Do As Infinity - Gates of Heaven

Do As infinity has been applauded for their pop, rock and ballad styles. The eleven-track album Gates of Heaven offers all of these sounds and more.

Starting off the album are two rock tracks. This rock style compliments Tomiko Van’s unique, slightly edgy vocals, perhaps even more than pop music does. First is the title track Gates of Heaven, an excellent number with a bass full of attitude, a relatively heavy beat at times and very stylish guitar riffs. The incorporation of wind instruments in the chorus changes the feeling, but the cooler-than-thou guitar bridge sets us firmly in rock territory again. Honjitsu wa seiten nari is another fun, edgy rock song. Fast paced and upbeat, the music transmits the encouraging and optimistic message of the lyrics "change the world" and "do the best for you."

The next two tracks can't really be classified as they span various styles. Hiiragi is a light song, but the vocals and wind instruments build in the chorus. The melody is a little sad and wistful with a twinge of hopefulness, expressing uncertainty and the desire to search for strength. Track four, Azayakana hana, is an interesting change of pace with its trumpets, lazy pace and reggae style guitar playing. Tomiko’s easygoing rapping presents another unusual sound for the group. Along with its catchy melody and prominent bass, this Do As Infinity interpretation of reggae is certainly something fans should look forward to hearing.

Maho no kotoba - Would you marry me is an upbeat number that stands out due to the wind instruments that feature prominently in every part of the song, not just the chorus. The vocals in the refrain climb and build with the violins and trumpets, transporting the listener into a dream world.

The sixth track, Buranko, is undoubtedly the jewel of the album. Unusual for a vocalist so suited to rock style music, Tomiko is also a very talented balladeer, and with the addition of the flute and a melody that has a more traditional Asian sound, the resulting song is gorgeous. Even the softly strummed guitar in the chorus and the light bass seem to lend a sympathetic ear to the vocals' nostalgic expression of the uncertainties and disillusionment of youth.

D/N/A is an upbeat number that contrasts a laid back feeling in the verses with a very busy chorus. It includes some light piano, a catchy guitar line and complex vocals. Overall, it's a very pleasant pop number with classic Do As Infinity style.

The next two tracks are full of surprises. Weeds is a pleasant pop ballad with an unpredictable sort of chorus and bridge, which make it one of the most interesting songs on the album. Transmitting an optimistic mood laced with nostalgia, Field of Dream is catchy and cheerful, with vocals that soar into falsetto. Listeners should look forward to the bridge, which features a subtle light organ solo and an impressive guitar riff that gets progressively more playful.

Kagaku no yoru is a nice change of pace with its darkly disturbing lyrics and unusual electronic, synthesized sounds. Unfortunately, these disappear for the chorus, leaving us to wonder if the more emotionally charged refrain might have sounded even better in the electronic frame of the verses.

Finishing off the album is the incredibly sparkly and cheery Thanksgiving Day. A catchy pop number that will, at the very least, have you tapping your foot, its chorus is especially full of energy, and Tomiko’s voice soars beautifully above the bouncy beat.

For those unfamiliar with Do As Infinity, this album includes a number of songs that will introduce you to their very distinct style and sound, as well as some more atypical, surprising numbers. For that same reason, it will make a nice addition to the collection of longtime fans as well.