kannivalism - small world

Released in 2007, small world came at an important time in the kannivalism’s history. Many line-up changes had occurred throughout the life of the band and the vocalist, Ryo, was battling with depression at the time. A year later, he was hospitalized and kannivalism went on indefinite hiatus. If nothing else, the single small world offers some insight to that moment in time.

Haunting piano slithers in the surrounding atmosphere of small world, starting off small as the name suggests. It grows, like the blossoming of a flower, as a snippet of marching band style drums lurk in the background just before a wave of melodic guitar hits like surging waves hitting the coastline. The piano is most memorable, but through most of the song, it is almost forgotten.

The same quiet, almost dead feeling opens the re-recorded version of CRY BABY, but as with any song, it never stays quiet for long. The guitar washes over the vocals and frames them well, like waves in a cyclonic storm. The third track, Home sick, remains melancholy but refined. It relishes the moment of silence in any given day and holds those dear, and you can taste a sliver of loneliness, just for a moment.

In 2009, kannivalism revived from a year long hiatus. Set to release a new single and album later this year, kannivalism is back in the running for more. small world opens a door into a genre that isn’t usually explored in Japanese music. Also, a free sticker is included in the type C version.