 | Album Title: Overdrive Hell 21 -Hizumi Heaven Everyone’s Songs- |
| Record Label: Troubadour Record | |
| Catalog No.: HZMT-0021 | |
| Release Date: April 23, 2016 | |
| Purchase: Buy at Sweep Record |
Overview
overdrive hell 21 – Hizumi Heaven Everyone’s Songs – is the twenty-first iteration in a series of hardcore and experimental electronic EPs featuring Ayako Saso and Shinji Hosoe. While not for everyone, it does feature some interesting music for those fans of this style of electronic music. All of the themes on this album feature track titles inspired by the popular NHK TV and Radio program, Minna no Uta. In addition, this album features returning vocals by DeathmotoDie-s K a.k.a. MMDS. How does this album compare to the previous entries in the ongoing series?
Body
“Lesson.94 Acorn is dead” features heavy beats and bright synths in the accompaniment. The melody itself is pretty decent and the vocals give a heavier sound. During the softer breakdown, an ethereal synth is combined with guttural vocals, making for an interesting combination, but one that is a bit jarring. “Lesson.95 Grandma is a hacker” features a heavier electronic sound that also features guttural vocals. It’s a bit less interesting melodically speaking, but definitely fitting for the series. In addition, there is a calmer section that features spoken word and some distortion effects that give it a bit of a “cyber” sound.
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“Lesson.96 Dona Dona Redshoes” is the most diverse of all the tunes on the album. Featuring electronic distortion, ethnic soundscapes, and a single piano key being played, it’s a bit more intriguing than some of the other tunes on the release. The electronic accompaniment is also quite varied and a bit more uptempo, and I feel that guttural vocals complement the music quite nicely in this instance. “Lesson.97 Rabbit dash turtle neck” starts off on the slower side and has an atmospheric sound before incorporating the heavy electronic beats associated with the EP series. In terms of vocals, it’s a blend of guttural and higher-pitched vocals, with an emphasis on the latter. It’s an intriguing piece. Lastly, “Lesson.98 Hopping grandfather” features heavy beats mixed with rock elements to give an extremely exhilarating sound. The vocals help give it more of a metal edge as well. It’s one of the better pieces on the album.
Summary
In the end, overdrive hell 21: Hizumi Heaven Everyone’s Songs continues where the last one left off, in terms of continuing the addition of vocals; however, mileage may vary, as I feel some of the tunes on this one don’t benefit as much from the vocals as the last album. There are still some interesting tunes to be had, but the end result is just middle of the road.
