AAA - REMIX ATTACK

AAA's remix album features work done by well-known artists such as h-wonder, Ken Kawai and Face 2 fAKE. The result is a mostly high-tempo and impressive CD that’s full of great rhythm and varied sounds.

Immediately, with the stylish and exciting first song BLOOD on FIRE, which was remixed by Miki Watanabe, you get an impression of the things that are waiting for you. The following track has an addictive touch because of its catchy beat, even though the track needs a while to come into play. The “83key Jump over Remix” of Welcome to This World sounds very lively as well.

A change in pace and mood comes with Taiyou: here, you’re treated to Caribbean influenced sounds that are almost boring because of the slow rhythm. Kirei na sora isn’t fast either, but it leaves a confusing impression because of its inconsistent rapping and the bright synthesizers. The pace increases steeply with Saikyou Babe, and the songs from here on get more interesting. For example, Get or Lose - which features the girls singing most of the song this time - rises in esteem because of its fascinating composition.

Lively and vigorously, the remixes continue until VIRGIN F. The song sounds badly mauled; the vocals are hardly audible through the strong droning techno beats, and what used to be a mysterious track becomes mediocre at best. The only good thing is that the mood is happy and light again afterwards. The “Dub’s Youth is recalled Remix” of Bokura no te impresses with its very nice repeating melody which reminds of the main theme of the movie “Explorers.” The last song, Hallelujah, is full of strong, fast and driving techno beats. Listening to the mix, it feels like you're experiencing a musical thriller, even if the lyrics aren’t very serious.

AAA is a group that produces contemporary songs. The tracks here were clearly made for dance clubs, so more young people will likely be attracted to the album. Though REMIX ATTACK may not appeal to everyone, fans of the genre will find something to enjoy, and a few songs - BLOOD on FIRE, Get or Lose, Chikyuu ni dakarete and Bokura no te - may prove to be gems to all.