On August 27th, 2016 visual rock band THE MICRO HEAD 4N'S will celebrate their fifth anniversary. The ceremony started with the release of their first mini-album Hoshizora ni kakeru koe on July 6th, which is followed by several in-store events and a tour with the final live show on the day of their anniversary. JaME took a listen to the five tracks that are featured on the limited CD + DVD and regular CD-only editions.
The mini-album starts with the mid-tempo pop-rock number Nocturne, which switches back and forth between balladesque nuances and hopeful pop-rock sounds. Next up is the re-recording of PARASITIC EMOTION, which was first released as a single in 2014. For this new version the band refined the electronic elements; the pace and among other things the scratchings of DJ SHUN were worked in. You're also hearing Nimo perform the dynamic lyrics instead of former member Ricky and, like the 2014 original, Nimo's vocals have been subtly electronically altered. PARASITIC EMOTION is and will always be danceable and carefree.
As the third track, new song MOON & BUTTERFLY, comes out of the speakers it surprises with its strong electronic dance beat, fast pace and catchy lyrics which invite you to dance. The following track Vanilla is also a new song and is the only real ballad on Hoshizora ni kakeru koe. Its leisurely pace, emotional vocals and soft musical setting form a pleasant, unified whole. The final track featured on the CD is a re-recording of Curtain Call from their second album, REVERBERATIONS. Like PARASITIC EMOTION before, Nimo replaces Ricky on the microphone and some small, scarcely perceptible changes to the arrangement were made.
No matter whether you're taking a closer look at the new songs or the new arrangements of the old ones featured on Hoshizora ni kakeru koe, with the exception of Vanilla, all are danceable and should provide lots of fun on stage or within your own four walls. However, with this mini-album THE MICRO HEAD 4N'S show clearly that their musical style is moving further towards electro pop-rock. Whether you can get used to this development or not depends on your preference and every fan of the band should decide for himself or herself.
You can watch the full music video of Nocturne with English subtitles as well as the trailer for the album below:
