MUCC - Sora to ito

Smashed in between the rapid succession of releases of single Ageha and album Kyuutai, Sora to ito is a single that could be easy to overlook, just a teaser to keep us satisfied until the album. In fact, there is a lot going on in this release, and it's not all apparent from the title track.

Opening with some haunting digital vocals, Sora to ito picks up when SATOchi's drum enters and Miya's guitar takes off like a rocket. That racing feel is preserved in the chorus, though the most beautiful melodies probably appear in the verses. They have a distinctly Asian air that, mixed with the vocal distorter, produces a really nice effect. Not surprisingly, Miya's guitar solo is phenomenal.

Track two is the song that shows promise for MUCC's future. YUKKE's contrabass introduces the melody that will persist in the background throughout most of Kanaria. Overall jazzy and fast-paced, the track suddenly becomes poignant and moving in the chorus, though its high-tempo keeps things interesting. Tatsuro's falsetto creates an effective contrast to his rough, rebellious singing style elsewhere in the song. We're also treated to a quiet version of the refrain where everything drops out but the vocals and acoustic guitar. The consistent intensity and beauty in this track will make it one of the songs that, despite being a B-side, is representative of the MUCC style and talent they've had since their beginning.

If you purchase the limited edition that comes with the DVD, the B-side track is Kikanetsu. Opening with some rocking guitars that spiral up the scale accompanied by a fast disco beat, the track takes on a reggae flair with the entrance of the verse. A fast-paced, optimistic number that feels like an anime theme, the song offers a unique blend driven by the drums, which alternate between lazy and fast disco. Though it might be a bit much for fans of MUCC's darker sound, Kikanetsu takes a dark turn in the middle for a moody solo from Miya. Not surprisingly, the level of sophistication in the composition will leave you feeling impressed.

With this single MUCC upholds their reputation for solid songs and incredible B-sides. Their expertise with compositions and their continuing evolution are all evident right here, and as usual we're left looking forward to what they'll bring us next.