Kurayami Monogatari

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NCT WISH – WISHLIST January 24, 2026

Filed under: NCT — solarblade @ 6:57 pm

Track Listing

  1. Hello Mellow
  2. ZONE
  3. BUBBLE GUM
  4. Dreamcatcher
  5. SOMEDAY
  6. Good Morning
  7. poppop (Japanese Ver.)

1. Hello Mellow

Ah, I do like that NCT WISH is kind of continuing to give this kind of youthful and cool vibe that NCT DREAM used to do early in their careers, but we’re finally seeing WISH getting some stronger identity with the sound.  There’s something nostalgic about the song for me for some reason like the way the synths sound and the melody was more unique.  I do like hearing the members here though I will say that bridge that sounds like something from Crash Bandicoot was a little startling, but nah this song is kind of cute and bright.  Not bad overall.

2. ZONE

I feel like I am slowly getting more into their stylings in the NCT-sphere as they get more of this electronic twist to their music which I noticed throughout since their debut, but more from their “WISHFUL” album.  I do like the synths here as they’re kind of video-gamey, but it’s also mixed in with the R&B sound and youthful sound of the 6 members.  I’m noticing a lot of Yushi and Ryo in the song for sure as the song feels a bit more centered around the higher register members.  Probably just as cute as “Hello Mellow” if not more.

3. BUBBLE GUM

Are we getting three cute songs in a row?  Nah, it actually seems this is the hip-hop-like track of the mini-album especially with Riku & Sakuya getting first dibs on lines.  Though I am a little turned off by the cartoony bubble popping sounds and the brief moments of the pre-chorus where we get sung lines from Yushi, Ryo, and Jaehee and with Sion getting this MC role is kind of meh to me.  Nah, this is kind of bad and just isn’t it for them personally.  I enjoyed “CHOO CHOO”, but this was too much for me.

4. Dreamcatcher

As the kind of pre-release track for the mini-album, I was wondering what they’d do first for a comeback, but this is kind of holding the same nostagic, sentimental sound that I felt with “Hello Mellow”, though a bit more NCT-laced with more focus on Riku’s raps.  It’s a decent track, but probably one I won’t remember too well after this review unfortunately.

5. SOMEDAY

Our next track definitely feels like something leftover from “COLOR” with the summery groove mixed with a little bit of 8bit thrown in the mix to kind of give this WISH-coded sound that I’m kind of enjoying.  I also finally noticed Sion a bit more in the songs this time around which is nice, but Ryo is getting a lot of love in this mini-album, but I’m not arguing much about it.  This release has been feeling so cutesy to me so far…

6. Good Morning

As we get into our final new track here, Good Morning is giving me some “WISH” vibes with how bright and lively the tune does come off.  Something about this style just really screams NCT WISH for me and I love hearing Yushi and Jaehee in this track as they both kind of just make this song work for me.  Might be my favorite song off the release to be honest as it just feels so positive and fun for me!

7. poppop (Japanese Ver.)

Not surprised to see that actually end the mini-album, though I’m surprised the spread of time was so far apart (as the Korean poppop came out back in April, last year).  I still love how chaotic this one sounds and just the way the group is kind of tackling things and it’s just too damn catchy for me.  The Japanese version though feels a lot more together than I expected and the chorus kind of just smacks harder for me which is great to see.  I might prefer this over the Korean version, but I’ll give it more time before I decide fully but right now, this was great!

I was wondering when we were going to get something NCT WISH in Japan again since it’s been pretty much over a year since their last release, their first album, “WISHFUL” at the last quarter of 2024.  As this is just a mini-album, I think I could’ve used more songs, but this was an OK release overall.  I think the only two songs I didn’t care for were BUBBLE GUM and Dreamcatcher.  The rest were solid cute songs for the most part and while I know that shtick will leave sometime in the future, this gives me hope for their next releases!

 

KATAMARI no MANI MANI January 11, 2026

Filed under: Katamari Damacy — solarblade @ 6:55 pm

Track Listing

  1. Overture IV
  2. Katamari Time!
  3. The King’s Fugue 2025
  4. YangYang
  5. Katamarism
  6. Eeja Eeja Naika
  7. skyscraper(s)
  8. Katamari Damacy
  9. Once Upon A KATAMARI ~Prologue~
  10. The King’s Fugue 2025 ~Latter Half~
  11. Suisei Biyori
  12. Kokon-Touzai Katamari-Doucyu
  13. Power of Katamari Damacy
  14. San Francisco Katamari Boys Chorus Song
  15. Katamari on the Doun
  16. CHILL PRINCE
  17. DIVER
  18. Time Scales
  19. Rising Star
  20. Aishiteiru Kara
  21. No matter how many times I’m reborn

1. Overture IV

Opening this OST, we have our 4th overture piece for the Katamari series here and likewise it’s a straightforward piano solo here.  It’s a nice variation of the main theme with a little bit of that jazzy splash in the main melody.  Short, but does its thing pretty well.

2. Katamari Time!

Then we jump into the opening theme for Once Upon a Katamari and I thought it would start slow with that intro, but we get into the explosive fanfare-like actual opening to Katamari Time! and it’s kind of back to the goofy and silly and VERY random song.  The vocals are a bit monotone at times, but the chanting is actually neat.  Though I kind of figured that they’d do something different and chelmico does a good job rapping at points.  There’s just a lot of different places this song hits and I kind of liked that since it had to be the opening song.  

3. The King’s Fugue 2025

Already into the song that’s used in talking with the King of All Cosmos before every mission begins.  I do think that coming into this game, it was giving a LOT of throwback to We ♥ Katamari (the second game of the series and still considered the best of the series as well).  Hearing this track was giving some deja vu.  It has the same sounds and instrumentation of the original King’s Fugue but sounds a bit more royal to me.  

4. YangYang

We’re finally onto the actual new tracks for the game with YangYang being first.  The tune opens with some cute vocals from DAOKO and some clapping rhythms and such before the descending bass synths kick in and it’s kind of a unique track with a bit more of that drum’n’bass sound at first before the chorus opens up and gets into this electropop vibe which actually surprised me.  Though as I thought the chorus was going to be huge, there’s a beat drop and we return to those bass hits.  This is kind of cool and cute wrapped together.  

5. Katamarism

Onto the next tune, Katamarism was also pretty refreshing to me and even more bombastic than “YangYang” was for sure.  I’m loving the funky electro vibes and the vocalist, KAF (who I found out is more of a virtual star) sounds surprisingly cute to cater to such a funky track like this.  This is like returning me to those days where Japanese Techno was the in-thing but with these cutesy anison vocals and it kind of worked in this track.  This was an easy favorite from the OST for sure.

