The new album from Ryokuoushoku Shakai, Channel U, taps into the frequency of our moods and gives them the right colours. Review.
CHANNEL U – RYOKUOUSHOKU SHAKAI
∩ marks a transition between two realities. We then enter Magic Hour, a romantic pop track full of synth bubbles and always bright, followed by the optimistic nostalgia of Bokura wa ikimono dakara. Then, Channel Me gets intriguing through its progression. The band moves through the tracks according to their moods, resulting in a mix of danceable pop, 8-bit sounds, folk, rock, jazz… fragments of unfinished songs that feel distinctly theirs.
The return to a more traditional structure comes with the funky, acid-laced Baka no hitotsu oboe. This breakup story is followed by the cabaret-jazz atmosphere of Each Ring. The colours fade, giving way to pastel tones on Summertime Cinderella, which, as its title suggests, sounds sweet and romantic, and on Ienai. The melancholic yet catchy Coffee to Marshmallow closes this chapter on goodbyes. U confirms it as it leads us through a portal back to some reality. Or some dream.
But there’s no stopping here! The saturation of colours roars with Party!!, an unmissable bop, vibrating with good vibes! It’s followed by a true banger, the fascinating, enchanting, and explosive Hana ni natte. A track that will speak to anime fans as much as anyone else. To close Channel U, Ryokuoushoku Shakai allows itself one final tender, somewhat epic detour with Aurora wo sagashi ni. We’re transported back to 1995, where we find a deep, unwavering love wrapped in nostalgia and trust. The piano stops. A final breath, and we need to take a step back to admire the canvas painted by this intense journey.
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