ketchup mania - U.R.G.E

By akfgfan

U.R.G.E

Artist: ketchup mania
Type: Album
Release Date: 05/09/2007

My Rating

Songs - 9/10
Transitions - 8/10
Length - 7/10
Song Quality - 10/10
Overall - 8.5/10

Review

U.R.G.E is one of ketchup mania’s most recent albums. It was recently released in the United States by JapanFiles.com online for English fans to purchase. This album focuses much more on the rock genre, introducing songs that are sure to please many fans.

The album has an odd start with the track "Welcome to the Ketchup World". It is around forty seconds long and acts as an introduction to the second track, "Kiss". Unlike the first track, "Kiss" has a gutsy rock theme that instantly catches your attention and leaves you wanting more. Unfortunately, "Handcuffs of Love" doesn’t follow the same rock melody, but rather reverts to a punk inspired melody. It makes the transition between the first few songs a little odd and awkward.

It isn’t until track five, "Tokyo", that the rock theme is revived on this album. "Tokyo" has a great jutting guitar melody that leads the song and vocalist Hiro. I also love how the other band members sing along in parts of the chorus, adding a new dynamic that isn’t heard on many of ketchup mania’s songs.

"Tokyo" acts as the forerunner for a string of rock songs including "Juicy Candy", "Doubt Mail", and "All OK". The guitar, bass, and drums really stand out on these tracks, highlighting the abilities Dai, Yosei, and Wani; it is quite a treat as the emphasis on past songs had traditionally been Hiro’s vocals. The added emphasis on the instruments also adds a whole new dynamic to their songs. Instead of hearing constant drumming, there are clear solos and secondary melodies being introduced into the songs. I love it!

The album comes to a close with the song "POP POP POP POP POP POP POP LOLiPOP". I dare you to say that ten times in a row! Although the title is quite a mouthful, the track is rather pleasant and has some jazzy influences which can be heard in the chorus. The guitarist, Dai, also has a fantastic solo near the end. Although the album ends with a punk song, I was quite glad to see ketchup mania branching out a bit into the rock genre in this album. Sticking to one genre can become monotonous and this album shows the band’s will to steer away from that direction.

Thank you to JapanFiles.com for providing this album for review! Please visit their official site for more information on the album!

Official Tracklist

1. Bastards
2. Sunshine Girl
3. Maronska
4. Life Size
5. L.O.V.E.
6. Bye-Bye
7. My Manual
8. melt
9. Hime no Omoi
10. Lucky Star

Where Can You Buy the Album?

JapanFiles.com

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