Sugar - letter

letter is the final single and last release of the now disbanded group Sugar, a band that’s become legendary in their own right in the visual scene. They are known in part for their very distinctive and enjoyable vocals and their eclectic compositions that blend goth, jazz, and rock, as well as mixing pre-80's sensibilities with recent styles.

Tegami ni kaete opens as a lazy guitar-centric jazz ballad, but it builds in intensity as it progresses, alternating between soft and loud. Loki’s singular voice is especially smooth here, complemented perfectly by SIZNA’s acoustic guitar. The contrastingly powerful and loud chorus is introduced by a fierce drum lead in by atsuto. A real treat in the song is the guitar solo, in which SIZNA’s electric guitar takes on the same mournful, haunting sense conveyed by Loki’s vocals.

Track two, Paradise Lost, is a brighter song compared to the title track. A fine example of their aggressive jazz style, it opens with explosive drum play and serious attitude from Shingo’s bass, which maintains a strong and frolicking presence throughout the track. The song evolves into an unpredictable catchy rock number interspersed with moments of daring jazz, and Loki’s vocals are darkly rich and irresistible as always.

In a nutshell, letter encompasses Sugar's strength in creating haunting, powerful rock ballads and exciting jazz-rock blends. Hopes were certainly high for this sentimental release - their last single - and it doesn't disappoint. For fans and newcomers alike, this is a release you'll want to be sure to check out.