-OZ- - DETOX

As one of the harder-edged visual kei bands, -OZ- has been swiftly rising through the ranks of the visual music scene in the past two years. On the heels of their debut album, the group released one more single, their ninth in less than two years since their previous mini-album, SIX.

DETOX, the title track, begins with the a catchy riff and a slightly more upbeat feel. Then it sinks into a typical dark -OZ- verse, led by Natsuki screaming and growling over the rest of the band. In between the rather heavy verses are melodic, hopeful choruses that bring the song together into a diverse and powerful single.

The first of the two B-sides, Public Speaker, presents a lot more of the heavy, loud and fast side of -OZ-. With plenty of heavy drumming that is prominent in the mix from Zukki, background chanting and pounding on the guitars, the track carries itself very quickly in what feels like a two-minute thrash track to fuel an encore. The song winds down to silence and gives way to the groovy Nerve[Less]. The opening guitar riffs slide over a progressively catchy drum beat, while Natsuki plays with interesting vocal techniques in the exposition. The song plays along a similar format to Public Speaker, but on a slightly slower tempo. It pounds away with a double-bass roll, ending with a bang, rather than fading away.

DETOX is a strong single for -OZ- and will certainly create a strong hype for their upcoming album, VERSUS. Keep your eyes out for the album, which will be released in September.