VAMPS - EVANESCENT

With VAMPS heading back on tour, this time visiting North America, it’s time to make sure you’re up to date on their music. The prelude to their first album VAMPS is the single EVANESCENT, which features a song that is classic HYDE and one amazing cover.

The title track is a slow ballad that sets up a nostalgic mood. HYDE’s voice is throaty and raw, as though he were singing while choked up over tears of pain. The slow, wistful verses build up into a chorus that is full of longing. In contrast, K.A.Z.’s guitar playing seems light and muted, though it matches the melancholy atmosphere HYDE projects.

The second track is a cover of David Bowie’s song Life On Mars? K.A.Z.’s wavering guitar playing takes the place of the piano in the original and gives the song a creepier overtone. The beat is picked up by synthesizers, making the song more modern and a little bit faster than Bowie’s version. HYDE does an admirable job as he holds the notes and drags out the cries perfectly, and even his pronunciation isn’t much of a problem: though a little unclear during the verses, the chorus is loud and clear. VAMPS’ cover of Life On Mars? acts as a nice tribute to David Bowie; they manage to update the song and add their own personalities to it without losing its original style.

The limited edition comes with a DVD that features the PV of EVANESCENT and its making of video. The making of video is rather unique, as a music box version of EVANESCENT overlays the entire thing. The music box version puts the song in a whole new dimension, making it dreamy and delicate. The video itself is also fun to watch: HYDE is rather silly, playing with the cameras and making K.A.Z. and the staff laugh with his antics.

EVANESCENT is a nice lead in to VAMPS’ first album. It’s definitely worth checking out before you head out to see VAMPS on tour.