Album Review
Title:  CORE
Artist:  Kagrra,
Release date:  January 9, 2008
www.pscompany.co.jp/kagrra,/

     CORE starts out with no surprises.  "Irodori no sanka" is a very typical sounding Kagrra song.  There's a bit of rock that's offset by Isshi's soft vocals.  The song isn't quite fast, but it's not a ballad.  They put in some traditional Japanese instruments (or perhaps replicated on a keyboard) in minor keys to give it that 'Japanese' feel.  It's kind of boring if you've listened to earlier albums and the use of old world Japanese music feels old hat. 

     Kagrra can't seem to stay away from the jazz influences either.  But instead of something rockin' and cool, the jazzy bits turn into the kind of lounge music heard in a hotel lobby.

     All the shivery, spine tingling bits that Kagrra used to produce are gone in Core.  Isshi's frail tenor, instead of a delicious ghost-like promise of adventure is more like the tired echo of a dead pop star.

     Luckily, three songs in CORE are redeeming.  "Sai," "Kamikaze" and "Shin Hyakkiyakou" pick up the pace and are reminders that Kagrra is a rock band, an innovative rock band with the ability to experiment but still create catchy melodies while integrating old world influences.

Tracklist

1. irodori no sanka

2. ujou

3. shigatsu tsuitachi

4. Guilty

5. boukyaku no hate no kogoeta kodoku

6. sai

7. kaze no kioku

8. kamikaze

9. yuki koi uta

10. shin hyakkiyakou