studs (Mini Album+DVD)(First Press Limited Edition)(Japan Version) DVD Region 2

The experience and comfort level is immediately apparent in the remarkably polished opening track. rain drop (Track 1) is a fairly straightforward rock number in composition and arrangement, making use of tried-and-true set-ups and transitions. From the introspective lyrics and the quiet guitar-strumming intro to the deliberate refrain and the inevitable crescendo, the rock anthem formula here is very familiar, but it's also very smoothly delivered, especially with Daisuke's trademark vocals. Few vocalists can make the jump from gentle whisper to gruff screaming as suddenly and seamlessly as Daisuke, and the track is lifted substantially by his abrupt bursts of rough vocals, especially near the end.

In contrast to the fairly controlled and placid rain drop, disclosure (Track 2) is a loud hard number that recalls the dark moodiness of kein and deadman. It starts straight off with gruff and piercing Daisuke, and is followed by our good friend, shrieking Daisuke. What does "rain is stand near" mean? Who knows, but repeatedly singing it in monotone makes for an effectively haunting underlay against the screaming. The fast, frantic, and interestingly paced thursday (Track 3) offers more throaty shrieking and some mean arrangements and instrumentation, particularly aie's guitar solo, but the track feels disconnected overall.

The cryptically titled spread from sister (Track 4) has what I would call a drunken melody, a bit tipsy in its jumps from mellow and whispered to forceful and wailing. Coupled with some odd pauses and pacing and a soaring refrain, the song maintains an appealingly raw emotional honesty, while playing around with different sounds. tonight is the night (Track 5) is the briskest track of the album, with an upbeat melody to complement its bittersweet lyrics of freedom and anticipation. The song seesaws between conventional and brilliant with its lively, but indistinct melody and rousing, but unassuming rendition, making for an oddly fitting close to this short and sweet mini album.

With experience comes expectations, and the studs' debut effort does not disappoint, although it falls short of unreserved praise as the band's musical identity remains unclear. At times, the album does feel like deadman with Daisuke. To be more than another band that feeds members to future bands, the studs will have to evolve into more than the sum of its parts. It'll take a bit more time to see what direction the band heads, but they're definitely off to a solid rocking start.