ELLEGARDEN - ELEVEN FIRE CRACKERS

Rock band ELLEGARDEN's third American release, ELEVEN FIRE CRACKERS brings fans what they've come to expect and love from the band: indie and slightly punk rock. Released originally in Japan last winter, ELEVEN FIRE CRACKERS was recently released over the summer in America for their many international fans.

The quick, simple opening track leads immediately into the second track on the album, Fire Cracker. The title describes this tune well with its bursts of guitar and Hosomi Takeshi's distinctive vocals. For listeners familiar with Japanese rock, but not yet with ELLEGARDEN, the lyrics may come as something of a surprise, as they're entirely in English, perfectly pronounced and understandable. The alternative-rock feel in Fire Crackers stretches to include the following tracks, Space Sonic and Acropolis.

Winter is a bit different from these opening tunes; still 'alternative' sounding, the punkish undertones are absent here. It's also not quite as sing-along, which helps it stand out on the album when compared to its comrade's catchier choruses. Winter is also a multiple language track, switching smoothly between English and Japanese. Though this prevents every single word from being perfectly understood by most international listeners, the slightly sweet, wistful mood of the song translates beautifully thanks to the melodies and base provided by the band. Its only real weakness is its length; at just over three minutes, it seems to beg to be continued, to draw out the dreamy atmosphere.

Gunpowder Valentine picks up where Acropolis left off and is an upbeat, catchy and rather punkish rock song. The guitar lines and drummer Takahashi Hirotaka are a definite presence in this song, driving it along to its wild finish. Ash and the previously released Salamander follow, the latter being a perfect lead-in to the ninth track, Koukasen. Both tracks aren't quite as punk-influenced as some of the other songs on this album, giving them a fresh feel. Koukasen is the closest thing the listener will find to a ballad on ELEVEN FIRE CRACKERS, but this is thankfully no drawn-out, overly dramatic and sappy offering. Instead, it has an honest, nostalgic feel as Hosomi Takeshi's voice layers over the winding guitar lines.

The final two tracks on the album are Alternative Plans and Marie. Alternative Plans starts off a bit slowly, making one briefly wonder if it will fall into the ballad trap that Koukasen so skillfully avoided, before it quickly picks up, showing off its indie-rock soul. With lyrics speaking of a lost love, it is a song that many listeners will no doubt be able to relate to as they quietly hum or sing along to its catchy chorus. The last track, Marie, kicks in with plenty of drums and a punk rock influence, harkening back to the mood set by the earlier songs on the album. Almost criminally catchy, it brings ELEVEN FIRE CRACKERS back full-circle.

ELEVEN FIRE CRACKERS is a must-listen for those who have a taste for alternative or indie rock; ELLEGARDEN is one of the best known independent bands in Japan for a good reason. These four skilled musicians have created a fun, upbeat album that begs for repeat plays. With an American release, there is no reason for international Japanese rock fans, especially those in the States, to not pick this album up.