Kalafina - Hallelujah

Songstress trio and Kajiura Yuki project Kalafina are no strangers to the anime song collaboration, and they were in fact created for soundtrack purposes. Their latest single is a return to the anime series that they were first created to sing for. Hallelujah is the theme song for the movie "Kara no Kyoukai - Mirai Fukuin" and was released on 2nd October.

Hallelujah is itself, as the title seems to suggest, a positive and hopeful song. As usual the song has been composed, arranged and produced by band creator and renowned composer Kajiura Yuki, and as such bears all of her hallmarks. The grandeur of a string section dominates to provide the back drop to a driving electric bass and rock drums, giving the neo-classical pop sound closely associated with the group. Wakana, Keiko and Hikaru perform the uplifting vocals with their typical control and skill. Keiko's deep, steady alto tones take the reins for the verses and part of the chorus, and she delivers them calmly yet powerfully. The warm and vivacious chorus stands out the most, with bright harmonies from all three with extra choral backing adding to the fullness. The addition of tubular bells, strong keyboard and a ramping up of the rock instruments end the track on a high note.

The second and all too brief track dolce, with its sombre three-part a cappella to begin, comes across as quite monastic. When this is joined by low string chords the voices are given a warmer quality. It's kept straightforward throughout with only string and choral accompaniment, so that the overall impression is that of a delicate piece of chamber choral music. A little simple at first, it grows with subsequent listens. Sadly just as it piques your interest with the development of lavish harmonies, its all over.

The single also includes songs from their 2012 Christams live performance. The regular edition of the single has seventh heaven and snow falling, whilst the limited anime edition has fairytale and Kimi ga hikari ni kaete iku.

This single is joyous and likeable with a chorus that definitely sticks in the mind. Hallelujah appears to be missing something however―it lacks the extra spark of wonder that some of their other singles have had. Despite this it makes a good listen, and there's the hope that the threesome bring some more magic to it during a live performance.