Daishi Kajinaga - God Japanese Monster

Daishi's first album and first release since the parting of Psycho le Cemu is a delightful mix of styles and the perfect way to re-launch his career.

The opening track, ANOTHER FILE, is indeed a great intro for this album. Daishi's vocals are better than ever and the rapidly plucked guitar chords and pulsing bass balance well with both the gentle and the rough vocals.

The four tracks from Daishi's first solo single are nice inclusions on this release. I LOVE YOU brings strong guitar riffs and a throbbing bass line behind quickly sung verses and a catchy, sweet chorus. The almost growled vocals and fast paced drumming of Maria are mediocre, not spectacular, and Zoku Ginrou, while boasting skillful guitar work, is just another good, quick listen. Jitsuroku Shonen Hanzai Kikagaku, however, is an exception. The stunning instrumental opening and spoken lyrics lend a dark sound to this track. With a combination of rough, smooth, soaring, and filtered vocals, this song is a favorite.

The album's title track, GOD JAPANESE MONSTER, opens with a fantastic guitar piece that carries throughout, though the rough, repetitive chorus is a bit annoying despite showing off a different side to Daishi's voice. Gypsy & Honey Boy is well balanced with killer guitar riffs and heavy drumbeats, but isn't brag-worthy. Similarly, the bass driven Lullaby makes the listeners want to dance or tap their feet. However, the vocals fail to impress, making the song just another fair listen.

Jazzy guitar riffs, tapping drums, and a throbbing bass line comprise Strawberry Talk Show. Daishi's voice is well-suited to the track's finger-snapping style. The addition of an occasional horn makes this song all the more enjoyable, a favorite of the release. Bad Music Be Ambitious, laden with heavy drums and standout guitar work, shows off Daishi's bad boy side. With its chanted chorus, this song is fun from start to finish. The listener might even get some head banging in for this one.

The album version of MARIA offers more imploring, seductively sung lyrics with whispered backing. Commanding the listener's attention, the gentle force in Daishi's voice, combined with screaming guitar work, creates a subtly sexy mood. Meanwhile, the quick paced SAMURAI JAP has a bit of Daishi's Psycho le Cemu roots lingering within it. Although hurried and not the best song on the album, it is an interesting listen.

Sorrowfully strummed acoustic guitar and gentle vocals in Ai naki uta bring the listeners down from the wild ride they've just been on. Daishi's heartfelt vocals are lovely, heart-wrenching, and a beautiful way to close out the release.

Despite being a series of ups and downs, Daishi's first album should be viewed as a success. It is a unique combination of styles that all fit together to create Daishi's signature sound. Selling out during the pre-sale, this release proves that Daishi is definitely an artist on the rise.