New album by Kawaoto Nozomi, Endroll, rolls almost too fast on the screen. Both nostalgic and energetic, here’s the review of Japanese pop singer’s new album.
ENDROLL – KAWAOTO NOZOMI
If I’m currently trying to learn the language, I still don’t understand all the words sung by Kawaoto Nozomi. Still, I know that it’s all about sweetness, heart, dreams and ambitions. It’s that pop-rock sound that resonates through and through that tells me. The introduction of her new album, Endroll, is incredibly bright with its orchestral bits along with her clear vocals, Hajimari no Melody is made for radio, and as a first track, it really sparks. On the funk side, That’s Allright follows and bears the same qualities, with arrangements leaning towards electro and a solo successfully coming from classic rock.
But radio isn’t the only medium that will win great tunes. Endroll has obvious cinematographic qualities here. The texture and the flavour of the song, and of its guitar solo, are flexible enough to adapt to all kinds of endings. And that’s its main strength. Owariyuku Memory and Ao are also brilliant as they fit magnificently with the end of an act, a series or a game, with a small dose of nostalgia laid on colourful pop. A lot sweeter, Shiroi Yakusoku is a ballad that strengthens Kawaoto’s vocals and brings them to another impressive, high, clear and shivering level.
After the pain contained in Yoake no Mado, Kiseki no Hikari takes another direction, bubbly and catchy. A beautiful contrast… but Kawaoto doesn’t stop there, as she presents the explosive alternative rock Don’t-Pass-Me-By – my favourite, of course. By choosing Last magic to close Endroll, Kawaoto Nozomi makes me want to hear more from her. Vivid, the classical way she sings is wonderfully balanced by the powerful guitars that come along. It’s a highly satisfying album that will no doubt interest anyone curious.