Review: SixTones - New Era

 When it comes to J-Pop groups, no one group has amazed me in their first year as much as SixTones. Their January debut, 'Imitation Rain', might be my favorite debut this year. And its follow up 'Navigator' also lived up to the promise. Let us also not forget 'New World' and 'Telephone', The group's consistency this year has been incredible. Thus, 'New Era' has heavy expectations on it.

From moment one, this track screams confidence. We are quickly shown the chorus. It is epic with modulation between rap and vocals, I will talk about it in a minute. The verse has serious anime and rock vibes throughout, with a high tempo. However, the melodic pre-chorus is where the song really grabs your attention. Its anthemic vibe and building energy instantly one me over. The heavy use of guitar seals the deal.

The chorus is anime-like (actually from an anime). The group sings a melodic line together with rap interjections thrown throughout. This works better than expected, and SixTones rappers are more than capable for the task.

The second verse is a rapped verse but in the best way. It stays edgy throughout while allowing the song to move forward. The song ends in a traditional instrumentation-based breakdown, one which I would extend by a minute. Overall, SixTones continue their consistency. And while this is no Imitation Rain, it is still fantastic.

Rating: 9/10

Note: the song officially comes out in November, but I will still count it as an October release.

Photo Source: Tokyohive

Note: This embedded is the short version YouTube version, the full version is slightly longer with another verse or so, but I won't change the score unless it is drastically different as 'Navigator' was.

Update: It sounds even better now with the full version. I still think it's my least favorite SixTones single, but it now is even closer to 9.25 than it was before.