Nega - Reminiscence

Reminiscence was released a few months after Nega’s third album, Rebirth Under Chaos. For those familiar with this band, expecting the unexpected is the normal state of things.

A beautiful piano melody played by Yuu sets the tone of the title track, which is just over ten minutes long. A simple piano melody and subdued instrumentation ebb and flow through Reminiscence and give it the sense of yearning, which is also conveyed by Jin’s vocals. A slower and lighter tempo provides the perfect foreground for Ray’s subtle bass lines that wholly compliment every aspect of the song. In a composition comprised mostly to highlight a classical instrument, SAN's melancholic guitar solo creeps in and adds to the almost dreamlike feel of this song. Tinkling raindrops of piano and Jin's whispers lead Reminiscence into a slow fade out of strings that leave no trace of the song's length. In a world of instant gratification, some may be turned off by lengthier songs, but a long-drawn melody by a band such as Nega is a thing to be appreciated.

Another eyes of reminiscence catches one off guard with a mid tempo drum solo that is almost startling after Reminiscence's peaceful ending. This song’s subtle rock beat shows off Nega's versatility and range of sound as heavier and faster moments sneak in. However, the second track neither shines nor fades, and doesn't seem to be quite the song one would hope for after the first track.

Dokusoukyoku dainana ban "hi ai" is another piano dominated song. Though not as long as the title track, the sound is more melancholic and filled with sadness than the introduction. Strings swell slightly in the background and add to the mood that seems like the sad part of a fairytale. This song is a well composed, somber ending to a somber single.

Shinkaigyo is the fourth song, and only available on the B Type edition of the Reminiscence singles. Yuu’s drumming introduces the track and leads into Jin’s eerie and ethereal vocals. An aggressive chorus, featuring heavy bass and drums, mixes with Jin’s growling and contrasts with a more refined verse. Drums near the end merge with strings and guitar and pull the single together with a blend of all its elements.

Overall, Reminiscence is a solid release. The combination of instrumentals with slightly slower paced rock songs really shows off the fantastic experimental nature of Nega, but not as best as it could.