6. Eeja Eeja Naika

I’m noticing that a lot of the songs are kind of more J-pop in structure thus far which I’m not arguing with here since those tracks are the ones that end up getting stuck in my head.  Though the biggest change is that we have male vocalists here this time from Kocchi no Kento.  I do like the dancebeat and the tune is incredibly catchy especially with that earworm of a chorus it has.  Yeah, this was a super fun track as well and another that stuck to me after the game.

7. skyscraper(s)

If there was a song that fits the “LONELY ROLLING STAR”, “Everlasting Love”, “Hello World” immediate love and I NEED IT NOW track, it’s definitely for skyscraper(s) which bring us a City Pop track from Amame Uyama.  Just the genre itself and the way this song sounds was immediately a favorite of mine.  I really enjoyed the laidback synths and Amame’s soft vocals really put me into a relaxing mood.  I will say the ~tick, tock~ parts took a little while to get used to and the bridge was…a choice, but the song as a whole is just so dreamy and ethereal and vibey to me and the sax solo…chef’s kiss!  This is definitely my favorite from the game for sure.

8. Katamari Damacy

I’m surprised it took this long to get us a song with the namesake of the first game.  Though, it’s our first outside of the box kind of songs because it’s such a shift of sound moving into French Pop and made even more so that the main singer, Clementine, is singing entirely in French.  Unlike the previous track, this is fluttery, light, and just pretty since it has a lot of piano, strings, and some accordion as well.  I also love the ~lala, lala, lala~ parts and the accordion solos as well.  It reminds me of “Katamaritaino” from the first game as they share quite a bit in the soundscape.  Pretty little tune for sure!

9. Once Upon a KATAMARI ~Prologue~

I definitely tried to remember this one where exactly it played, but I know it was in the Edo Japan area of the game (maybe one of the cutscenes).  It’s got a very imperial and strong Japanese sound with dramatic strings and taiko drums in it before the tune ends and moves into a lighter and a bit sillier of an arrangement.  It’s just a mix of a lot of things which makes me think it’s very much a cutscene song here.  It’s impressive how they switch things up as much as they do.  Cool kind of interlude though on the OST.

10. The King’s Fugue 2025 ~Latter Half~

Like the first fugue, just a slightly altered melody, though I guess not many would notice and just think it’s the first one all over again.  Not much to say that I haven’t really said on the first one earlier on the OST.

11. Suisei Biyori

Back onto the game’s main songs, Suisei Biyori is something I kind of expected in this game with a lighter J-pop song with Suisei Biyori.  I do like suis’ airy vocals and then given this kind of ikimono-gakari sounding song with some flutes thrown in was surprisingly decent for me.  I do like bright energy of the song for sure and suis does such a good job singing here.  

12. Kokon-Touzai Katamari-Doucyu

Yup, just from the title alone this was going to be a wild ride.  Not sure what the vocal style is that opens up the song, it’s just very Enka-ish (or even Minyo) to me and it was impressive at how good they sounded opening the track before it turns into a dance-heavy track mixed with those vocals.  It’s very unique and so very Japanese of a song to include that I was wondering where has this been the whole time in the series.  Saya Asakura’s vocals are surprisingly tight and she really feels at home doing these folk vocals in such a modern-sounding track.  This was pretty cool!

13. Power of Katamari Damacy

Oh?  The power?  Yeah, well when it includes series returnee Shigeru Matsuzaki who has done a LOT of memorable songs in the series already makes his appearance in Power of Katamari Damacy and it’s got a LOT of soul in it and Shigeru’s rough and husky vocals adds that expressive tone to a song whose arrangement is a bit brighter and upbeat than past songs that Shigeru took part in “Katamari on the Swing” in particular but not as dramatic as “Katamari of Love”.  It’s just a fun song and Shigeru is loving this one, really enjoyed his quips and ad-libs here.  

14. San Francisco Katamari Boys Chorus Song

I was wondering if we were going to get our chorale song and yeah this track fills that role.  While I never really bought into these kind of songs, and felt so oddball in the game because it’s a main stage song.  Though it seems that the song is sung in English (because of course San Francisco).  I do like that the song adds a bit more to it than piano and there’s a claps and trumpets.  It’s fine, but I think 5:30 is just a tad bit too long for me to enjoy by itself.  Though I do like the ~nanana Katamari Damacy~ hook being tossed in at the end.

15. Katamari on the Doun

Also was wondering when we were getting our Katamari on the ____ track and yup, we’re here!  Oh gosh, this is so hardcore anison cuteness and was not used to Saki Hanami who I come to find out is one of the characters in iDOLM@STER which is pretty bizarre to me for Katamari to bring in another game character to sing a song for their series.  Yeah, this is definitely a song I just wasn’t expecting and Saki’s vocals (from Aoi Nagatsuki, her VA) is fine if not a little too chirpy cute for me.  Not really a song I would stick around for honestly.

16. CHILL PRINCE

Ohh the synths that open our next track was pretty cool, but then it empties out to this kind of laidback rapping(?) track.  Though as it’s sung by another returnee vocalist, Kenji Ninuma.  It was such an oddball mixture because he has these deep vocals (and he sings Enka) so seeing this thrown with the trance/dubstep style of the song felt so hilarious to listen as a whole package.  I definitely appreciate the experimentation and at times, this sounds so good, but damn Kenji sounds so out of place here.

17. DIVER

This one was a surprise because it’s from an artist I used to review here, Etsuko Yakushimaru!  From listening to her works back then and then listening to DIVER, I was a little surprised at she catered to a song like this!  It’s quick-paced, poppy and while it can come off cute like “YangYang” or “Katamari on the Doun”, this is kind of more in the realm for me to tolerate it as there’s some cool parts musically and Etsuko doesn’t sound bad doing the cute vocals.  

18. Time Scales

I think “DIVER” might be the last stage song?  Yeah, Time Scales is the after stage song when the King of All Cosmos rates your performance in the level.  It’s I suppose a fine track because it’s a track that comes up a LOT in the game.  I do like the descending ~bah-bah-bah~ and it seems that every so often the tune will do this build-up like a fanfare.  At the halfway, it switches up to this bright fanfare-like melody.  Not bad for a results theme!

19. Rising Star

Uhhuh…so Rising Star is the next track and it’s the final section of the results screen where the King throws the planet into space (or blows it up to make stardust).  Literally only a 15 second track here, quick synthy build-up and a fanfare.  Nothing much to say here otherwise.

20. Aishiteru Kara

This definitely feels like the ending theme of the game here as it has a slow ballad-like tempo and a quiet foreboding finishing sound.  With Masashi Sada fronting the song, his vocals are really pleasant and kind of fills out the song which is otherwise piano & strings here.  Not really my kind of song overall, but like “San Francisco Katamari Boys Chorus Song” it does end with Masashi doing the ~nanana~ and then ending on ~arigatou~.  

