LM.C - PUNKY ❤ HEART

Made up of maya, previously a guitarist in miyavi’s support band Ishihara Gundan, and Aiji, guitarist of the disbanded PIERROT, LM.C refers to their style as ‘New Century Electrock,’ that is, a hybrid of rock and electronic pop. Some of their earlier songs have been used as anime themes, and tracks on PUNKY ❤ HEART certainly wouldn’t be out of place in an anime either. As LM.C’s ninth single since their debut in 2006, PUNKY ❤ HEART further cements their unique style in the industry and shows everyone just what LM.C is all about.

The title track PUNKY ❤ HEART begins with swift guitar strumming that’s both energetic and fun. Inadvertently, the opening sounds rather similar to the introduction of miyavi’s song Jibun Kakumei. maya’s vocals resonate smoothly and is more mature here than on previous singles. With the drums always driving the song forward, the tempo is upbeat and snappy.

Somewhat unfortunate is the fact that maya’s vocals stay pretty much constant throughout the song dynamics and expression-wise and so you don’t ever feel like a climax is reached in the song; this is such a shame because maya’s voice is normally very charismatic. Rather regrettably, this song is below the standard that LM.Chas previously set.

Whilst PUNKY ❤ HEART brings punch and vibrancy, DAYS delivers more passion. DAYS, used as the opening theme for the Nintendo DS game "Katekyo Hitman REBORN! DS Fate of Heat II - Unmei no Futari,” is slower, with a wall of guitar riffs and wails of ‘whoa’s in the bridge behind maya’s singing. The use of strings provides more sentiment to the song, and Aiji’s guitar solo is pretty spectacular. The drums on this track are hard hitting and vigorous.

Although this may not be as good as previous singles, PUNKY ❤ HEART contains commendable songs that will give you a taster of what LM.C’s music is like. For those who already love LM.C, PUNKY ❤ HEART is certainly a respectable single to add to the collection.