Kra's North American release Twinkle Star BEST 2006-2009 ropes in a little of everything from the group's various sounds.
Maru Music has brought another new album to North America: the compilation Twinkle Star BEST 2006-2009 from acclaimed visual kei band Kra. With their unique sound, Kra is a group that represents why visual kei is still popular with fans these days. This album offers a nice combination of songs mostly from the group's live numbers.
The album opens explosively with Toki no ressha. With melodies that paint another world and its speedy beat, it’s a perfect song to introduce listeners to the very distinctive and one-of-a-kind sound of Kra. The guitar-vocalist dialogue before each chorus is a treat for the ear on this track. Next up is Extra Kingdom, which many fans will know from the PV. This song’s beat and chorus are especially catchy even by Kra’s standards, and the melodies beg to be danced to. Backed by dreamy synths and wind instruments, the whimsical and sentimental mix perfectly in this track.
Heart Balance is the ballad of the album, though the momentum still keeps up with its energetic pace. With an urgent beat and dark guitar from Mai in addition to Keiyuh’s more varied singing style, the following Artman shows a more aggressive, rebellious side of the group. Bassist Yuhra also offers a stylish solo, nonchalant and effortlessly elegant.
Track five, Jounetsu, has a wickedly fun guitar refrain throughout. Yell keeps the energy going with a fast-paced, fun sound and spiraling guitar solo, the momentum broken only by a soft piano-backed segment.The seventh track, Haruiro no hana, is loaded with color and fun, and the synths with the disco-ish beat will bring you right back to the sixties.
Up next is Rekka, a fast aggressive number where Keiyuh throws out some growling vocals. Classic Kra comes in the form of track nine, Marry, with its other-dimension sound, optimistic spirit and energizing beat and melodies. The following Love Lab is bursting with beautiful melodies, particularly in the vocals and guitar.
The album ends with bird, a strong number where Keiyuh’s vocals run all over the scale. Drummer Yasuno keeps a relentless driving pace and Yuhra’s bass throws in some stylish attitude, taking over the spotlight at times.
If you're looking for fun, optimistic rock and an unusual, original sound, Kra's Twinkle star is the album for you. We hope the group continues to keep their overseas fans in mind with more releases like this one.
