12012 - Over...

Over... is the final single to be released by 12012 in 2006 and their final before their 'graduation' planned in February of 2007. Considering that, the title is extremely fitting.

The title track, Over..., is a beautiful, slow song showcasing plenty of gentle guitar chords, both acoustic and electric. Much of the emphasis of this song is left on the guitar players, Sakai and Suga, who do an excellent job of creating the mood and layering beneath Miyawaki's vocals which carry a nostalgic, wistful feel. One line of electric guitar in particular seems to almost drift through much this song in a dreamy, wandering sort of manner although it never gets to the point of becoming distracting to the listener. Clocking in at just over six minutes, Over... climaxes roughly a minute and a half before its end with a moment of drumming and then a sudden swell of the music which continues until the song trails off at the end. It's rather fitting, considering the title of this tune and leaves the listener lulled into a somewhat dreamy, introspective state.

The b-side, Page will wake those lulled into a false sense of calm right back up. Miyawaki very nearly croons in this tune and while the chorus is more a shout than really singing, it's a far, far cry from the screaming or shrieks heard in previous 12012 songs. Enya's bass playing, somewhat lost in the sea of guitar in the title track, returns with a vengeance and while ears may initially be paying more attention the guitar riffs on the first listen through, it's the bass that drives this heavier song and gives it a somewhat dark undercurrent despite the catchy chorus and guitar work.

12012's sound continues to evolve with this single; while they're controlling the chaos that marked so many of their earlier works, they've managed to not change their music completely. Over.... is somewhat reminiscent of shower, only perhaps more nostalgic than heart-wrenching, and Page's fantastic bass line keeps the band grounded even with the chorus. For those fans that miss Miyawaki's howls and insanity, this single will disappoint. However, for those who've enjoyed listening to 12012 stretch themselves and their music, they should look to Over... as just the beginning of even bigger and better things.