I'm a simple human being, I like simple things...like...I don't like butter in my sandwiches...I don't like getting 1p, 2p or 5p coins in my change...I don't like the way this current Conservative government's insistence for austerity has weakened the British economy, with more and more people struggling because of cuts parallel to a falling £1 but, I digress...musically I'm the same, y'know I enjoy my rock and metal...but there are currently more sub-genres of music than there are variations of subs at fucking Subway...ranging from easy-core to sludge-metal to bloody Nintendocore...well today, we're going to ignore the VILLAGE PEOPLE as we go east...far east; to Japan...via London, to listen to some J-Rock. J-Rock is a term used mainly for the crossover electronic rock that comes out of Japan and you've likely heard of artists such as DIR EN GREY and VAMPS (JPN), selling out the Nippon Budokan to huge audiences but London based trio ESPRIT D'AIR are channeling these influences right out of the UK on their debut album "Constellations"...need a little Asian persuasion? 行こう！
We open up with the appropriately titled "Ignition" and after a brief power-up, we're subject to some hard-rocking riffs, off-kilter breakdowns and flowing, crazed electronica...it's a tried and tested formula that a lot of bands utilize these days but it's been done well here, very true to form, coupled with Kai's vocals, soaring in Japanese and with an impressive little solo thrown in for good measure, its' a bold start indeed. "Rebirth" follows up and again we're hit with some pummeling riffs and in ways there's a heavy industrial quality to them, leaning more towards artists like FEAR FACTORY...musically it's an angrier track for the most part but the chorus is again, rather dramatic thanks to Kai's vocals, the language an art form in itself but used in harmony with the guitar driven vision of Esprit, it's incredible.
It does have it's lulls mind, "The Hunter", at over 6mins in length and recycled from 2012, does feel a little bit like filler content and "Reminisce", despite it's chirpy synths, it does carry a sense of repetition and in places just comes across as lethargic as oppose to alluring, but when this trio want to go, oh hell do they go..."The Awakening" picks up the pace with a greater sense of urgency and intensity, more up-tempo catchy rock, there's nothing to not enjoy here; another impressive solo, more delicate piano, this would make a good single...but..."Starstorm" would make a GREAT single. Easily the highlight of this record, the EDM / techno qualities coupled with a passionate, bold rhythm, up-beat chorus, pop hooks...it's got everything you could want in a hit, radio-friendly rock song, forget the language barrier this is simply infectious. I'd be surprised if this wasn't snapped up for an anime series...not that I'd watch it but, I can imagine it fitting well...
All things considered, the future looks very promising for these Londoner's...having had a successful Camden Rocks experience this year, despite a three-year hiatus and original singer Yosh departing, they've managed to pull everything back together with a strong DIY ethic that's clearly allowing them to flourish. The Japanese vocals aren't for everyone, it's not something you can casually sing along with but it shouldn't put you off what is essentially a great selection of songs. The album comes out June 30th, I D'air you to ignore these...they are a long way off the Tokyo Dome but they wont be playing The Underworld forever. [7]
We open up with the appropriately titled "Ignition" and after a brief power-up, we're subject to some hard-rocking riffs, off-kilter breakdowns and flowing, crazed electronica...it's a tried and tested formula that a lot of bands utilize these days but it's been done well here, very true to form, coupled with Kai's vocals, soaring in Japanese and with an impressive little solo thrown in for good measure, its' a bold start indeed. "Rebirth" follows up and again we're hit with some pummeling riffs and in ways there's a heavy industrial quality to them, leaning more towards artists like FEAR FACTORY...musically it's an angrier track for the most part but the chorus is again, rather dramatic thanks to Kai's vocals, the language an art form in itself but used in harmony with the guitar driven vision of Esprit, it's incredible.
It does have it's lulls mind, "The Hunter", at over 6mins in length and recycled from 2012, does feel a little bit like filler content and "Reminisce", despite it's chirpy synths, it does carry a sense of repetition and in places just comes across as lethargic as oppose to alluring, but when this trio want to go, oh hell do they go..."The Awakening" picks up the pace with a greater sense of urgency and intensity, more up-tempo catchy rock, there's nothing to not enjoy here; another impressive solo, more delicate piano, this would make a good single...but..."Starstorm" would make a GREAT single. Easily the highlight of this record, the EDM / techno qualities coupled with a passionate, bold rhythm, up-beat chorus, pop hooks...it's got everything you could want in a hit, radio-friendly rock song, forget the language barrier this is simply infectious. I'd be surprised if this wasn't snapped up for an anime series...not that I'd watch it but, I can imagine it fitting well...
All things considered, the future looks very promising for these Londoner's...having had a successful Camden Rocks experience this year, despite a three-year hiatus and original singer Yosh departing, they've managed to pull everything back together with a strong DIY ethic that's clearly allowing them to flourish. The Japanese vocals aren't for everyone, it's not something you can casually sing along with but it shouldn't put you off what is essentially a great selection of songs. The album comes out June 30th, I D'air you to ignore these...they are a long way off the Tokyo Dome but they wont be playing The Underworld forever. [7]
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