21. No matter how many times I’m reborn

Odd title aside, the last track is kind of a piano instrumental that sounds muffled up.  I do think it’s playing the melody of “Aishiteru Kara” here.  Kind of sounds a bit downtrodden with the mood and the slowness of the piano here.  Kind of an odd way to close things out…

Tracks Recommended

  • skyscraper(s)
  • Eeja Eeja Naika
  • Katamarism
  • Katamari Damacy
  • DIVER

Song of Avoidance

  • Rising Star

Finally we’re onto the most recent entry for the Katamari Damacy series with the OST for Once Upon a Katamari! and it was definitely a long time waiting for this since the series kind of took a break after the PS Vita entry.  Though it was too quiet, we did eventually get HD remasters of the first two games of the series before this one came out (though there was Rolling LIVE back earlier in 2025).  Honestly, this OST was pretty decent.  A lot of the main songs were good even if a few were just not in my tastes.  There was a few that I question why the first disc had a few non-important songs (like Rising Star…).  

On that note, yeah this OST is 3 discs but I decided to not do them since it was either the map themes (which were short), the other small BGM tracks and stuff used through the story, and instrumentals of the main songs).  Not really my interest and I’m happy they kind of just put those on other discs.  Overall not bad of an OST.

 

 

Perfume – Fumetsu no Anata December 27, 2025

Filed under: Perfume — solarblade @ 8:01 pm

Track Listing

  1. Fumetsu no Anata

1. Fumetsu no Anata

It was surprising that we’d get one more song out of Perfume here and it’s a tie-in to an anime series, To Your Eternity.  If I had to be honest though, this song was kind of underbaked here.  The mid-tempo flow was something I was getting used to after the last few Perfume releases had been going towards more of the style.  I do like the lesser necessity of auto-tune on the trio’s vocals.  Sound-wise it seems to follow more of what we got through the “Nebula Romance” duology with a little bit of that “Future Pop” as well.  Although the biggest disappointment is that it’s 2:30 in length and kinds ends with a sax solo.  Yeah, this is why I felt this needed more time in the oven especially with what this song is actually meaning to Perfume.

Yeah, this would end up being Perfume’s final release before they go into indefinite hiatus in 2026 and honestly, this kind of felt VERY last minute and low effort for me.  Fumetsu no Anata is not really going to be a hallmark track for the group as it just felt like it needed some extra love, but what we got was this kind of mediocre goodbye track even though I personally think “Megu Loop” did that job much better.  It’s sad to see Perfume go, but it is WELL deserved given their run ever since debut.

 

Lalamari Damacy December 26, 2025

Filed under: Katamari Damacy — solarblade @ 7:42 am

Track Listing

  1. Katamari on the Dream
  2. Midnight Tryst
  3. Bun-San Body
  4. Katadoru Sandbox
  5. Katamari’s 5AM Morning Routine
  6. Parallel Damacy
  7. Song for Mixing a Bunch of Colors
  8. Katamari of Ka/Ta/Ma/Ri
  9. STARRY NIGHT FEVER
  10. Coro Coro Cue
  11. Sutekinanokadeparade
  12. Making a Star
  13. Katamari Channel
  14. Prince and Woodwinds
  15. CANDYNEON
  16. Katamari Nah-Nah (Live)

1. Katamari on the Dream

Oh?  I guess we start off strong with the main theme of the game which continues the Katamari on the ____ set of songs.  I like the main Katamari “nah” melody starts but then gets a bit rambunctious and full of different instruments before dumping out on a female singer with an incredibly light and airy vocal tone.  It does feel like it borrows a lot of different things from past songs (like melodies of old main themes and a little of “LONELY ROLLING STAR”).  I do enjoy the randomness of it all and since it’s used in the first main level of the game!  

2. Midnight Tryst

Already moving around in genres it seems as we get Midnight Tryst which goes for more of this nighttime lounge-like sound here with some pretty acoustic guitar, strings, and some other instrumentation.  I do enjoy the male vocalist here though who also sounds airy and light funny enough.  It’s a good, flowing night track and just has this sparkly fluffiness about it that sounds so good to me.  Not bad!

3. Bun-San Body

I was wondering when we’d get into the bizarre tracks and the first one up is Bun-San Body which has that electropop sound and I’m definitely here for it.  I like the pulsating beat and the vocals compliment it with being so cutesy and girly which I don’t think the Katamari series as a whole has a lot of, but the arrangement here is what kept me around the most as it felt like I could just hear this at the club or something.  

4. Katadoru Sandbox

I think I’m enjoying the variety of sounds this OST has been passing off.  This one is kind of like trying to be a little poppy and mid-tempo, but it’s meshed with a lot of random boops, and instrumentation pops which gives it that whimsical feel.  Throw in some trumpets and Kouhei Hiromura’s soft vocals and you are pretty much locked in with this unique and surprising song that really throws your expectations all over the map here.  This was pretty cool!

5. Katamari’s 5AM Morning Routine

Not sure if the songs are themed over the game’s stages (the only Katamari game I haven’t played actually).  This one though is our first instrumental track off the OST and this one seems pretty playful as it sounds fitting to the overall style of the series with cute synths and disc scratching that transitions to a more cosmic-sounding affair.  I also like that it does change up throughout its 4:30 length but keeps its melody intact.  

6. Parallel Damacy

I think whatever it is, the male vocalists are impressing me more here and Masakazu Hara with Parallel Damacy seemed so laidback but still carries that same vibrancy we got with the previous track.  Though it surprises me once Masakazu gets into the second verse where a dance beat is thrown in with striking strings to give it a bit more dramatics and I kind of love it!  Yeah, this one is another one that I ended up loving!

7. Song for Mixing a Bunch of Colors

We’re back with female singers, this time from asaco who is doing this kind of upbeat, poppy spring-like song that actually feels like it fits in the series almost just right.  I do like the energetic arrangement and the tempo and beat are really driving the song along.  While I do feel that sometimes, the music covers up asaco’s vocals a smidge, but it’s not a full detriment to me.  Also, is that a sitar solo before the 3rd verse?  This was nice, not as good as other songs, but still good, nonetheless.

8. Katamari of Ka/Ta/Ma/Ri

Another instrumental track is next up and it feels like it’s mostly a bit of acapella and beatboxing at first since it’s just a lot of mouth sounds I hear and some ad-libbing thrown in as well.  I would normally say this is pretty impressive, but I don’t think I could sit through the whole 4:30 length in full.  It is just a lot of random sounds to me.  I suppose there’s other instruments like the electric guitar introduced in the halfway point, but otherwise, not my thing really.

