-OZ-'s latest release CRUNK was made available in 2 formats.
Regular Edition:
The regular edition contains the cd only.
Tracklist
1. eve.
2. Succubus
3. Holy [CRAP BGM]
4. I killed yesterday’s me
5. Destination
6. Again:st
Limited Edition:
The Limited Edition contains the same cd, but a bonus DVD of 2 PV's.
Tracklist
1. eve.
2. Succubus
3. Holy [CRAP BGM]
4. I killed yesterday’s me
5. Destination
6. Again:st
DVD:
1. Succubus
2. STIGMA
Since there are no extra tracks or bonuses for the regular edition I'd recommend getting the limited edition if you are only going to pick up one copy. The booklet inserts do have different photos within, but otherwise there is no benefit to purchasing the regular edition versus the limited edition.
I purchased both versions which arrived about 1 month ago. I've been listening to them pretty non-stop since then. And my opinion of this release has changed many times. Having followed -OZ- for some time now I already know that I like them and the sound they produce. So I was not worried about 'not liking' this release. But with that familiarity comes the desire to see them improve upon themselves and push that sound further, while not changing it to the point of distancing their fans.
There are 6 tracks on this mini album, though the opening track is a short intro track... actually all the tracks on CRUNK are short, all well under 4 mins. This did lead me to a bit of a 'not quite enough' feeling. But then, mini albums to that to me on the whole as it is.
The first track, eve., is definitely the heaviest piece on this mini album. It's enjoyable, mood setting, and too short as always. I have wondered who came up with these 'intro' tracks in marketing. No matter then band, I always like them, but am always disappointed in how short they are. A permanent teaser. One day I'd like to see these expanded! My personal issues aside, it's a good track.
The second track Succubus is also the PV for this mini album. And my second favorite track for the album. This is -OZ-! This is why I love this band; it's hard, it's fast paced, and I can feel the energy from all of the band members. The PV itself is nothing original - the band is playing, we get all kinds of angles, some teasing couch shots [not that I am complaining ;)], it matches the song with it's energy and well, is typical -OZ-.
It wasn't until I read the cd insert booklet that I realized - OMG this song is mostly in English! Actually, this whole mini album is. It's a little broken, and with their accents it's easy to miss. Without the lyrics I pry wouldn't gather all they were saying. But the song is aptly named.
The third track is Holy [CRAP BGM]. This is where initially I was...not in love with this release. After the intro and Succubus, this song didn't stand out to me at all. Why? I don't know. It just didn't catch me. That feeling of 'generic' ran through my mind. It sounded like -OZ-, the beat moved, the guitar was heavy, Natsuki's vocals were as expected...
Then, the more I listened, the more it grew on me. I noticed a bit more of the song structure, the timing changes, it's general craziness. And it started to make an impression on me.
Track 4 - OMG - THIS is an AMAZING track!! Hands down, my favorite - and currently strongly vying for favorite -OZ- track period. LOVE everything about this track, from the intro, to the changes, to the vocals and the lyrics themselves. This was an instant turn up the volume and rock out. It is the 'slowest' track on CRUNK, but it'll still give you a work out. Natsuki has always had a unique, almost haunting sound to his voice. I feel this paired very well with this song - offset yet balanced by his growls. Replay, replay, replay!!!!
Destination, track 5. This is where I fell off again - initially. But being SO impressed with the previous track, I suppose I set a pretty high standard. But I make no excuse for that. Again, initially this song didn't stand out. I felt it was 'standard', while essentially nothing was 'wrong' with it, it just lacked something to impress me. However, as with Holy, the more I listened the more it grew on me. I also really like the lyrics in this song.
The last track Again:st fell in with tracks 3&5. Nothing wrong with, it's definitely -OZ-, but it lacked that 'something' to reach out and grab me. However, as with the others, the more I listened, the more I liked it.
The DVD contained the PV for Succubus and the PV for STIGMA which we we 'owed' from their previous release. The PV is well, much like all their PV's and I felt a little disappointed - after waiting for it all this time, it was like all the others, the band playing, some nice shots of the members etc etc. And as much as I love looking at the guys, a little variety would have been nice.
So, I have mixed feelings with this release. Overall the tracks are all good, there isn't a song I don't like. However, I do feel that some of the tracks get 'overshadowed' by much stronger tracks on this mini album. Is it worth buying? Yes, for sure!! Even if I hadn't liked the other tracks Succubus and I killed yesterday's me make it a 'must have' purchase. So, check it out and let me know what you think!
Lizz
Available from CD Japan - CLICK HERE!
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