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Arriving at the cutting edge of contemporary Pop music, singer-songwriter Rina casts an excitable web of diverse musical influences. With dexterity fondly reminiscent of Queen, her execution plays effortless, a graceful genre gallop between Pop Rock, Disco, J-Pop, R&B, Synthpop and even Nu Metal? An obvious favorite of mine, the latter broods its menace on STFU! Unleashing the era's groove through a mammoth, lunging riff, the growling guitars get across their point without need for excessive distortion. Creepy Korn alike melodies linger in the backdrop as the song sways between this aggressive energy and a twinkling dazzle of glossy melodic relief.
Its a keen example as to how Rina hones in on the essence of appeal, each song could merit such discussion as particular eras and genre distinctions meld into an engrossing listen. Other highlights include Comme Des Garvons, a stylish strut of attitude and glamor. Love Me 4 Me revels in the cheese of 80s attempts at bold punchy instrumentation, steering its bright melodies and chirpy nature to an endearing infectiousness. The "fake live" fanfare of Who's Gonna Save U Now? plays a genius touch, elevating this Arena Rock anthem as Rina sails her voice to new heights.
Tokyo Love Hotel woos with soft touches of Synthwave and Vapourwave. A breezy cruiser fit for the cities night lights. I could continue with my praises. Only mid track Bad Friend landed sour. Its spacey, Ethereal Electropop aesthetics feel lost on its own topicality, a "woe is me" self pity anthem. Conjuring the hurt of relationship wounds, its confessions of wrong doing seem a strange fit for its mood. An odd one but aptly fitting of the overall theme, a self oriented set of expressions felt direct with plain, connecting language that rarely feels deeper than its straight forward nature.
A stunning debut, Sawayama plays front to back like a seasoned musician reveling in creative strides. The music is effortless, exploring all curiosities seamlessly, avoiding an "eclectic" label despite clearly fitting that frame. All ideas explored simply click into place. Many of these ideas hail back to the early 00s, the years of my youth. Frank references to MSN messenger amused me greatly, I remember those Windows XP days with distain but the music has always been a consistent source of meaning. Its no surprise this record resonated with me. I haven't put it down for months!
Rating: 9/10