9. STARRY NIGHT FEVER

Oooh, we’re gettin funky for STARRY NIGHT FEVER and that’s something I do like hearing Katamari tackling in past OSTs.  As PannoMimimi is really giving a really nice vocal performance and hitting these super high notes for the chorus and to me she sounds like an idol singer at times.  Also that guitar solo outro was shockingly cool to hear in this song too.  Yeah, this is pretty good, might be the favorite perhaps of this OST!

10. Coro Coro Cue

This next track, Coro Coro Cue is kind of different sounding to me, almost spooky with the 40 second low bass intro here.  I’m kind of wondering if it was a track used in one of the stages because it doesn’t quite sound like one with its synth-y background and menu-esque vibe I’m getting here.  There is some ad-libbing and some nods to the Katamari theme as well here.  Eventually we get a flute/strings section thrown in the latter half as well!  It’s kind of weird, a little cute, a little sparkly…yeah.

11. Sutekinanokadeparade

Knew the OST had it in them to give us another incredibly genki-sounding sound and it has the squeakiest vocals from Sana Natori who sounds perfectly for some girly anime for some reason to me.  It’s just that high-pitched and cutesy and the song is just as sugary as one can get, but I do appreciate hearing stuff like brass and orchestral elements in the arrangement too.  It’s fine, but nothing I’ll remember much of.

12. Making a Star

I kind of wonder if this is the song that’s used for the stage results screen here since the obvious title of the track says so.  Though it is a vocal track and it sounds actually pretty once the twinkling intro shifts into more of a pop/rock mid-tempo dance track!  I really like this style of song and Kaho Kidoguchi is giving me similar vocal stylings of “Everlasting Love” and similar songs that ended up being favorites of mine.  I do like the energy she brings and the punch of the guitars and beats are surprisingly cool and unique for me.  Actually it could be a credits theme, but I don’t think that either…

13. Katamari Channel

Now it seems the last four tracks are a bit shorter than the rest of the OST and it seems these are the BGM songs used in menus perhaps?  Katamari Channel is kind of a bop and chill of a song and it kind of has it moments, but there’s a melodica solo thrown into the song that always impressed me tons.  Kind of blah otherwise, but that melodica solo is great!

14. Prince and Woodwinds

Now this is the menu theme for sure and yeah, it’s kind of more on the idea of using random sounds to construct the track which I know the series have used a few times already.  I suppose it works as a menu theme is some way, but it’s not really all that memorable of a track to me.

15. CANDYNEON

I thought by the title, I’d be more intrigued by this, but considering its 2:22 length, I had to assume it was going to be a shorter instrumental track here and I was right as it’s just electronics and beeps and boops for this one.  I do like the repetitive descending melody before the countermelody with slightly higher notes comes in and it’s kind of cool.  We did get another melodica solo which is cool and I do like the latter half becoming more dance-like, but it’s short and goes back to the thumping beat and low bass synth.  Could’ve been better

16. Katamari Nah-Nah (Live)

At first, I was a little confused because it’s the acapella of the ~nah, nah, nah~ from the original game, but it does kind switch things up by adding a 16-bit melody to give the track a little oomph.  That’s about it…not really that interesting.

Tracks Recommended

  • Making a Star
  • STARRY NIGHT FEVER
  • Bun-San Body
  • Parallel Damacy
  • Katamari on the Dream

Song of Avoidance

  • Katamari Nah-Nah (Live)

Huh?  I never knew NAMCO really okayed a Katamari game on Apple Arcade.  Yeah, I never had a chance to play Katamari Damacy Rolling LIVE so I didn’t experience the game with these songs yet, but I am pretty interested as the tracks from this OST was actually not that bad?  I could actually enjoy listening to all of these songs.  Also, the fact that this OST is the only one that hasn’t been brought into Once Upon a Katamari (at least not yet, DLC is still possible).  Overall, good OST!

 

GENERATION 9: Legends Z-A Megas! Pt. 2: MEGA DIMENSION! December 20, 2025

Filed under: ~Teh Pokemon: 9th Gen~ — solarblade @ 4:11 am

Yup, we’re finally here with the Mega Dimension DLC for Legends Z-A and unsurprisingly it introduced even MORE new Mega Evolutions for fans to play with on top of a story and some new elements like Pokemon being able to level higher than 100!  So let’s jump right in!

Mega Raichu X

As the first two shown off to promote the DLC, Mega Raichu got both a X and Y Mega (like Charizard and Mewtwo before it).  Mega Raichu X though here is more focused on its Attack stat.  The design is supposed to channel Gorochu (the beta evolution of Raichu, but was scrapped).  It’s pretty cool and I do like how it’s tail is the literal X in the design with the ears.  

Mega Raichu Y

While it isn’t based on anything prior, Mega Raichu Y ended up being the better Pokemon since it’s stats focus more on its Special Attack and Speed.  I do once again like that it’s pretty on the nose on the Y element in the design and I like the cheeks being yellow as well.  Likewise, we won’t really know the true skills of these newer Mega Evolutions until we see them being utilized in the main series’ gameplay style (with abilities and the such).

Mega Chimecho

Moving forward, we skip Johto ‘mons since they didn’t get any new ones through the DLC, but we land in Hoenn with a new Mega Evolution for Chimecho who was revealed alongside Baxcalibur for the first actual trailer for the DLC.  Becoming Psychic/Steel, I was more than happy to see Chimecho get one since it’s one of my favorite Pokemon even if it’s weak otherwise.  The design is pretty cool mixing elements of the wind chimes with a bit of Chingling thrown in.  Way cooler and better than I expected!

Mega Absol Z

Not sure where the “Z” is there for one some of these new Mega Evolution (I suppose it’s there because they have Megas that aren’t followed by a letter so this is kind of that this is the game they came from differentiating them apart.  For Absol, we get a new second Mega Evolution and it’s a nice different take as it looks more devilish and edgy on top of that claw-wing thing it has going on from its Dark/Ghost dual-type now. I do like the ying-yang aspect reversed since regular Mega Absol is more white than black.  Very cool concept and still a cool Pokemon!

Mega Staraptor

Dang, they really just gave Staraptor its own Mega Evolution huh?  Not only that, but its typing as become Fighting/Flying which means it’s already powerful stats and moveset is boosted even more so than before especially since it’s known for Close Combat and now it gets STAB on it…I would love to see what its ability ends up being.  Though I will say seeing it being greyer is surprising, but the hairdo is great!

