My Little Lover - Ri-bon

The step to move from TOY’S FACTORY to avex trax must have been easy for singer akko and her solo project My Little Lover. The first release under avex is the single Ri-bon, and this one was released in two versions. Both editions have the same four songs in common, but only the DVD version features an additional music clip.

From the very beginning, the title track is a casual, catchy mix of acoustic and pop-rock. This ode to life is soft, and soon you’re jiggling your feet to the music. The little bells, the atmospheric choir, the piano and the classic string solo support the lighthearted nature of Ri-bon.

The second track, titled Inspiration, is another feel-good tune, and even the funky, leisurely pace doesn’t affect its soft touch. Looking at the track in total, it seems to be a bit old-fashioned with all the trumpets and the slightly dusty sounding synthesizers, but that doesn't detract from the entire experience too much. Subsequently, you can also listen to the instrumental versions of these two life-affirming songs before the trip into the dream world of My Little Lover finds its end.

Ri-bon is a wonderfully relaxing single. Although the well-balanced compositions of the songs may not be interesting to everyone, it may is probably just right for the older generation.