 | Album Title: nova galeria |
| Record Label: LILT Records | |
| Catalog No. LILT-0020 | |
| Release Date: April 25, 2015 | |
| Purchase: Buy at Sweep Record |
Overview
nova galeria is the latest release from Hiroto Saitoh’s record label. It features original compositions that blend instrumentals and vocaloid compositions; how does this album compare to some of his earlier solo works?
Body
The album opens with “Kaze Tsugi no Uta,” a Hatsune Miku vocaloid piece. It boasts a Latin soundscape, great rhythm, beautiful instrumental harmonies, and a fantastic melody. Saitoh is able to harness the vocaloid into something quite enjoyable. The next tune also features vocaloid, although it is much more minimal in approach compared to the full-fledged vocal tunes. “Dusk and the Landscape of the City” is a jazzier tune with rock influence and excellent synth work.
“Tenjōmukyū” is another vocaloid tune. Taking a soft ballad-like approach, the drum pads, synth, and beautiful strings work really well together to create one of the more endearing pieces on the album. “Fight for ‘Z'” features processed male vocals and is a jazzy, upbeat electronic piece with a great melody. It’s definitely one of the highlights of the album.
“MYSTERiAVISTA” is another vocaloid tune that has a distinct Asian flavor and also features some beautiful woodwind passages and a memorable melody. “Kimi no naka no umi” is a beautiful instrumental ballad featuring ethereal synth, piano, and a stunning atmosphere. It’s another fantastic piece on the album and a great highlight.
My favorite tune on the album is “Girl and a gun.” This vocaloid piece opts for a trance-like dance tune that serves as the backdrop for a great melody and some wonderful jazzy piano. Lastly, “Flower storm” is a tune that has a battle-theme-like vibe to it, reminiscent of something that a Falcom game might feature. The violin-led melody is fantastic, and the equally great percussion rhythm really helps to accentuate the piece.
Summary
Hiroto Saitoh’s latest effort is quite enjoyable. For those who dislike vocaloid music, this might not be as enjoyable a purchase, but for those who do, the variety of the vocaloid pieces, as well as the instrumental pieces, makes for an entertaining listen nonetheless. While not every piece is as successful as others, it still remains a solid release.