Mega Garchomp Z

Yup, Garchomp (like Absol) gets the special Z Mega Evolution and it actually stands out for some reason.  So, this is the 2nd Mega Evolution that outright loses a type (loses the Ground type to become a pure Dragon) and the only other Pokemon to do that is Mega Aggron!  Mega Garchomp Z though suffers a bit because it’s now focused as a Special Attack-er versus it’s mostly Attack-focused stats.  Little strange of a decision and I’m wondering what ability it’ll get if it’ll help with the sudden switch-up or not.  Also is the only Mega not released yet (as of January 2026)

Mega Lucario Z

Another pre-release Pokemon that was shown off in trailers, we get Mega Lucario Z and once again Korrina (one of the Gym Leaders from X/Y kind of introduces it and kind of like Raichu, the different between Mega Lucario and Mega Lucario Z currently is just the spread of stats here.  I do like the design with the teal coloring in comparison to the regular Lucario colors.  Though I can’t help but be a smidge disappointed since there wasn’t much difference otherwise.

Mega Heatran

Hm?  Some legendaries are getting Mega Evolutions again?  I think of all of the Sinnoh Pokemon, Heatran was definitely not the one I was thinking of getting one, but we’re here now.  Not sure where it fits in the DLC currently, but it’s pretty interesting that it’s kind of more frog-like and the magma is melting the metal out of Heatran especially now the mouth is filled with it like that.  Makes a rather forgettable legendary just a bit more menacing and cooler IMO!

Mega Darkrai

Which makes Darkrai even scarier as well.  I’m a little surprised that Darkrai is also receiving a Mega Evolution since it was featured a bit more through the previous Legends: Arceus game as a capturable thanks to save data.  Here, we have a pretty wild design.  It comes out like a floating eye before Darkrai’s head appears through it giving such a crazy horror feel to it.  I kind of dug it though and seemed pretty interesting despite keeping the same typing.

Mega Golurk

Considering that we got a whole bunch of Unova Pokemon getting Megas in the prime Legends Z-A game, I’m not terribly surprised the DLC only gave one more Unovan Pokemon a Mega and here it’s Golurk of all of them.  Seems pretty much like a defense stalwart here and despite the energy of its soul becoming wings (which show more of the fact that it indeed flies) it doesn’t change typings.  It’s neat and another good Pokemon to receive a new form.

Mega Meowstic

Likewise, Kalos had a lot of new Megas given out (as it should have since the game literally takes place in Kalos), but for the DLC, we’d get one more Kalosian Pokemon with a Mega Evolution and it’s for our Psychic-type cat, Meowstic.  I do like that it’s split between the female and male Meowstic and its for that reason it doesn’t matter which gender it is, it’ll have the same Mega Evolution.  

Mega Crabominable

Onto some more Alolan Pokemon getting love after Drampa did in the vanilla game, we start with Crabominable.  I thought the line needed a little bit more to it and we finally got it here.  While I can’t make too much of an opinion for it, the design is pretty awesome and unique and the fact the ice element is more used made it a lot cooler.  

Mega Golisopod

They really went for the oddballs to give Megas it seems with Alola here.  Golisopod wasn’t on my board for getting a Mega Evolution here, but I appreciated it somewhat.  It gets four legs and then 4 appendages on top of the fact that it becomes Bug/Steel.  While I have to wonder if its future ability will be something different than the lines already messy ability (Wimp Out or Emergency Exit), I’m hoping it’s something that benefits it rather than the opposite.

Mega Magearna

Another Mythical getting an Mega Evolution?  Yeah Magearna is getting one and it’s such an odd choice for me since I didn’t think it really needed it, especially since it’s not one that’s really used much in the games or story here.  Even wilder is that it gets two different variations depending on if you have the regular Magearna or the Original Color Magearna when transforming.  Slight differences but the biggest is the outer gears are different colors.  

Mega Zeraora

Another Kalos Mythical given a Mega Evolution?  Though I was kind of shocked they revealed this prior to the DLC’s actual release.  I feel like this is kind of just regular Zeraora with more black fur this time.  I’m thinking it’s a lot quicker and possibly more powerful.   Otherwise, just slightly updated design for me…

Mega Scovillain

Skipping over Galar (for whatever reason after Falinks) we finally get Paldea Megas and we start with Scovillain.  While it is more of what I was wanting after being slightly disappointing in the main line and this actually gives it a bit more oomph.  Little surprised that despite the draconic look with the heads, there’s no type change here.  

Mega Glimmora

I had hoped there would be a little something to connect Kalos and Paldea together (since they’re literally next to one another on maps).  Was really hoping Glimmora would be the connection since it has such strong ties to the Terastilization in Paldea.  Though it does up the ante that Glimmora does Mega Evolve here so that makes me want to ask more questions about the combination of the two ideas.  

Mega Tatsugiri

Maybe the one I was not expecting to get a Mega Evolution out of the Paldean ‘mons, but Tatsugiri definitely plays up more of its sashimi design here.  Adding on, depending on what form of Tatsugiri you have will dictate who’s in the middle and it has tobiko laid on its head.  Also, the plate is lying is actually the symbol for Mega Evolution which was a pretty cool touch here.  Curious to how this’ll work with Dondozo around though…

Mega Baxcalibur

Another pseudo-legendary getting a Mega Evolution?  I am a bit excited that it was Baxcalibur as I felt too that it needed something really cool after a rather good debut in Scarlet/Violet.  Plus the Godzilla referencing was cool, but the Mega Evolution packed on more of it including making that back fin look like a grand saber.  Looks pretty scary, but also awesome too!

AND THAT’S THAT!  Unless Legends Z-A gets another DLC, this might be the last major thing to cover before Gen 10 begins.  

 

WayV – Eternal White December 18, 2025

Filed under: NCT — solarblade @ 7:10 am

Track Listing

  1. The Fifth Season
  2. Eternal White
  3. Moment In Time
  4. First Time
  5. Strange Tears
  6. Stay
  7. Lover After Me

1. The Fifth Season

This EP begins with an introductory piece with them singing acapella that I hear all 5 members getting a nice solo line and I really liked the harmonizations in the background with the members getting some awesome lines especially from Xiaojun, Ten, and Kun.  Though I definitely know I hear Yangyang and Hendery in there too.  Really pleasant introduction here!

2. Eternal White

Leading into the main promotional track for the release, Eternal White had me worried since I thought it would’ve been the typical wintry ballad, but WayV toppled that stereotype and gave us a bop with this one!  I love the hip-hop beats and the saxophone rhythm to add a bit of this classy vibe to it.  I really liked the smoothness and the various parts really caught my attention here!  I feel like this might actually be better than the last couple of releases which is what I felt WayV sorely needed.  Plus more of the vocal line is nice to hear and I feel like I felt I missed Xiaojun and Kun a lot.

