#even with simpler instrumentals and an upbeat folk vibe

[mothocean]

PinocchioP Don't Kill the Love Song save me

[drkreviews]

A Cell

Here I am with another part of the themed week in “Throwback Thursday”! Today’s subject is the sixth full album by the visual kei band Plastic Tree, entitled Cell. and released on 25th August 2004. As for each their release, there’s always a basis image which all the songs take inspiration from and in this case it is the most basic one. The cell, the unit of each organic being, animal or plant, represents an idea, strictly linked to Plastic Tree’s concept, meaning that it is eternal and unchangeable and it relates to everyday’s life, as the single songs represent. And now... let’s review!

-Cell. [existence of an idea]: the title-track introduces the album, where some confusing noises open the theme, with a fast and rhythmical rock sound, built in a pretty unpredictable structure (a strong feature of this band’s sound) and Ryutaro’s voice which goes even to nasal tones; a decent introduction for the release. ---> 8.5/10

-Melancholic [melancholy which can be defeated]: the track coming from the eighteenth single is introduced by Akira’s piercing guitar, in a balanced rhythm, helped by Tadashi’s relevant bass lines; Ryutaro’s voice is cutting and developes up a well structured song, which is simple and enjoyable. ---> 8.5/10

-Harusaki Sentimental (Sentimental blooming of spring) [melting love letter]: coming from their seventeenth single, this song is introduced by a soft piano melody, where Ryutaro’s voice goes on fleble, flowing soft in the melody; then the rhythm becomes stronger and the vocals are more intense, for one of the most appreciated songs by this band. ---> 9/10

-Danse Macabre [senseless dance]: some noises open a distorted song, where Tadashi goes strong with his bass, developing a sound with dark shades, as by title; Ryutaro’s voice is strong and quite dim, for an energetic dark rock song. ---> 8.5/10

-Kaibutsu-kun (Monster friend) [uncertain reality, which brings to madness]: a raging guitar retakes the style of the previous track, where the bass lines are even more powerful; this time Ryutaro uses more limpid tones, making his interpretation quite distinctive for a rapid song like this one. ---> 8.5/10

-Crackpot [in life, the real destination is always unclear]: an electronic melody opens this song, with a soft melody, driven by Akira’s relevant guitar and Ryutaro’s simple vocals, with a peculiar attention to the rhythm which makes it more and more interesting inside the album. ---> 9/10

-「Yuki hotaru」(Snow firefly) [nothing is totally black or white]: this track, coming from the sixteenth single, is introduced by a vibrant melody, leading up to a slow theme, along with Ryutaro’s warm and passionate vocals; then this ballad kicks off a more relevant rhythm, for an engaging and deep track, even thanks to the awesome guitar. ---> 9/10

-Comic Youth [irony of human life]: this time the guitar is more living in this song, inside a more dynamic and beating theme, helped by the drums; the vocals go on with a great energy and the guitar accompains them until the final second of the song, for a whirling perfomance by Akira; a really catchy theme. ---> 9/10

-Harienju (Black locust tree) [seeking the death as a way to escape]: this song represents the peak of Cell., where the guitar, with intense touches, open the theme, in a steady and extreme rhythm, empowered by strong riffs; Ryutaro, as in his best moments, start soft and relaxing, becoming more and more energetic, where the instruments build up a complex and structured atmosphere; a great song, in pure Plastic Tree style. ---> 9.5/10

-Uwanosora (Distraction) [a memory which distracts from reality]: a rapid rhythm opens the song, in a cheerful rock sound, enriched by electronic effects; the vocals are quite standard, as the melody, which has some upbeat vibes, for a simpler and anyway catchy track. ---> 9/10

-Yume no shima (Dream island) [not belonging to a single reality]: the classical guitar introduces this song, in a more melodious and slow paced theme, where Ryutaro shows off his best tones, in a dreamy and enjoyable rock theme, where the instrumental part is really fundamental. ---> 9/10

-Untitled: the album ends up with a bonus track, where the guitar kicks off in an adrenalinic sound, helped by the extreme bass lines and the pounding rhythm; then some confusing vocals join the theme, for a track which, in my opinion, appears out of context and a bit useless. ---> 7.5/10

Final Vote ---> 9/10

The visual kei scene and in general the Japanese rock has been always famous because of those acts which created a peculiar image, which often is quite hard to untie. Probably Plastic Tree can be considered one of the most relevant examples, as their style has been always object of discussion, especially for the meaning of some songs or whole releases. In Cell., the third most sold out full release for them, we can assist to a unique development, made between a simple but fundamental image, surrounded by the songs, showing off their remarkable and eccentric sound, where the slower and more passionate ones are likely the most worth of note. Because the feelings are the main device this band uses for creating astonishing melodies, with particular vocal interpretations and sometimes refined instrumental performances, which will always make them the band that many people love and admire. An album for who needs to know better Plastic Tree, with all their shades and variations.

That’s all folks! See you for the final part of the themed week, in “Focusing on”!

Thanks for the reading!

*Sorry for the delay*