実に5年ぶりのフル作だが、力みや気負いはなし。堀込泰行&杉瀬陽子と共作し、3人で歌う“口笛は春の雨”、あがた森魚“つめたく冷やして”の当人を迎えてのカヴァー、センティメンタルなAOR“カメラは嘘をつかない”などなど、洒脱なアレンジを凝らしつつ程良いヌケ感も備えた、日常に寄り添うポップソングが揃っている。仄かにエキゾな味付けも新鮮。気が付いたら何度もリピートしているタイプの佳作です。

 

[English Translation]
HARCO  "Gomasaba To Yuugao To Kushinsai (meaning Spotted Mackerel, Bottled Gourd and Water Morning Glory)"

Almost five years have passed since HARCO released the last full album, but this albums shows that he is neither nervous nor overeager. "Kuchibue wa Haru no Ame (meaning A Whistle is Spring Rain)" is a joint production with Yasuyuki Horigome, the former member of KIRINJI (a brothers'-band-turned avant-rock band) , and Yoko Sugise, a singer-songwriter. The song is sung by all three of them. As the guest for the cover of "Tsumetaku Hiyashite (meaning Chill It Chilly,)" which is known as Japanese version of Elvis' "Don’t be Cruel," HARCO had Morio Agata, an established singer-songwriter and actor who wrote and released this song in 1970s. "Camera wa Uso wo Tsukanai (meaning The Camera Never Lies)" is a sentimental AOR tune. Like these, sophisticatedly and yet naturally arranged pop tunes in the album gently stand by your daily life. Unexpectedly, a bit of an exotic taste is added as well. It's a fine piece that you'd listen to over and over again.