CHEMISTRY - Yakusoku no Basho

CHEMISTRY's first single in nearly a year, Yakusoku no Basho contains four tracks, the final being a "less vocal" version of the title track. After such a long break, fans are no doubt eager to hear what this pop duo has produced for their return.

Starting out with a slow melody with some piano, Yakusoku no Basho sounds at first like a bit of a strange song to pick as a single. This tune however is not content to remain simply as piano and pretty vocals and soon begins to build, eventually adding what sounds like an entire horn section and even a brief touch of triangle. This gives Yakusoku no Basho a somewhat strange vibe as it comes off slightly as a catchy pop song being performed by a talented singing duo, and a high school marching band. While a listener's initial reaction may be somewhat mixed due to that peculiar sound, it is actually quite a fun little tune and unexpectedly catchy. It is strange, granted, but it somehow works. One is almost sad when this sound doesn't continue into the rest of the single.

There's nothing particularly wrong with the second track and as far as being a slow, R&B inspired pop song, it does fine. However, it sounds nearly identical to the scores of songs written in the same vein by artists all over the globe and is as thus rather forgettable. Kaname Kawabata's and Yoshikuni Dochin's vocals are lovely but simply don't hold enough emotion to have perhaps helped this become a more effective song. Luckily, the third track on this single, YOUR WORLD, is something a touch different. With pleasant little touches of acoustic guitar and piano and just a hint of a violin, this is a wonderfully warm and relaxing song that one could be content listening to out on a back porch some summer or fall evening. The vocals push into the higher range from time to time but remain smooth and easy on the ears, and a listener could easily hum or sing along if so inclined.

The final track is simply a "less vocal" version of Yakusoku no Basho. With its overall lack of vocals, the song reminds one even more strongly of a marching band parading down the street. There is some singing in it, but it's only of the back-up vocals, and one will likely be listening more to the horn section and drums than to the soft "Ooo"s and bits of chorus.

Overall, this is an extremely fun little pop music single; although summer has passed, its cheerful tunes can't help but make one think of warmth and sunshine. For those looking for something to make them smile and think of brighter days as winter sets in, CHEMISTRY's Yakusoku no Basho may be just the thing.