Kra - dhar•ma

Kra's highly anticipated and first full-length album, dhar•ma combines their upbeat, cheerful sound with a rock edge and jazz influences. A wide range of styles, both melodic and vocal, make this album an interesting collection of songs that has been well worth the wait.

Opening track LOST NUMBER is one of Kra's edgier songs. Yuura's deep bass lines stand out the most, providing great support for Keiyuu's quickly-mouthed vocals. Stinging electric sounds and a sweetly sung break with layered voices makes this song a mix of styles all on its own.

From the single of the same name, artman drives forward with pronounced, scratching guitar rhythms and a bouncy chorus. The instrumentals for this song are simply amazing, providing a feast for the ears and Yuura's bass solo adds even more flavor to this strong track. Rewind opens on a funky instrumental and spreads to partially spoken, partially sung vocals. Mai's guitar skills are showcased in this song, which features a solo and an underlying touch of a smooth, jazzy style. Well blended sounds highlight this song as it fades to a close.

While Keiyuu's voice sounds amazing in immature, the song just doesn't stand out as well as some of the others. Not to say that it is completely lacking, there is something mild and carefree about the track, which may have been the idea all along.

I believe is what Kra is all about. Lighthearted, clear vocals, upbeat drum rhythms courtesy of Yasuno, and a brilliant musical backdrop make this song a top choice on the album. Backing vocals flow along with Keiyuu's and chiming sounds, along with a cool bass solo and gently sung break, round out this feel-good tune. Another song from a previous single, heart balance is a mellow-paced track that holds up well among the largely upbeat songs on the CD. Keiyuu's almost echoing vocals give this song a feeling of yearning while presenting a sweet, emotional side of the band's personality. Characteristic of Kra, heart balance naturally shows a lot of heart.

Dear Little is a jazzy, unique song with body-moving beats and lots of soul. This sound is hugely successful due to Yasuno's and Yuura's strong skills with rhythm. Thrumming bass and gently rolling drum beats keep this track moving at an easy pace, holding the listener's interest with subtle, but equally jazzy guitar playing complete with funky synth effects. An electronic, bass-driven song, En, is a different sound from what Kra fans are probably accustomed to. Clashing drums and heavier guitar riffs make this song a rock-edged surprise after its smoother predecessor.

Aimaiya is pure jazz. Steady, rhythmic bass lines and crisp drumming combined with bouncy vocals, carefully growled at just the right times, give this animated track an optimistic sound with a bit of an edge. A break with sultry piano playing closes the track on a fine note. Sugar-sweet, tsutanai kotoba ends the album with a catchy, classic Kra sound. Mai’s bright guitar melodies keep the song lighthearted and flowing along with Keiyuu's widely ranging vocals. From a shining guitar solo to a softly sung and played break, this track is an enjoyable way to close out the album.

With springy, jazz-influenced rock and their trademark optimism, Kra delivers their first full-length album with the right amount of edge and sensitivity. Rich sounds with an emphasis on warm harmonies make dhar•ma an easy favorite and excellent sample of all the styles Kra can produce.