kanako’s vocals right away, accompanied by a harpsichord tinkling in a very baroque way with sharp, quick sounds. Then, a string orchestra, piano and a drum kit join in, giving the song a very intense atmosphere. The song alternates between gentle verses with the tinkling harpsichord and the heavier choruses featuring the strings. The dramatic contrast makes this song incredibly tense, almost strangely so. It is a piece that deserves one’s full attention, and it’s impossible to see it as mere background music.

The second track, Aoi osara kara, is unfortunately easier to forget. Unlike Strange Days, it’s a merry, pop-like song. Kanako’s high-pitched vocals, which were so potent on the first track, are equally high now, but this time it has a childish edge. The backing vocals in particular sound like a choir of cartoon helium voices. Nonetheless, it’s an easy-going, cheerful song that is enjoyable to listen to.

Strange Days brings out two sides of Speena, but unfortunately, these two sides are so far apart that it seems almost impossible to enjoy them equally. Still, it is clear that these girls possess a great talent. It’s a pity that the trio fell apart a year after this single’s release, though vocalist Kanako and guitarist Shiho are continuing to make music together as Yvonne Sisters.