Suga Shikao - Phonoscope

After taking over much of Japan, and then the world, with last year's singles, including Manatsu no Yoru no Yume featured in the live-action Death Note movie, Suga Shikao is finally back with his first single release of 2007. Released in two versions, this is a review of the vividly colored regular edition.

Phonoscope itself is a track with an unexpectedly powerful bass line, considering it was composed by a guitarist such as Suga Shikao. The guitar work is light and clean as it bounces perfectly between the bass line to create a fun, funky mood. Suga Shikao doesn't stretch himself much vocally here but he doesn't need to; his voice is perfectly suited to this summertime single, trailing off in a chorus of "lalala".

The second track, Saka no Tochuu ~'07 Spring Version~, is a slower tune and the sort of song that wouldn't sound out of place being played on a back porch as the sun sets and toes tap. Originally released as a b-side nearly ten years ago to the single Story, this remake shines when compared to the original; the sound is richer, fuller, and time has been very kind to Suga Shikao's voice as he has obviously improved since the original. SPEED ~Demo Track~ is an entirely different type of song than either of the two previous; while it still showcases the musician's obvious love for funk and soul music, it also has an unexpected electronic touch. The final track is one off of last year's PARADE album, Hop Step Dive. Oddly, unlike Saka no Tochuu ~'07 Spring Version~, this track isn't remixed at all and doesn't differ from the one found on PARADE. While the song remains certainly a solid, rockish tune with its catchy bass line, its inclusion on the single is a bit baffling though perhaps a nice treat for those who still haven't picked up PARADE.

With four very different tracks, Phonoscope manages to not only touch on the many different facets of Suga Shikao but also not stretch itself so far as to become schizophrenic. That particular 'Suga Shikao-sound', with hints of soul and rock and r&b, runs through and connects each track even as the overall mood varies from upbeat to mellow and back again. Older fans should be delighted by this summer offering while newer listeners will be given just a peek into what this veteran of the music scene is capable of.