Janne da Arc - ueta taiyô

ueta taiyô was one of three singles released by rock band Janne Da Arc in 2003. With the members currently exploring solo side projects, ueta taiyô is a fine example of what the five of them can create when together.

The title track's name, meaning "hungry sun", is perfectly suited for this song and single. The instrumental opening has something of a Latin quality until one hears You's electric guitar, hinting at his progressive rock influences throughout song. Kiyo's keyboards play an important role in the song while Ka-yu's bass and Shuji's drums are powerfull as always. When Yasu's delicate voice joins the tune it becomes slower and we hear another acoustic guitar, going back to that earlier Latin feeling. The chorus is very catchy and melodic and extremely pleasant on the ears; Yasu's vocals are some of the purest in the Japanese rock scene.

The screams that one hears when Medical Body begins immediately puts the listener in touch with the crazy spirit of this song. With a catchy melody matched by a strange rhythm, the listener is also treated to a number of wind instruments during the song, perhaps produced by Kiyo on his keyboards. With the guitars lacking any distortion, the bass features that trick instead, lending to the mad feeling of the track.

The highlight of this single is definitely the title track, ueta taiyô. However Medical Body is another great, fun song and well-suited as a b-side. This would be an excellent choice for someone still unfamiliar with Janne Da Arc, one of the biggest rock bands in Japan, to pick up.