the pillows - Tokyo Bambi

Tokyo Bambi is the newest single of the well-known rock band the pillows. Having released an enormous amount of singles during their career, which will soon reach its 20th year, the count has been lost, but it seems that this is between their 25th and 30th single.

The title track is a typical the pillows song, a fast-paced rock song with a driving feel to it. The drive is mostly created by the deft, quick guitar riffs and the upbeat drumming, and somehow it’s as if this song takes you along for a ride. Sawao Yamanaka’s vocals are a little bland throughout the song, but this is made up for in a lovely way by a horn section that adds some kick to the song.

Next is Go! Go! Jupiter, which bears many resemblances to Tokyo Bambi. What is absent from the song is the horn section, instead there seems to be a little more focus on the guitars and bass, with a great guitar solo in the middle. Though it’s definitely not a bad song and it's so catchy that you might find yourself humming along to it, it seems like a small disappointment to have two such similar songs on one single.

The final track of the single, Across The Metropolis, is different from the other two tracks. Though the song definitely cannot be classified as a ballad or is a slow song, it does have a bit of a ballad-esque feeling to it with its melancholic tone. It’s a great song, and if you found yourself liking their single Scarecrow which was released last year, you’re bound to like this one as well.

With this single, the pillows presents a number of great new songs, continuing with their own carefree and unrestrained rock style that they’re well loved for. Though their style is definitely successful, it seems that with this single all the sharp, raw edges have been removed and more interesting elements have been added to their music. But when compared to their latest album Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!, it seems that things are getting a little subdued and they’re rather taking a step back instead of a step forward.

Nonetheless, the songs are still of great quality and definitely enjoyable for old and new fans alike. It simply presents the good old the pillows style, and maybe they'll pick something more daring for the next release!