3. Moment In Time

Moving to more of the new songs, Moment in Time is more of the laidback R&B style that’s more aligned with their previous releases, but I’m not arguing too hard since it has kind of a laidback and smooth tone to it thanks to the added acoustic guitar in the arrangement.  I do like all 5 members here and they of course sound pleasant and Hendery and Yangyang’s raps aren’t too intrusive either.

4. First Time

Eh?  Another “time” song?  This one is even slower than “Moment in Time” which has kind of quieter flow and a bit more focus with most of the members getting some vocal lines though Hendery is once again the main rapper here.  I was actually VERY impressed more towards Kun, Ten, and Xiaojun’s lines here though as it sounds really pretty and with the icy cold arrangement, meant surprisingly decent things were happening that I ended up liking it more than I did “Moment In Time”.

5. Strange Tears

I was thrown off by the funky synth lines that open our next track, but then it kind of has the same mysterious, ethereal vibe that “First Time” carried, but this was kind of sounding a little more upbeat and bright even if that chorus is well…strange to me because it’s still got weird things happening with the synthwork.  I want to say this is the cute song because the mood just kind of lends itself for it.  It’s an odd one that’s for sure, but vocally still pretty good!

6. Stay

While I feel like I’m not going to get another upbeat song like “Eternal White”, it starts to feel like something WayV has been dropping for the last couple of releases and Stay is probably the biggest notifier up those thoughts as it’s another mid-tempo R&B tune from them.  This one while still vocally nice is the one that bored me the most out of the mini-album.

7. Lover After Me

Then we have the final track and this was going to have to be THE winter ballad of the release and it’s one of those piano/strings ballad with some light echo effects and focus on the group’s vocals.  I will say, Xiaojun really impressed me with his falsetto vocals that led into Kun’s during the choruses as that might be what I might remember the most from this closer.

WayV surprisingly caught me off guard releasing a Winter EP like this towards the end of the year.  I will say that a few tracks wowed me like the title track and First Time, but the rest felt like typical tracks that I would’ve guessed WayV would do (minus Strange Tears because it just sounds the most unique of the bunch here).  It’s an OK release overall, at least Eternal White (the song) is better than most of their inputs the last few years, to be honest.

 

BEYOOOOONDS – BEYOOOOONDS 3rd December 13, 2025

Filed under: BEYOOOOONDS — solarblade @ 12:06 pm

Track Listing

  1. Motomeyo…Unmei no Tabibitozan
  2. Yume Sae Egakenai Yozora ni wa
  3. Hai to Diamond
  4. Go City Go
  5. Hooke no Housoku
  6. Koisuru Ginga
  7. WORKER Sanka
  8. Oh! Cantare
  9. Do-Did-Done
  10. Aa Kimi ni Tensei
  11. Disco Carnival
  12. My First Pierce

CD2

  1. Positive Program
  2. Arigatou Beat
  3. Yume no Sokkyougeki
  4. Jikou☆SHOW☆TIME
  5. Koisuru Watashi wa Mujuuryoku
  6. That’s LIFE!
  7. Kokoro no Hata
  8. “hidden track”

1. Motomeyo…Unmei no Tabibitozan

As the opening of the album, Motomeyo…Unmei no Tabibitozan is kind of continuing to have this kind of educational vibe to their songs which is shown with the first A-side of the era (which is also Reina Ichioka’s last single with the group).  I also actually forgot about this song’s existence for a while since it really wasn’t all that memorable of a track to me compared to its other A-side.  I do like Momohime’s opening dialogue and the chorus’ were pretty fun.  Though I think outside of that, I couldn’t remember much else well other than Shiori’s super high notes.  I will say it does open the album on an exciting and fun track though.

2. Yume Sae Egakenai Yozora ni wa

The other A-side though was the one that surprised me, since it actually grew on me since the review of the single.  I really am shocked they kind of had this in the wings because it’s pretty different than what BEYOOOOONDS normally puts out.  It starts off like a lullaby with Rika being the first to sing with Minami afterwards.  Though hearing the orchestra/band kick in and Honoka on piano, it was a really good switch-up and really made for a unique song for them.  It’s very musical-esque to me and when it empties out to just Honoka, Yuhane, Kokoro, Utano, Reina, and Kurumi solos before the music comes rushing back in, it was just super cool!  Yeah, this is definitely a stand-out and makes me wonder what Reina could’ve dne had she not left the group.

3. Hai to Diamond

Then we come into Yuhane’s last single (and what is majority of the 1st disc is all around with all 6 songs from the single making the album’s cut).  It’s been a while since we’ve had a pretty cool dance track out of the group and Hai to Diamond seemed to really get that fix in.  I mean it’s the typical H!P disco/funk sound that I’ve been used to for some years now and BEYOOOOONDS made a pretty decent track here.  I love Momohime’s talkbox intro to the great vocals throughout.  Plus, hearing the members pulling their cool vocals was such a great move.  Definitely made better from Rika, Saya, Miyo, Momohime, Kokoro, and Yuhane herself with their solos.  Some of the higher pitched members struggled with it though, but I can’t hit too hard, it’s just not in their toolbox.  Still, pretty solid song here!

4. Go City Go

An energetic pop tune?  Yeah, this is kind of giving a similar mood to “Ham Katsu Mokushiroku” for some reason, mixed in with a little of “Now Now Ningen” for some reason.  I do notice the light City Pop vibes in this one and it was such a different kind of feeling like “Yume Sae Egakenai Yozora ni wa” had.  It’s pretty catch and I really like the vocals in this one out of everyone getting solo lines throughout.  I will say the ~go city go~ hook gets used a little too much here, but it’s a cute, sparkly tune for them, even if I kind of dropped out of this one.

5. Hooke no Housoku

Like with “Motomeyo…Unmei no Tabibitozan”, Hooke no Housoku is another song that’s kind of educational since it’s talking about Hooke’s law.  Like I said, these songs don’t really do much for me and was another that kind of flew over my head on release.  Coming back to it for the album, I do think the song’s funky vibes is just as catchy as “Hai to Diamond” and the vocals are a bit stronger.  Though, that chorus isn’t as strong as the compared song.  Also a rap between Yuhane and Momohime was pretty cool and makes me sad that Yuhane left after this single.  OK song overall

6. Koisuru Ginga

Ah yes, the B-sides of the single all make the cut (no surprise, though).  I remembered this having the fanfare intro that almost felt like listening to a song from Super Mario Galaxy of all things because of the way the arrangement is laid out.  It’s a journey of a song and we get a LOT of great moments from Saya, Kokoro, and Yuhane’s solos that sounded great!  Yeah, this one was awesome and surprised it was relegated to be a B-side because it’s kind of got this A-side quality to it!

