Lolita23 - [Marble_Shaking_Ward]

The typically oshare kei group Lolita23 has come back onto the scene with their latest album release, [Marble_Shaking_Ward]. Vocalist Sou has gone through a slight appearance change, much to the surprise of their fans; however, even this cannot detract from the talent of the quintet. With the powerful indication of “shaking” in the title, is it possible that this album can move and “shake” fans?

The opener for the album is strong and proves to previous fans that Lolita23 is making a slight change with their revived sound. Dolls begins the album with a mixture of happy tunes that have a rock base, greatly playing to the band’s strengths. The vocals and accompanying music are as strong as ever. Following this song is the raw sounding 3/4, an emotional, versatile song. It focuses more on the rock essence of the band. Sou’s speaking changes in this song, giving it a different feel from the previous song and making an impact on the listener.

Vanish~ kaichuu sunadokei ~ is the third song, and it adds another twist to the band’s sound. The beginning shows hints of electronica, and the beat is rhythmic and makes you want to move. Primal Scream comes next and makes you want to bounce to the beat - it could be called a party song because the feeling of excitement seems to flood through and take over. The song slips smoothly into Hoshi no Kakera, a song welcome inclusion; it sounds just as good as the single it was released as. Ryuto and Yu≠ki show off their guitar skills here and really shine. The song really fits into the album, even as it continues to unfold.

Heading into Pheromone Cherry, the introduction sets the scene for a club with its synthesized and techno sounds. It definitely deviates from the other songs on the album. However, because of its difference - and at the same time because of its moving beats - it carves out a niche on the album. Hikari ga terasu kaidan wo is an easy transition from Pheromone Cherry and introduces something soft and spacey - spacey in the way it disconnects to the listener in an unspeakably pleasant way. The guitar, drums and bass all work together in a silky harmony that wind around each other, moving the listener. BAN really shows himself in this song as well, providing a beat that the listener can move to while safely bobbing with closed eyes to the song.

Ceramic★Star is another easy transition with its flawless flow from the previous song. The beginning changes into the happier rock sound that has so genuinely defined as Lolita23 in the past. Sou has a way with his voice that just touches the heart without feeling overdone. He and the others sweep up the listeners' emotions with such fluidity that there is no need to strain. It is yet another song that the listener can get lost in. Strawberry Candy is a soft ballad that has moving yet bittersweet tendencies; however, with this song comes another moment to appreciate Lolita23’s step toward versatility. The song is very slow, making it almost impossible to resist swaying to its beat. Sou’s voice is gorgeously smooth, and the guitars mingle together nicely. Not to be overshadowed, Ryosuke creates a very mellow background with his bass, playing a nearly dreamlike tone.

The next song is another one that was previously released as a single; garizm adds to the impressive résumé that is [Marble_Shaking_Ward]. The funky intro and sound add power to Sou’s vocals, which are harsher. Wrapping up the album is My Territory. The song has strong melodies that do not repel the listener, but rather continue to draw one in. The evidence of change, if not present before, is clearer on this song than any other. My Territory is a powerful closer because it mixes Lolita23’s former sound with all the things they are now capable of as a band and as individuals. My Territory has a versatile sound while utilizing many of the production methods used for some of the other songs, but there is something so complete about the song that it seems perfct to have it as the final song.

Overall, the album shows the band going in a different direction. However, the sound is anything but unpleasant. Lolita23 seems to have planted their feet on the ground and made their mark with this interesting and touching album. [Marble_Shaking_Ward] shows that the band means to continue impressing their fans, and it is evidence that the best times are yet to come.