Another success for Daiyztripper with Humaloid

DaizyStripper are ever-changing. There is a great wide world of musical techniques out there and they seem determined to try it all! Well, so far they’re doing a damned good job of sampling everything in their reach.

In addition to the romantic, hit-material track with its pretty music video and full-force promotion, “Kanojo ha Emerald,” the mini album is full of new ideas yet it can’t quite be called “experimental” as for DaizyStripper, this is simply the modus operandi.With six tracks in all, Humaloid is rather like a Whitman’s Sampler, a chocolate box where each piece is made of fine quality chocolate; all tasty, all original.

Coming second on the track list, “Kanojo ha Emerald” would be the Messenger Boy, delicious in its simplicity yet intricate in design. The track has an exciting undercurrent of drums and guitar but the swiftly flowing vocal melody is catchy and guaranteed for easy remembrance. What exactly it means for “her to be emerald” may be a mystery, but the phrase is as catchy as the tune and carries a spark of passionate infatuation for that heart-warming, summer-fling feeling.

Humaloid is well named as the various tracks cover a variety of emotions from the thrilling romance of “Kanojo ha Emerald” to the bitter, emo turns of “1999.” The highlight of this dark opening track–and a pleasant surprise with this release–comes in the verses. Following the intriguing opening full of anticipation-stirring musical beeps, Yugiri comes in singing of his crimes and wondering why he still lives… entirely in English. What’s more, his pronunciation is impressively understandable. The chorus takes a more cheerful turn from the deeply “emo” verses, Yugiri’s tone instantly brightening along with the switch to Japanese.

If “Kanojo ha Emerald” is a sparkling whirlwind of infatuation, then “Paradise Lost” is more like heart-felt young love held dear even after the inevitable fall-out. With its sweet “I love you baby, I love you baby, forever baby, remember baby,” that then takes the melody a step higher and higher again, the tune makes a strong impact. Despite twinkling opening piano, the chorus contrasts with a sense of strictness in other parts of the piece. In particular, the verse and instrumental guitar bring a tough edge to the story.

“Tokyo Horizon–NIGHT and DAY–” brings back the more generic sound DaizyStripper are so good at but next to “Kanojo ha Emerald” it’s almost a non-entity and holds the least listening value on the mini album. However, a run of piano under the vocals spruces it up a little before the end. “CLUB “KILLING”,” though, redeems vigorously with rattling drums and testosterone-charged voices shouting between Yugiri’s piercing vocals as DaizyStripper welcome you to their club. Yet this club sounds more like a “fight club” than a place for dancing; a raucous, fun number.

The final track, “Reincarnation,” is slightly confusing as for a moment, it seems that DaizyStripper have been taken over by girugamesh but the energetic chorus of rappers brings spirit to the hyper number, followed up by Yugiri’s own cool rap style. Guitars take on effects like lazer guns, the musicians playing with different techniques to keep listener’s on their toes.

Such variety and quality in only six songs really brings home the leaps and bounds DaizyStripper have made in their five year run. 2012 so far has been half a year of sold-out shows and abounding success and Humaloid is another victory to the collection, heading up the second half of the year.

Regular Edition: 6 track CD

 Type A: 6 track CD + DVD (“Kanojo ha Emerald” music Clip + off-shot + music slip”)

 Type B: 6 track CD + DVD (Jan 21 2012 Yokohama BLITZ oneman live: BOOTLEG 1. Zero Crysis 2. 5xSTARZ 3. aquarium 4. 4.36.5℃ + off-shot )

Track List

1. 1999
2. Kanojo ha Emerald
3. Paradise Lost
4. Tokyo Horizon-NIGHT and DAY-
5. Club “Killing”
6. Reincarnation