UNCHAIN - Music is the key

Four-piece Kyoto band UNCHAIN formed in 1996, but only hit the major scene in 2008. They blend melodic core, or MEROKOA, with rock and funk to produce their brand of infectious, positive music. Released at the start of 2009, their second album Music is the key is packed full of feel-good tunes.

The extremely peppy Good Morning starts things off. The subtle funk stylings of the rhythmic guitar from vocalist Tanigawa Masanori and guitarist Sato Masafumi create an irresistibly danceable track. The vocal harmonies of the aforementioned band members plus bassist Tani Hiroaki are also delicate and finely-tuned. Their first ever single release, Across The Sky, is a solid piece of rock-pop with a strong 4/4 running beat provided by drummer Yoshida Shogo. It has some swing input also, harking back to 60's era American rock and teeny boppers dancing away in diners. All Sincerity is another track which gives this impression, although it has a more contemporary sound.

Turn Off the Light is one of the more funk and groove inspired songs. It has carefree vocals and a complex bass line bringing to mind the music of British jazz funk band Jamiroquai. A samba rhythm interjection in the last minute shows off their musical prowess and adds a point of interest. The more mellow sounding Fly In The Blue Moonlight has a more soulful vibe. The cute line "I just wanna give you hug and kiss" demonstrates the innocence with which the band writes. Masanori's slightly husky vocals are well-suited to this style of music.

The catchy Brighter Days gives an idea of how the band incorporates MEROKOA into their rock: it is a fast tempo rock-based song with plenty of pop influence, but without the sharper punk side that is found in some examples of the genre; it's instantly likeable. More of the same is present in stillness in the wind, which - unlike its name suggests - is a rapid, guitar-dominated song. Farewell blossom has a chorus filled with more of the band's perfect vocal harmonizing that is so well tuned it could give The Beach Boys a run for their money.

Presenting a slightly different experience is the groovy Tonight's The Night, sung quite appealingly in falsetto throughout while never going over the top. It is followed in kind by Place In The Heart, which gently closes the album with its soft jazz and lounge overtones. Masanori's quiet, higher vocal tones are a calming influence after the speedy rock and pop that preceded.

At ten tracks, Music is the key is a slightly shorter album than most. It is a matter of quality over quantity in this case, however. This album delivers nothing less than the most uplifting and upbeat of tunes, so much so that some may find it a bit overbearing. Those seeking it, though, will be treated to a perfect soundtrack of a lazy summer day, or have the means to replicate it indoors.