ASIAN2 - VERONICA

The five men of ASIAN2 look a bit harsh on the cover of their second album VERONICA, but this impression is a mistake. The 13 tracks of the 2008 album are varied and entertaining. Furthermore, the track list also features the two singles Country Road and happy.

The opening song, Doo wop, swings with partly choppy guitar chords and a bombastic bass accompanying the soft rap. This blend of melodic melodies makes for an entertaining piece of music. With the title song VERONICA, you get the constant changing of both MCs TATSU and TWENTY"20" very clearly. The track is also a very catchy tune due to its chords, which invoke a nostalgic charm and a good groove. The subsequent song, a love song, has a nostalgic touch as well, a feeling that is conveyed through trumpets, acoustic guitars and percussion. However, on this track everything is mixed up with mid-tempo rapping.

Carrying on the romance is the hit Country Road. You can't deny the dramatic tune of this hope-inspired ballad because it is accompanied by strings, a strong bass, brass instruments and a piano. The next track, Mr.Marduk, develops into a casual party song with a catchy, bright refrain and lively varied rapping. For secret, the band received vocal support from female singer SAY, who sings some of the lyrics and the chorus. The result is a smoky, leisurely-paced piece of music with bar character. Kono mama reminds less of rock or hip-hop but more of the polyphonic sensitive R&B chorus vocals of COLOR. But through the soft rapping and the wonderful piano solo, the track has its own charm.

Next up is a swinging, entertaining instrumental song in which SHOJI's playful flute and bass pair up with the guitar play of KENSUKE. The swing remains in the subsequent song as well. Lion to Venus can be best described as a rousing party tune with Latin elements. On the other hand, Never Know has funky, gangster-like melodies; additionally a strong bass, dynamic guitars and a stylish solo give it an almost despaired, yearning refrain. With happy, some more casual beats provide the song with a calming atmosphere. Along with the scrutinizing lyrics, you get a real feeling of being on vacation.

ASIAN2 then changes it up a bit with AFRICA, a song that shows they can write not only critical, but provocative lyrics. Carrying the strong message about AIDS victims in Africa who needs vaccinations more urgently than money, the track makes you to think. The last track brings on some other thoughts; it is a bright, relaxing and courage-boosting song titled destiny. During the bridge of the song, DJ NAO has a fling on the turntables.

The blend of rock and hip-hop is convincingly good. Even the people who usually dislike hip-hop will find some gems here. The musical style of ASIAN2 is very colourful and varied. There are some really wonderful songs featured on VERONICA.