Experience Something New With A(Ace)’s Single Black Butterfly

Reviewing such a broad and eclectic sound as A(Ace) whip up on their new single Black Butterfly is not an enviable task, I can assure you. With so much going on in every musical direction, it gets a little busy at times but the overall result is a musical smorgasbord that will leave you full and happy as long as you don’t overeat.

“Black Butterfly” doesn’t sound at all like A(Ace) to begin with. At least, not what you’d expect from them. It goes from a creepy little tune that would have suited the X Files to a wicked deep guitar riff to whirring, almost electronic metal before we find the first hints of A(Ace)with the deep, masked tones of vocalist Nimo. Finally, the chorus embodies the very essence of the band, violin stepping up while Nimo’s voice soars free. A strong melody and simple but effective lyrics paint some gorgeous imagery before the violin solo takes off, tinted with that darker Renaissance sound. Mucho Gracias, on guitar, then executes a skilful solo, though sometimes “impressive technique” is not always the most of entertaining sounds. The final chorus is performed by a choir or men, Nimo speedily singing his soulful input into the intermissions. The final flourish concludes in a string of rising and falling trills via violin virtuoso, Rookie Fiddler, making for a satisfyingly dramatic finish.

“Devil’s Voice” is predictably dark, the opening choir and screeching violin creating a deeply Gothic atmosphere that screams of the “Faust” myth. The English lyrics are well written, avoiding the cheesy through deep, lilting melodies and the grabbing chorus tune. In fact, the song could as easily have been written by Evanescence.

The final exciting highlight of the CD is A(Ace)’s rendition of the popular Neon Genesis Evangelion anime opening theme, “Zankoku na Tenshi no Teze” (aka “Cruel Angel’s Thesis.”) Falling piano arpeggios mask the entry. However, the song is instantly recognizable as the violin comes in beautifully where you would normally hear the opening lyrics. Nimo is, in fact, singing along, just drowned out by the sweet lyrical tones of the strings. In steps the choir accompanied by a brilliant drum solo, segueying sharply into the world of rock, only with a violin to spice things up. Add in some jazz piano, a few sparse strums on guitar and Nimo’s solid voice singing the familiar tune and you’ve got a brand new, unbelievably complicated, entertaining version of a song that’s been heard a thousand times – just never quite like this. At times it sounds like Rookie Fiddler and Nimo are simultaneously performing two different songs yet it all comes together in the chorus and if you’re not singing along, you’d better have a good excuse.

This is a great single for any music lover but the recommendation is for you who love Neon Genesis Evangelion. A(Ace)’s version of “Zankoku na Tenshi no Teze” with have you rocking out to fond memories yet bring a whole you meaning to the old favorite. Don’t miss the cover of the decade!

3 Track CD

Track List

1. Black Butterfly
2. Devil’s Voice
3. Zankoku na Tenshi no Teze (Cover)