FEST VAINQUEUR’s inspired album: GENERATION

We all have our inspirations and more often than not we want to share them with the world. FEST VAINQUEUR are no different as they release their first concept album, GENERATION. The album is split into two CDs, one with six original songs and another with five cover songs. The original half is titled Outbreak, the other Timeless which contains famous songs FEST VAINQUEUR’s members were influenced by.

The songs on Outbreak are all radiant with energy, starting with the title song “Kiseki no tsubasa.” Its catchy chorus and overall composition make it a good choice to open, forming a positive vibe for the listener before coming into the heavier sound of the second track, “INVISIBLE.” Meanwhile, “Evil Disco~somnambulism~” almost mixes the genres from the previous two songs, combining pop and rock to a playful dance track with an edge, showing that FEST aren’t overly serious as they flirt with styles. It’s clear that despite the short track list of Outbreak, FEST VAINQUEUR are trying something different with each one.

“Σ-shiguma-” shakes things up with heavy guitars and an addition of keyboard, adding a welcomed bite before the fifth track “GIFT” pleasantly softens up with an energetic ballad, HAL’s voice soaring to new levels on the high melody line. Finally, the limited edition bonus track, “DECIDE,” completes the disc with rough guitar riffs and though it is not the strongest track of the release, it leaves you wanting more just in time to switch CDs  for a different experience with FEST VAINQUEUR’s cover songs.

Timeless starts off solidly with a catchy hard-rock cover of Penicillin’s “ROMANCE,” double guitars and drums presenting the song in a heavy, upbeat style while HAL gives his own version of the memorable vocal line. Next up, the intro to “GOLDFINGER’99” will probably sound familiar, even while the trumpets have been replaced by down-tuned strings. To be fair, it is not a direct cover of Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ la Vida Loca” but a cover of a cover—Go Hiromi made Japanese lyrics to the song. Though the original song remains unmistakable, with their heavier, swinging interpretation and HAL’s sultry delivery of the lyrics, FEST manage to make even this song sound cool. Almost.

Throughout Timeless, FEST VAINQUEUR maintain their sound with more heavy, modern-day versions of Jrock nineties Classics, hallowing the originals while presenting them with their own style. After the vibrant and exciting Maki Oguro’s “Atsukunare” (containing female vocals in duet) and GLAY’s feisty “Kanojo no ‘’Modern…’’’’ however, the rock-energy burns down before building up again towards the pinnacle of the release in the well-known rock ballad, “I DON’T WANT TO MISS A THING” originally by Aerosmith. Unlike “GOLDFINGER’99,” this song kept its original English lyrics and HAL approaches their emotional impact rather closely as he cries them out. While he doesn’t quite stay in key and perfect pronunciation for the entire song, he emulates the original loose style well. As this last cover stays very loyal to its original version, it will probably depend on your feelings about the song in general as to whether or not this is a satisfying ending to the CD. Most importantly, it remains an honest tribute and spectacular in all its cheesiness.

With GENERATION, FEST VAINQUEUR provide both new and refreshing music and turn old classics into new trends. Together, both CDs certainly deliver but separately each has a certain charm of its own. Outbreak proves the band’s potential and flexibility in use of style but Timeless exceeds by forming a rock-solid collection of songs that are each as strong the next. On top of that is the energy and fun you can sense in every track; FEST VAINQUEUR were definitely inspired, and with GENERATION they honor those who inspired them while themselves continuing to grow and hopefully inspiring others in turn.

Type A: Two 5 track CDs + DVD (“Kiseki no tsubasa” music video + off shot)

Type B: Two 5 track CDs

Limited Edition: One 6 track CD + One 5 track CD

Track lists

Outbreak

1. Kiseki no tsubasa
2. INVISIBLE
3. Evil Disco~somnambulism~
4. Σ-shiguma-
5. GIFT
6. DECIDE

Timeless

1. ROMANCE
2. GOLDFINGER’99
3. Atsukunare
4. Kanojo no“Modern…”
5. I DON’T WANT TO MISS A THING