Ketsumeishi - Train

Ketsumeishi seem to perfectly create a sound for summer with every single that they release, and this happy trend continues with their latest, Train.

The melody of Train is a synthesized track driving a steady rhythm rather like a chugging train with a higher and breezy synthesized melody layered on top. The monotone half rap/half sung vocals of the verses are perfectly timed blend well with the rhythm of the synthesized melody and equally into the chorus. It is a light summery track with an almost hypnotic underlying melody that makes a great accompaniment to lazy summer days.

Carnival meanwhile is a more upbeat track, as the title suggests, with a samba dance reggae feel and whistles to complete the mood. The melody is again a synthesized dance track with a rather infectious beat and Ketsumeishi again shows their varied skills in a blend of rapping/singing with the varied range of vocalists that ensure the song stays interesting. Carnival makes for an excellent accompaniment to the more laid back Train.

The final track, Korinai Otoko, is a laid back song with a slow reggae beat. The melody takes more of a back seat to the vocals here, with the members again handling their rap parts perfectly. It might be accused of being a little slow but it seems to be aiming for that hypnotic lazy feel, and it succeeds.

Ketsumeishi succeeds in their laidback summer style every time and Train is highly recommended as part of your soundtrack to while away the sunny days.