Shizuku (Normal Edition)(Japan Version)

In recent years, it has become a bit of a fad to integrate traditional instruments and musical styles into contemporary popular music. Often times, these fusion works are rather self-conscious, zealously calling attention to their own designs. Basically, what was once fresh and innovative has pretty much become standard fare, another detail to give so-and-so's new plug more talking points. What makes Kagrra,'s new work so outstanding then is that the band is (still) playing with traditional sounds - and for the whole album, not just a token track - but the music feels comfortable, complete, and organic. Rather than focusing on instruments and interludes, Kagrra, creates an overall atmosphere with Shizuku.

Kagrra,'s new album is quite visual, and I don't mean that in a visual kei sense. (Actually, I've never been a big fan of visual kei; I like pageantry as much as anyone, but after a certain point, it just distracts from the music.) Shizuku is visual not because of the band's costumes and makeup, but because of the imagery conjured by their lyrics, compositions, and arrangements. At times, the album sounds like it could be the soundtrack for an anime period series. Case in point is the quietly epic opening track, Utakata, which lead vocalist Isshi sings in a gentle, unrushed manner. The song flows in a smooth legato, with a drifting, almost dreamy quality as subtle strains of string weave through the crescendoing melody.

Gentle is not the most commonly used word to describe visual kei rock bands, but that is exactly the feeling Kagrra, evokes, a contrast of calm against clamor to create a distinctly identifiable style of music. Utakata is only the introduction to a remarkably consistent album, with songs like Kaze (Track 3), "Restoration" (Track 4), "Looking at Rosy Winter" (Track 8), and title track Shizuku (Track 9) continuing with the zen melding of traditional music into eminently listenable pop rock.

Where Kagrra, succeeds is that the fusion enhances, but does not constrict their music or creativity as the album still takes on a variety of sounds. "Thread of Destiny" (Track 6) and "[Shout]" (Track 7) remind me a bit of 80s rock, with their hook openings, repeating chords, and dramatically pop-friendly refrains. Sayonara (Track 2) feels more like a prototype J-rock track, while "Breaking the Vow" (Track 5) is a faster alt-rock number with frantic percussion and a meandering melody. This may sound like a fairly wide range, but all of the tracks return to that same overarching style and comfortable fluidity that makes the album so atmospheric and agreeable. Shizuku never grabs in an overt manner, but it just keeps pulling you in.