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maximum10 West
豪放な西の猛者たちがメロディアスに揃い踏み!
昨年11月に惜しまれながら解散したFACTの所属レーベル＝maximum10から、関西を拠点に活動する3バンドが〈maximum10 West〉と銘打って新作を同時にリリース!
まずは、メンバーの脱退／加入を経て新体制で作り上げられたPOP DISASTERのアルバム『Alkaroid』。ポップ・パンクを主軸としつつ、ギターが2本から1本になったことで歌メロがさらに研磨された今作では、初の日本語詞にも挑戦。人間臭いリリックでエモさも増幅した仕上がりだ。
次は電子要素が多めのメタルコアを鳴らすLOSTの新EP『Back & Forth』。シーケンスの割合が減少した本作では、鍵盤などの生楽器を積極的に導入。ロック色を強め、壮大さの際立つアレンジが魅力的だ。
そして最後は、3人組になったwaterweedのEP『Landscapes』。今回はより直情的なサウンドへとシフトし、砂煙を撒き散らすような男臭いメロディック・ハードコアが熱い。重厚な歌メロ／コーラスワークも聴きどころだ。
カラーの異なる3タイトルだが、どれもメロディアスな面が大きく浮上している点が共通項と言えるだろう。
maximum10 West
Valiant veterans of the ‘west’ charge out in melodious harmony!
Though many reluctantly saw the exit of the rock band FACT from the scene with their breakup last November, their label maximum10 is alive and kicking with three bands based in the west making a simultaneous release under the project name, [maximum10 West].
First up is “Alkaroid” by POP DISASTER, created under the new band formation after experiencing some leavings and joinings of members. While the album’s main axis is pop-punk, using one guitar instead of two has polished their melody even further and the band has also tackled Japanese lyrics for the first time. The outcome is raw human lyrics with an increased level of emo.
Next up is the new album “Back & Forth” by LOST, the band known for their metalcore with a generous amount of electronic elements. Usage of sequences was reduced in this album, resulting in the band aggressively introducing live instruments such as the keyboard. The arrangements in a stronger rock taste, highlighting the grandeur of the sounds are quite enticing.
And last but not least, now-the-threesome waterweed’s EP “Landscapes.” Shifting more towards impulsive sounds than ever, the sandstorm-spewing hardcore tone fuming masculinity is hotter than ever. Rich melodies and chorus works are also the highlights of the album.
All three recordings seem to have their own distinct color, but one common denominator may be the fact that all three bands have placed greater value on the melodious aspects of their works this time.
