会田誠の〈群娘図'97〉をジャケに据えた新作は、批評と諧謔が同居する〈少女〉の視点で世を斬る自身の流儀はそのままに、より大衆性へと近付いた快作だ。出自のテクノ・ポップから80sのアイドル歌謡、今様のシティー・ポップに劇的なプログレ、大槻ケンヂを迎えたハード・ロックと多様なアレンジも楽しいが、何よりメロディーが抜群にイイ。〈自撮〉を〈じさつ〉と読ませる鮮烈な言葉遣いと相まって、頭から離れなくて困る!
[English Translation]
URBANGARDE "Utsukushii Kuni" (The sound "Utsu" using the kanji meaning 'depression')
Uniquely appearing on the cover of this latest release is [Gunjyo-zu '97] by Makoto Aida (, the renown 'handle-with-care' painter known for his artistic and sensational 'ero-guro' expressions,) but the album itself proves to be a comfortable piece drawn much closer to common appeal without altering any bit of their distinct style of slashing the society seen from the eyes of a 'girl' where criticism and humour coexist. The wealth of arrangements covering various categories from their original root techno pop, idol pop of the 80s, 'today' kind of city pop to dramatic progressive rock, as well as hard rock that welcomes the support of Japanese rock musician and writer, Kenji Ohtsuki (member of bands, Kinniku Shoujo Tai and Tokusatsu) is delightful in itself, but above anything, it is the melody that stands out distinguishingly. The striking play on words such as daringly reading 自撮 (normally reads jidori and means selfie) as 'jisatsu (meaning suicide)' is another element that makes this album completely unforgettable! Oh dear…
