Buck-Tick's newest release comes with some blasts from the past.
Buck-Tick's second release from their forthcoming Tenshi no Revolver album, Alice in Wonder Underground is, to quote Alice herself, "Curioser and curioser!"
The limited edition of the single comes packaged in a storybook-like cardboard case. Decorated with card suits and scrolling Victorian artwork, the slipcover leaves the CD visible from the center cut-out. The soft cover photo book that accompanies the CD is a nice surprise. In keeping with the Alice theme, it features pictures of the band interspersed with symbols from the classic Lewis Carroll book, such as playing cards, roses, and even vocalist Sakurai Atsushi with a handkerchief rabbit.
The song itself starts in huge way, with drums that sound almost like kettle drums, and an intro that sounds like you've put the wrong CD in by mistake. The band's 2005 song DIABOLO makes its first appearance in Alice right away, by generously providing the intro timpani. The guitars soon join in and grab the listener, whisking them along for the ride. This song definitely demonstrates why this band has been together for some 20 years. Their ability to play together as a seamless group is immediately evident.
This is an intensely catchy tune with a bright, happy melody. As is often the case with Buck-Tick, the lyrics don't exactly hold the same brightness. Sakurai sings cheerfully of zombies, devils, and a romp in the sheets. Mid way through the song is a musical interlude of sorts, during which guitarist and writer/composer of Alice, Imai Hisashi, begins to sing the lyrics to DIABOLO, bringing in a little of the "devil" mentioned in the song's impossible to forget chorus, "Devil, Angel & Epicurean, let's go!"
With an incredible drum performance, perfectly in sync, rowdy guitars, and a bass line that holds it all together, this song will be with the listener for hours, even after just one listen.
The B-side is, like the previous single, RENDEZVOUS, another self-cover. This time the band chose to re-record tight rope. Originally recorded in 1996 as Tight Rope, this version has more changes than just the lack of capitals in the title. Sporting a more modern feel, tight rope retains its dreamy sound, though certainly in a different form.
Musically, in contrast to Alice, this song is sleepy and quiet. Sakurai's dream like vocals, combined with an airy use of synth, and sighing backing vocals lend the song an ethereal feeling. Sakurai bids the listener "Close your eyes", and one would be well served to take this advice while enjoying this jewel of a song. While long time fans will surely enjoy this update, casual fans may not even recognize it as the same song. This new version is definitely worth a listen.
From hot pink pirates to fairy tale classics, Buck-Tick's newest releases leave fans wondering what on earth could be next, but never leaves them bored. Check out Alice in Wonder Underground for yourself!
