ROACH - scarlet

On November 21st, ROACH released their first maxi-single titled scarlet. Considering the amazing, mostly-heavy sound from their first full-length album, Mind of the Sun, there were some expectations and predictions made on how the music would sound with this new single.

Contradicting those impressions already held by a previous listener, the listener is greeted with a light, sunny tune instead. The single titled track, scarlet, gives one the feeling of running in a field with friends having a good ol' time. Ta-ma♪'s voice is warm and happy and with a catchy melody; this song makes a great opening track.

The following track, Himawari, starts with a strong guitar, but soon continues in the same soft theme as its predecessor. With Ta-ma♪'s melodious voice being the highlight, the two guitars start to play off of each other and creating bell-like sounds from every direction in the speakers. This track is very soothing and easy to relax to.

Finally going back to a heavier rock sound, the third track, Riyuu -kotowari-, begins with strong guitars before it's greeted with Ta-ma♪'s enka-like vocals. Just when the chorus is about to begin, there is a brief hint of techno music, but it quickly fades just before the words of the chorus begin. This track takes the listeners from calm and relaxed to pumped and ready to jump around.

Usually when there are English lyrics in ROACH's songs, Ta-ma♪ likes to growl for his listeners. That is exactly how the fourth and final track, now I know, starts off. Surprisingly after the first verse of English growls, now the listener gets to hear him sing those English lyrics with his natural singing voice. This is a wonderful track that shows how well the drums and guitars can work and play off each other. MISAKI does an amazing drum set in this track, especially when Ta-ma♪ sings normally and isn't growling.

scarlet has a good mix of songs ranging from soft and light to hard and heavy. This is a great first single and much is definitely to be expected from this Okinawan band.