alice nine. - White Prayer

alice nine.’s latest single White Prayer was released on June 20th and it seems that after a string of mediocre experimental releases, alice nine. has finally found their sound again. The single incorporates a fashionable reinvention of their old style with an intense passion that had been lacking recently.

The lead track, White Prayer, is a combination of elegance and soaring vocals that’s smooth enough for mainstream listening yet still retaining the edge that long time fans of the band adore. The song opens in a light minor key which contrasts directly with the chorus, and the dual nature of the melody creates an image that perfectly suits the emotions being expressed in the lyrics. With White Prayer, alice nine. has given us something stylistically expansive and beautiful but.

The second track, Stray Cat, may not be the best song on the single, although it is probably the most fun. The sound is nostalgic, reminiscent a bit of the earlier NUMBER SIX, but the energy in the song pushes it to another level. The beat is optimistic and encouraging, which is curious considering the lyrics are about a dead cat. Shou’s vocals, usually so overpowering, match well with the song, and overall Stray Cat is a bouncy song that can put a smile on almost any face. The only damper is the English lyrics, which are barely understandable and slightly distracting at times.

The last song on the single, THE LAST EMPIRE, also has lyrics in English but has none of the problems of Stray Cat. In fact, it’s quite possibly the best song on the single and one of the best released in general since Zekkeishoku. THE LAST EMPIRE is a ripping whirlwind of noise – it opens with furious drumming from Nao and just keeps going from there. Shou’s screaming, which he hasn’t done much of lately, is back and stronger than ever. Being a harder song, one has to wonder if Tora was behind the composition. It sounds like his kind of scene and those of you who like Tora’s music will definitely like this track.

The release of White Prayer coincides with the start of alice nine.’s summer tour, so those of you lucky enough to attend their concerts will get a chance to listen to these songs live – and with alice nine. being such an incredible live band, it’s sure to be an amazing experience.