SID - Outsider
Amazingly, SID (pronounced 'shido') have been around for over 10 years now! To mark the occasion they released several compilation albums before closing out the year with Outsider, their latest studio offering.
The album kicks off with the electronic sounds of 'Laser', which sounds futuristic and fresh. The rest of the album has a more jazzy feel and I always imagine Las Vegas when I listen to this album.
That is, except, Mao's beautiful vocals are all in Japanese. Mao has a beautiful range and his ability to hold a note is almost shocking. The bass lines are heavy throughout and glorious, once again proving Aki's exceptional skill. Aki is one bassist who is likely to change your views on all bass players as musicians. The long running joke of bass players as failed guitarists is blown out of the water by Aki. Then again, the guitarist, Shinji, ain't bad. This is an understatement. There are not many who can riff like Shinji and his solos are powerful enough to make you play air guitar along. If you're lucky enough to see them live (or next best thing, YouTube) then watch Shnji's finger work, mind blowing. The beat throughout is kept effortlessly by Yuuya;s drumming and you'll want to dance to the beat the whole way through. There are no weak links in this band.
It shows whether on record or live that this band is tight. Outsider is no exception. Fans who have their 10th anniversary 'best of' CD will recognise track 'V.I.P' as the massive final track from that album. If you know it then you will have a fair idea of the rest of the album.
'Darling' is an infuriatingly catchy song that will leave you about ready to shag Mao's vocals. Honestly, this is my favourite song on the album and it is wonderful! Certainly a song to dance to.
'Hug' is a song with a slightly creepy video (why has Mao found a small child? Why was Aki looking back at that young woman?) but the song is stirring and beautiful. A hug really can make it all better.
Some fans say they prefer SID's earlier work and, although their earlier stuff was rockier, there is a maturity to their sound now. The legions of young fans who go to every show and hang on Mao's every word would seem to suggest this new, grown-up sound is popular as ever. I might be showing my age, but Outsider is one of my favourites (along with one of their early albums, 'Hoshino no Miyako' (2005) and Dead Stock (2011) - although all their albums are great).
The album kicks off with the electronic sounds of 'Laser', which sounds futuristic and fresh. The rest of the album has a more jazzy feel and I always imagine Las Vegas when I listen to this album.
That is, except, Mao's beautiful vocals are all in Japanese. Mao has a beautiful range and his ability to hold a note is almost shocking. The bass lines are heavy throughout and glorious, once again proving Aki's exceptional skill. Aki is one bassist who is likely to change your views on all bass players as musicians. The long running joke of bass players as failed guitarists is blown out of the water by Aki. Then again, the guitarist, Shinji, ain't bad. This is an understatement. There are not many who can riff like Shinji and his solos are powerful enough to make you play air guitar along. If you're lucky enough to see them live (or next best thing, YouTube) then watch Shnji's finger work, mind blowing. The beat throughout is kept effortlessly by Yuuya;s drumming and you'll want to dance to the beat the whole way through. There are no weak links in this band.
It shows whether on record or live that this band is tight. Outsider is no exception. Fans who have their 10th anniversary 'best of' CD will recognise track 'V.I.P' as the massive final track from that album. If you know it then you will have a fair idea of the rest of the album.
'Darling' is an infuriatingly catchy song that will leave you about ready to shag Mao's vocals. Honestly, this is my favourite song on the album and it is wonderful! Certainly a song to dance to.
'Hug' is a song with a slightly creepy video (why has Mao found a small child? Why was Aki looking back at that young woman?) but the song is stirring and beautiful. A hug really can make it all better.
Some fans say they prefer SID's earlier work and, although their earlier stuff was rockier, there is a maturity to their sound now. The legions of young fans who go to every show and hang on Mao's every word would seem to suggest this new, grown-up sound is popular as ever. I might be showing my age, but Outsider is one of my favourites (along with one of their early albums, 'Hoshino no Miyako' (2005) and Dead Stock (2011) - although all their albums are great).
Comments
Post a Comment