Devparade - BACCHIKOI!!!

Devparade is a huge new band on the scene - literally. Each member of the band weighs over one hundred kilograms, which is quite a difference from the usual image of skinny rockers. However, that doesn't mean the band doesn't know how to rock out. Made up of vocalist Handsome Hanzi, MC COYASS, guitarist ugazin, bassist Takapi~ and drummer TAH, the band throws every last piece of themselves into their music. Their latest single, BACCHIKOI!!!, reflects their tenacious spirit well, so it's no surprise it was picked to represent another character known for his tenacity: Naruto, from the anime "Naruto Shippuden."

BACCHIKOI!!! starts with some excited yelling backed up by sharp guitar play. The vocals are very rough; Handsome Hanzi's shouting is woven with COYASS's brittle rapping. The sound isn't entirely pleasing, but it's energetic and would translate well at a concert venue. Snazzy bass and guitar licks punctuate the song to keep it from sounding too repetitive, and towards the end there is an acoustic drums section that really makes you feel like the song is being played live. Blending grunge punk with more traditional rock, BACCHIKOI!!! won't be soothing to the ears, but it certainly is entertaining.

The second track on the single is GODS N' DEATH. Though under a different name, it seems like a continuation of Bacchikoi!!!. COYASS takes a more active role and can be heard more often in the foreground, but the structure and style of GODS N' DEATH are the same as the title track for the first half: it's a lot of shouting and chanting backed by a steady beat and thrumming guitar. The break features ugazin, who gets a chance to show off with a nice solo, and from then on the song has more of a metal feel, which is refreshing. A shout of "thank you!" ends the song and the single, which definitely feels like a mini-live.

The single was released in the U.S. a week prior to its Japanese release and is available through iTunes.

It's a bit disappointing that Devparade didn't offer more aspects of themselves with this single; both songs were rather similar. However, being a new band, they still have time to develop. They'll be worth keeping an eye on, and as big as all the members are, you should have no trouble spotting them!