Vidoll - CLOUD

Visual-kei band Vidoll's second summer release, Cloud, is a sweet song that encourages people to be hopeful in the face of loneliness, and reminds us that even as we sit alone, we never truly are, for there are always others feeling the same way; perhaps even the person next door. While the pensive lyrics may seem depressing on the surface, the main theme really is hope, and reconnecting with others.

CLOUD is a melodic, ballad-like song. A simple, lullaby like guitar riff by Giru wends its way through the song, lending a serene quality to the tune. Overlaid with a heavier riff from Shun, and backed by strong bass and drum lines, this track is musically lovely. While the musicianship is, as always, solid in this song, the music really takes a back seat to vocalist Jui in this tune. During all points in the song, the music is softer than the vocal track, so there is never a point where the vocals are drowned out, even during the heavier parts of the song. In CLOUD, the strongest instrument by far is Jui's voice. The vocalist does not disappoint, and makes the song his own. Ranging between breathy almost whispered lines, to the most forcefully sung line, the vocalist does not miss his chance to shine in this jewel of a tune. The tune ends with Jui and Giru's almost music box like riff coming to a close together.

In sharp contrast with CLOUD, High-rise-buildings is a fast paced, fist-pumpin' song. Though Jui's vocals, Rame's bass, and Tero's drum skill are all present and accounted for in this track, this song really belongs to the guitarists. Shun's amazing guitar skills are well showcased in this song, with a mini-solo about halfway through the tune, and fellow guitarist Giru is right along side, supporting him and adding to the wall of sound that makes up the grinding guitar portion of this amazing track. The addition of some unexpected, almost ethereal backing vocals at the 3/4 mark show this band is not afraid to mix it up and try something new. Though lyrically rather darker than CLOUD, High-rise-buildings exudes energy, and is strong enough that it could have easily stood on its own as a single.

The single comes with a DVD of the PV for Cloud. The PV features vocalist Jui dressed all in white, in a brightly lit, white room, while the rest of the band appears and performs in a picture frame hanging on his wall, perhaps in reference to the "forgotten friends" from the song's lyrics. As the song progresses, Jui joins the band inside the frame, no longer alone. Simple, beautiful, and full of symbolism, the PV makes an excellent treat for fans.

CLOUD and High-rise-buildings, while very different, are both great songs, and well worth a listen. Fans new and old would do well to add this one to their Vidoll collection.