The Greatest Unknown by King Gnu was released on the 29th of November, and it’s a treat! Review of the multi-faceted album.
THE GREATEST UNKNOWN – KING GNU
At first, I felt small in front of the immensity and light reflections on MIRROR, despite its shortness. カメレオン (CHAMELEON) follows exactly in a breath. It’s a soothing and comforting rain that sings along with the incredible and aerial Satoru Iguchi in his highest notes. Then, DARE?? is the perfect bridge between this track and the first banger of the record, SPECIALZ. Undoubtedly mischievous and at least twice as sexy, it’s an unmissable.
From its psychedelic bridge to its screaming guitars, its deep bass, and its anthemic drums, everything is hypnotic. And when it’s over, the need for water grows again… for a split second as 一途 (Ichizu) enters with its ravishing and demonic riff. The new version of this track, originally released as a single in 2021, gets longer with an ending made for a mosh-pit.
δ (Delta), a classic and soft interlude, has 逆夢 (Sakayume) following. It’s all five minutes epic with a classical introduction and an operatic construction. Everything here feels deeply accomplished. Violin and guitars transport as much as the vocals and each new listen reveals a new side of the track. IKAROS changes the atmosphere into something vaporous. The acoustic guitars melt with each high on the production, whilst Tsuneta’s and Iguchi’s vocals create a lull. The head in the clouds, that’s when W●RKAHOLIC comes in – it’s an alarm, a warning, with fascinating bass. And then, the threat is carried out with ) :阿修羅: ( (Asura) with smashing bass and drums. Kazuki Arai and Yu Seki are the respective masters of those deadly lines.
千両役者 (Senryo Yakusha) is a joyous sound typhoon, a light redesign of the single version of 2020, for something with strong electro undertones in its verses. The results of this adjusted production, closer to their identity now, is a storm and 硝子窓 (GLASS WINDOW) is the ideal lyrical counterpoint. 泡 (Abuku) magnificently follows. It rolls like an inner sound with its soothing and regular heartbeats… the urge to live boils.
2 M O Я O is a bubbling water. Both literally and figuratively, the invitation is found in the lyrics as much as in this relaxing atmosphere. Booms in the explosive STARDOM, a hymn made for stadiums, that the band recently filled during their Japan tour. SUNNY SIDE UP is another welcome interlude after so much raw energy. 雨燦々 (Ame Sansan) is its logical extension, where the rain turns into determination and resilience. Again, from the guitar and bass, they drip with optimism. And BOY keeps that tone, a dose of carelessness and adventure on top, superbly translated by its orchestral arrangement and that solo… is it actually legal?
Ultimate break before the end, 仝 (Dou) welcomes a monsoon, thunder crossing the night before the sky clears up for 三文小説 (Sanmon Shosetsu). Dark clouds slowly fade away as the song progresses. ЯOЯЯIM closes the record, going through the glass mirror again, as the irreproachable response to MIRROR.
Whether it is with new tracks or touched-up already-released singles, King Gnu really built a harmonious piece here. Daiki Tsuneta’s compositions and productions are simply splendid. A touch of funk in its rock, a dash of electro in its ballad, a zest of folk in its classical music… The Greatest Unknown is a complete and absolute success for King Gnu. It’s one of my favourites this year too… As soon as this record, which is exactly one hour long, finishes, here I am, already thirsty again. King Gnu is water.
Very addictive water.
Now Playing: SPECIALZ