7. WORKER Sanka

I don’t know what it was with the B-sides, but man they were on par with the actual A-sides!  WORKER Sanka was giving me 80’s dance-pop here and I really liked how all the members were either in unison or were getting solos through the whole thing and many of the members seemed to impress me!  Even Minami (who is kind of the squeaky voice, next to Utano) was giving cool in the song.  I even really loved the sax solo in the bridge here too!  Yeah, no this is still the best from the single if I had to be truly honest!

8. Oh! Cantare

I know I’ve said this in the single review I did, but this seriously does sound like something ABBA would actually release, and I feel like there’s some hints at it in the lyrics like “Mamma Mia!” To me the song is kind of the oddball of the single since it isn’t a funky dance tune, nor something familiar. It kind of is its own thing.  Not really a song that I tend to go back to listen to because it’s just a smidge too hammy and slightly forgettable versus all the other songs on the album.

9. Do-Did-Done

Though of all the A-side, Do-Did-Done is by far the catchiest the group has released for this album by a long margin!  It was just another cool dance track from them and IT WAS the biggest earworm for me this year.  Since we’re onto Rika’s final single with the group I had to wonder what they were getting with this song and it was catchy and just fun to listen to.  I especially loved the pre-choruses as it showed vocals and the leadup to the chorus was just exciting to me.  ALSO, that bridge was WILD and another one that just won me over!  Yeah, no this was THE song from them for this album and it was so good!

10. Aa Kimi ni Tensei

The other A-side had a lot to live up to after how amazing “Do-Did-Done” came out and it started out cool with Momohime once again taking up the talkbox for the track.  Which is funny because the song’s style is kind of in the same vein as “Hai to Diamond” (the other talkbox track off the first disc).  The similar genre style is kind of bizarre to me, but this sounded kind of Juice=Juice or ANGERME-tinted.  Though I really like that it showcased vocals a lot more and did some tricks in the chorus that threw me off (especially that funky triplet at the end of the choruses).  The spoken dialogue from Honoka was also strange to me, but besides that, the song is kind of the cool song they were looking for, even if it rides on other group.  I do like parts of it for sure, but they’ve done better!

11. Disco Carnival

Returning to this song, I remember being disappointed because I thought the tune was going to be a bit livelier and exciting, but this is kind of skirting the same lines as “Aa Kimi ni Tensei” if a little peppier.  I wasn’t the biggest fan of the ~coming now, coming now, carnival~ hook as I felt it added not a lot to the song.  I do like that the group tries for different vocal tones for the song like the high notes and just generally being goofy about it.  I think they could’ve done this song better, but this was kind of a forgettable B-side here.

12. My First Pierce

Ending the first disc, we have the last B-side here and I don’t know why it is, but whenever I hear this song it reminds me of something that would belong on a Katamari Damacy OST for just how laidback and cute the tune is.  Being kind of a lounge-y song, My First Pierce is quite a shift of sound for the group (considering how often they do this as it is, it’s no surprise).  I feel like it really works for members like Miyo, Kokoro, and Saya to be singing this song, but lord I don’t know, I think Minami, Utano, and even Honoka don’t really vibe in this setting for some reason.  Though I just like this odd track, very CHICA#TETSU of them to pull.

CD2

1. Positive Program

We’re finally onto the 2nd disc which is all new tracks with the remaining 9 in the lineup here.  Starting with Positive Program and it’s already a good start to the new songs.  I was happy to see this being a cool disco track, I was loving a lot of the vocals right from the start and the group seemed really into the song’s vibe!  Also, the song just works for me as it’s pretty damn explosive and the way it flows and that chorus is just catchy for me.  I do remember hearing quite a bit of Momohime and Kokoro in the song, but all of them get some lines.  Yeah, no this was awesome…why wasn’t this given a PV?

2. Arigatou Beat

OK, maybe I spoke a little too soon because the next track is even better and that’s a giant hill to topple over!  It’s more electronically focused and the synthline is amazing despite being a little near the sawtooth sounds, but not quite hard to the ears.  Though this feels like a song that I wouldn’t have expected BEYOOOOONDS to get because it’s sonically so different and the vocals feels a little higher pitched than what I normally hear out of the group’s other songs.  Yeah, this is such a cool song and just as deserving to be an A-side :0

3. Yume no Sokkyougeki

Opening with just piano is not what I was expecting for our next song, but it sure is kind of pretty in its own way.  I’m guessing this is the ballad of the 2nd disc because it’s lighter arrangement and simple piano/acoustic guitar arrangement.  I will say that the verses were super pretty and hearing the group sound so well here is just sweet.  However, the song kind of loses me by the chorus due to adding the strings in and the tune’s melody kind of drifts to a more generic tone.  I suppose it’s fine since it isn’t too often, we get a ballad out of the group, but yeah…

4. Jikou☆SHOW☆TIME

After that sidestep, we return back to upbeat and fun songs with Jikou☆SHOW☆TIME and I really like the disco/funk arrangement in this one and there was actually some rapping from some of the members which impressed me at how well the flow worked for them.  Will say that after a while, I noticed it’s kind of a member primer song where each member gets focus and sections to themselves, hell even split up by the sub-units.  Though I will admit, after being spoiled by the first two tracks on the disc, this one doesn’t quite impress outside of the rap lines for me and the chorus doesn’t stand out fully to me.  Though it’s not bad, just passable for me.

5. Koisuru Watashi wa Mujuuryoku

Stepping back again a little bit, Koisuru Watashi wa Mujuuryoku acts as the cute song off the disc and this definitely kind of sounds like something that would’ve worked on their first album for some reason.  For that reason, it’s kind of just cute and once again has the group singing in a higher register, but this was kind of just fine for me.  I think this is the song that really felt like an album song to me.

6. That’s LIFE!

Oh hey, another party-esque song that kind of gives me some island-y vibes for our next track and I was surprised that BEYOOOOONDS would be given a song like this especially with ANGERME just getting “Celebrate! Celebrate!” and Juice=Juice with “More! Mi Amore”.  If anything, it shows the group’s versatility again to which they’ve been VERY solid with since debut, so this was just another good reminder for me.

7. Kokoro no Hata

As the last track off the album, I was curious about this one after hearing “Yume no Sokkyougeki” being the ballad, so what could it mean for this track.  This one felt very dramatic and theatric as I forgot was pretty much their thing for a while so hearing this with the arrangement was pretty different and a cool choice to end the album with since it brought out great vocals from everyone.  Does feel like a song for a stageplay though which might cheapen the feel that the other new songs brought.  Though…why does the song end at 3:30 and yet the song goes to 11:30?!?

8. “hidden track”

Yeah we get 7 minutes of pure silence and then in the last minute, there’s actually a hidden track.  Really not much to say about it though.  There’s light piano and Shiori saying ~owatte nai~ with the group singing it once but Shiori getting to sing it more.  Kind of uncertain why this track exactly exists but uh, it’s a thing I suppose?

