'SiX' is the new album from Japanese dance-vocal group Da-iCE; a group that consists of members Taiki Kudo (performer), Toru Iwaoka (performer), Yudai Ohno (vocalist), Sota Hanamura (vocalist) and Hayate Wada (performer). The group recently celebrated their tenth anniversary and the aptly titled 'Six' displays the group's ability to break new ground and is an album that successfully demonstrates their determination to experiment with different genres. The album consists of tracks that have been strong lead singles in their own right, with the group providing the opening track titled Dreamin' On for the popular anime series 'One Piece'. Alongside these lead singles, the album sees the group collaborate with a range of producers and writers to create a cohesive body of work that marks a growth in the group's sound and performance.
The opening track titled SiX is a fantastic introduction that feels spacious, building momentum that carries through into Easy Tasty a single featured as part of the 'Senses' singles collection. EASY TASTY is a light and energetic single, with Ohno and Hanamura's vocals bouncing off one another in perfect balance. This is a joyful classic pop single, with a thumping disco-like beat that is accompanied by bright synth chords that constantly maintains high energy throughout. One noticeable progression from Da-iCE's previous work is that this album heavily displays this duo-vocal dynamic, with Ohno and Hanamura's vocals at the forefront of the singles allowing the production to take a step back. Their vocal range and the variety in the singles alone showcases their talent for adapting to different genres whilst still maintaining the sound of 'Da-iCE'.
Dreamin' On has been a strong single and was well received, with the music video currently at six million views. For many, this single will be their introduction to the group; it marks a significant change from their usual sound. With heavier guitar instrumentals and soaring vocals, this track is full of high energy and charisma.
Time is Life is the fourth track on the album and features all five members on vocals. Wada, Kudo and Iwaoka lend their vocals on this bright pop-inspired track reminiscent of songs like Paradive in terms of its forward optimism. This track is sure to be a favourite among fans and will translate well into their live performances.
The middle section of the album explores the group's new pop soundscape, with Found it and amp composed by member Taiki Kudo. The singles draw upon elements of hip-hop and electro-pop creating movement that feels designed for dance. Structurally, Found it and amp once again displays the strength of this duo-vocal dynamic but it is also conscious in allowing space for performance. Compared to Time is Life, Found it and amp slowly unravel and marks a nice change in tempo leading into Revolver that is high paced and darker in tone. Featuring a collaboration with 'BLUE ENCOUNT', a Japanese alt-rock band, this single sees the group moving into new territory, with rock guitar riffs and fast-paced vocals. Conversely, Love Song is a beautiful ballad composed and written by Tachahito Uchisawa, member of the rock band 'androp'. This song provides a break from the heavy production and emphasises the duo-vocal dynamic with its slow tempo allowing room for vocal display. Image is a piano-based ballad positioned on the album beside Love Song, providing a bridge between the two heavy tracks Revolver and Citrus. Citrus written by Hanamura and Kudo is possibly the most vocal focused track, with Hanamura demonstrating his four-octave range with ease.
Special One is the penultimate track on the regular version of the album and exudes brightness with its swinging piano and vocal melodies. This song sums up the feelings conveyed throughout the album, as 'SiX' marks an important moment in the group's career.
Melody is the concluding track on the regular version of this album, and features all five members singing their respective vocal parts. The chorus sees all members singing in unison and is the perfect ending to 'SiX'. Overall, this album is a cohesive body of work that sees the group entering new genres while also maintaining sounds explored in their previous work. 'SiX' displays ten years of growth and is a promising indication of where the group will go next.
Check out Da-iCE's new album 'SiX' - released on the 20.01.2021
Favourite tracks: SiX, Easy Tasty, Found it and Time is Life.
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