New group Yeti, fronted by Satoshi (aka emiru ex-aicle.), have just performed their first and sold-out one-man show. We take a look at the group's debut mini-album.
Since leaving their previous groups, the members of Yeti have transformed themselves from visual kei to a contemporary indie rock group, all in preparation for debut mini-album, Katei no Jijou. Released on February 20, 2013, Yeti's debut release includes a mixture of sounds, with similarities to Plastic Tree and J-indie groups. Katei no Jijou marks a new point in each member’s careers and will set them on track for a promising future.
door door opens Katei no Jijou rather energetically. Though nasally and with a surprisingly wide range, the voice of Satoshi (previously known as emiru) has matured since he was in aicle. Still, his voice is gentle and ropes the listener in with every word. The guitar and bass line in this song is a world the listener can only hope to bask in endlessly.
ie of course has been the most promoted track. Fans were able to hear about 30 seconds from the teaser (embedded below), but hearing the full track is an entirely different experience. Jarring and sharp best describe the opening seconds and the moments when Satoshi screams “yeeeeaaaaah!” and “itai yo” (it hurts), but otherwise ie is perfect for headbanging.
nagashi carries the most weight and emotion in the mini-album, and it is where yeti’s musical similarities with Plastic Tree seep in. Satoshi’s cooing voice paired with the acoustic guitar just before the chorus sends chills down the spine. It sounds like he’s singing in the same room. If you have restless nights, nagashi will guide to you sleep.
Leading on from nagashi is picasso. The opening seconds are reminiscent of a new age Enya song until a parade of guitar and drums slaps the listener in the face—it’s a bit of a shock! The remainder of picasso is lively: the drum line is lively while an echo of guitar and dreamy synthesizers wail in the background, harmonizing with Satoshi’s voice. Bikkey’s bass line here seems effortless.
A chilled rock number, ten to ten is fun but sounds closer to J-indie. It’s nothing like visual kei at all! At the end of the choruses, though, Satoshi counts “ichi ni san shi ikou” and sounds a little out of place. All in all, ten to ten brings a smile to the face and smartly wraps up the release.
Across Katei no Jijou (literally “household affairs”), the six tracks seem to represent items in a house, starting with the ‘door’ and the ‘house’ itself. The theme moves towards smaller items like a painting (referring to Picasso) and a sink—perhaps in the kitchen—before ending with the time, shown on a clock. For a short time, Yeti open up their doors to let us come inside and mingle in their “affairs”.
Here’s hoping for equal quality releases from Yeti in the near future.