Tracks Recommended

  • Do-Did-Done
  • WORKER Sanka
  • Arigatou Beat
  • Yume Sae Egakenai Yozora ni wa
  • Positive Program

Song of Avoidance

  • Yume no Sokkyougeki

We’re finally on BEYOOOOONDS’ 3rd studio album and it might be my favorite of the three to be honest, though it isn’t without some issues.  I think H!P is really not concerned with putting too much effort into their albums as it feels like a glorious best-of with a separate CD with just the new songs and I don’t find it quite unique anymore.  That said, the new songs were pretty good for the most part but I also felt like we were missing a new song from CHICA#TETSU, Ame no Mori Kawa Umi, and SeasoningS to make it really a BEYOOOOONDS release.  Wished there was a bit more new and that this style of album goes away…

 

Rina Aiuchi – Tegami/Let me fly December 9, 2025

Filed under: Rina Aiuchi — solarblade @ 2:51 am

Track Listing

  1. Tegami
  2. Let me fly
  3. KISS KISS KISS
  4. PLAY HIGH feat. TKQ
  5. Tegami (Instrumental)
  6. Let me fly (Instrumental)

1. Tegami

Ah, figures that Rina would make a ballad for an A-side, something she does often in her discography.  Since there’s a simplistic arrangement with piano, strings, and acoustic guitar, I couldn’t find myself getting into this one.  While Rina sounds great and the chorus does bring percussion to the table, I just found myself snoozing away to this one despite it being an A-side…

2. Let me fly

At least the other A-side is a bit more interesting to listen to.  It’s upbeat and a little bit electronic/synth pop with some of the vocal splicing going on.  Though Rina sounds energetic and her vocals are pretty good and remains the voice I’ve grown up with.  While I do feel like it’s a sound that could’ve came from “DELIGHT”, “Trip” or even “THANX”, this is kind of a sound I’ve missed from her.  I will say this is kind of middle-of-the-road, but it has been a while since we’ve heard a song like this from her, so I appreciated it.

3. KISS KISS KISS

Not going to lie though but getting two B-sides was also something I wasn’t expecting Rina to do.  KISS KISS KISS though is kind of lacking to me.  It’s a bit in the middle of “Tegami” and “Let me fly” because this is a mid-tempo track that kind of sits on this repetitive chorus that just doesn’t really do much for me in the long run.  Definitely a B-side song for sure.

4. PLAY HIGH feat. TKQ

Though there is some hope with the other B-side, PLAY HIGH which felt like a cool dance track.  I like the energy of this one and TKQ and Rina actually work well together in the verses as TKQ has the filtered vocals while Rina has her bright vocals which shine the brightest in the chorus.  It’s a fun song to listen to I would say, she’s good and he adds a nice edge to the song.

As the 2nd single, Tegami / Let me fly is not quite as strong as her previous single just because the songs felt like lighter takes of songs she’s done during her career.  Tegami is the ballad, Let me fly is kind of the upbeat pop song, KISS KISS KISS is the mid-tempo and PLAY HIGH is the upbeat collaboration.  It’s kind of just on the lower end of things and since Rina has announced an album coming out in 2026, I’m curious to what she’s got planned for it!

 

Rina Aiuchi – +INSPIRE

Filed under: Rina Aiuchi — solarblade @ 2:16 am

Track Listing

  1. +INSPIRE
  2. Brilliant Queen
  3. +INSPIRE (instrumental)
  4. Brilliant Queen (instrumental)

1. +INSPIRE

Well then!  I wasn’t expecting Rina to return to more of her rockin’ style as we saw back in her “PLAYGIRL” album, but here we are with +INSPIRE and it’s all hard and edgy for Rina and it’s a great surprise since it’s been so long since I feel like she’s let her hair down.  There’s something really cool about Rina’s processed vocals through the verses that captured my attention, and her energy is fitting even in the lighter parts where she gets to showcase her vocals which still sound solid for me.  I will say the chorus is lacking some power behind it, but this was still REALLY good to hear.

2. Brilliant Queen

Interesting to see one of the digital singles back in 2023 end up being a B-side to the single over a year later, but here we are, I guess.  I will say that this is kind of the sound I felt like she was having through the last couple of releases she’s had.  Brilliant Queen is kind of the poppy, acoustic yet upbeat nature sound that Rina moderately does in her works and unfortunately didn’t quite grasp on me much.

Huh, surprised I had missed Rina’s return again!  Considering she released a few digital singles and a re-release of her album, “Ring” which was now “Ring+”, I kind of didn’t know where Rina was going.  Though to find out this was a physical single was intriguing!  +INSPIRE is surprisingly good considering her label now and I missed this edgier rock side to her works so it ended up great.  Though bringing in Brilliant Queen to be the B-side was a little bit of a copout since it was a digital single prior and the song itself is kind of meh to me…  I’m curious to where things go!

 

Akiko Hasegawa – Niji no Kanata ni December 4, 2025

Filed under: Akiko Hasegawa — solarblade @ 5:22 am

Track Listing

  1. Niji no Kanata ni
  2. Double Effect
  3. Niji no Kanata ni ~off vocal~
  4. Double Effect ~off vocal~

1. Niji no Kanata ni

Akiko really does like to switch things up for her A-sides doesn’t she?  Yeah, unlike the upbeat nature out of the last couple A-sides, Niji no Kanata ni is actually Akiko’s first ballad A-side and it’s actually kind of nice, but also not that really exciting either?  What I will say is that Akiko sounds like she actually has good vocals and the anime voice is just there because it’s needed, not really her actual talent which I have to remember as her past releases showed off those pipes (especially some songs from her album).  However, the arrangement is kind of weak, and the synth horns are not a nice addition here.  It’s fine, better than “Miracle Yell!” though.

2. Double Effect

Of course, the B-side is the opposite and takes a more upbeat sound and I think this is where we get to hear Akiko’s actual singing voice to which immediately catches my attention.  HOWEVER, I don’t know if I like the arrangement as much as I wanted to because it’s kind of like “Sourin no Pendulum” in the way that it’s more rock-tinted, but kind of synthy at times.  Still a smidge weaker though so it’s fine, but nothing special here.

Niji no Kanata ni is actually kind of a better single for me than “Miracle Yell!” just because she isn’t fully using her anison voice in the songs and I appreciated that a lot.  That being said, both songs on the single are still kind of just weaker songs that she’s done in the past sadly.  What’s even more upsetting is that this single that came out in 2013 would be Akiko’s last release from her as she’s kind of focused more on her VA and Idolm@ster stuff since this single.  Shame we couldn’t get more releases as she did have some unique songs in her discography.

 

 
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