Kuchu Puzzle is KOTOKO's 6th full length studio album released this November 20, 2013 under Warner Home Video. The album contains the A-sides of her previous singles Light my fire, →unfinished→, Restart, and Loop-the-Loop.
With KOTOKO now on her 2nd album under WHV, she needs to pick up the pace to constantly put up her brand, a brand now untagged from her previous I've Sound label. Is she still doing good outside of the I've circle?
Tracklist:
1. My-Les
2. WING OF ZERO -the ring-
3. Kuchu Puzzle
4. frozen fir tree
5. Light my fire
6. Damare yo, Peter
7. SHOOT! -KOTOKO Ver.-
8. fushi-gino-ana
9. Rock☆DE fruits basket ♪
10. Sakura no Ame mo Egi no yo
11. Loop-the-Loop
12. Restart
13. P◇lyG△n
14. →unfinished→ -Album Ver.-
1. My-Les
Lyrics: KOTOKO
Composition and Arrangement: Saitou Shinya
The album starts strong with a song of a genre KOTOKO has been very proficient at. The subdued introductory synths eventually bursting out into techno/trance goodness gives an element of surprise and the song draws entertainment factor from that very element. That's not a bad thing though, as My-Les constantly tries to hold that attention right from the start. The loudly prominent beats make your heart race, the powerful synths keep the mood energetic, and KOTOKO's vocals manage to deliver emotions anchored to the song while not letting go of the catchy element.
The contrasts work out and ironically complement each other to produce a track that is highly reminiscent of KOTOKO's roots. Indeed, the song resembles something I've Sound would have done. On the one side, it's something we've heard before. On the other, it's something that has come to define KOTOKO as an artist. Employing that forte, KOTOKO lives up to Shinya's work.
The vocal and instrumental highs and lows mesh for the song's dynamics and climactic character. The song starting and ending at the same mood sort of gives that personal touch. It does have the punch and the grasp, but the song has this innate tendency to run dry after some listens. Well, I guess that means you just can't have it all.
My-Les, to start off the album, is nonetheless the smartest choice. It serves its purpose and keeps up the adrenaline pumping.
2. WING OF ZERO -the ring-
Lyrics: KOTOKO
Composition and Arrangement: Kazuya Takase
The album continues on with more techno!
WING OF ZERO, the original version, prides on its clear, distinct techno beats. Seamless and clean. The vocals are edgy, dynamic, and have that angst-y mood. These vocal positives are further amplified by the subtle execution of the synths, which puts the spotlight on the vocal performance. That being said, the song draws its main energy from KOTOKO's vocals, which in turn, do manage to carry the whole song across.
The repetitive character of KOTOKO×I've techno/trance works may be called a trademark and therefore, is still much apparent on the song. Does it work its way through the song's ruin? Or does it work wonders? With this song fortunately, the trademark came out as an advantage, further unleashing its potential.
With WING OF ZERO -the ring-, Takase added a darker hint, infused the song with rock elements to come up with a rock/techno hybrid. The gritty and heavy (rock) but repetitive (techno) guitar riffs is a fine moment showing how well the hybridization works out. It does seem a little bit odd at first, most especially if you are so used to hearing the original version. But this version does have its strengths. The faster background beats contrast the slow vocal flow to essentially alleviate some of the song's repetitive character and, along with it, some boring elements.
Whichever of the two is better primarily depends on the listener's preference. The purely techno version and the rock/techno hybrid version both have different things to offer, and blend fine with the mood of the song and the vocals.
3. Kuchu Puzzle
Lyrics: KOTOKO
Composition: KOTOKO
Arrangement: Saitou Shinya
A techno introductory track, followed by a techno/rock hybrid, and now a rock/pop song with Kuchu Puzzle. Pretty coherent line-up arrangement so far, yeah?
Shinya made such a messy and fragmented composition with this song, with an accordingly messy vocal flow to boot. With messy, it means the song breaks out of the normal, structured, and clean formula of most ordinary songs. With the usual structured songs, it is often an easy challenge to hold and keep the listeners' attention, imposing this hunger for more listens. Deviating away from this formula, usually more work need be done to do the same feat. The possible upside, however, of such deviation is a unique touch to set apart the song from the mainstream. But this never erases the fact that the struggle to be memorable is there.
So was Kuchu Puzzle able to take on the challenge successfully? Sadly, no. It fails horribly. The fragmentation held down the song, abrupting hold of the listeners' attention and sounds utterly awkward most of the time. It gets stale really fast into the song. Confusing and all over the place. The fade out at the end doesn't help either. It only leaves the listeners still confused and clueless. Indeed, the song perfectly fits its title, like a puzzle with all the pieces scrambled all over.
This song's failure to take on the risk does not necessarily mean that messy compositions will not always work out. There are times when it does. In this particular case, however, it didn't. It was as if very little thought was put into the making of this song, a vital part of making such a song work out. Horrendously random.
4. frozen fir tree
Lyrics: KOTOKO
Composition and Arrangement: Satoshi Yaginuma
With the steep downfall of the third track, frozen fir tree better be excellent to help the album recover its momentum. And thank the heavens, it does help to an extent.
The song features the usual work by sat. Repetitive piano tunes and melody. This time, the track is neatly structured, so it is never a surprise that the song manages to be memorable. The only challenge now is to beef up the dynamics and never be stale.
frozen fir tree builds up the tension bit by bit, from the verses up to the climactic chorus. It helps that the chorus is climactic enough, to steal away the attention from the overly repetitive verses. The song's strong points include just that, plus the catchy tune to add an addictive element. However, the main selling point has got to be KOTOKO's work. The song shows more of KOTOKO's vocal prowess than the other tracks, thus far. All the falsettos and the high notes. It was definitely a treat to listen to KOTOKO show off what she can do, and do so well.
Yes, it may be generic as per sat's work standards, but yes, sat almost always makes songs which sound very similar with each other. That aside, the upbeat composition still does its work, with KOTOKO mainly managing to carry it all through with her vocal charm. In the end, the song still came out to be simply enjoyable.
5. Light My fire (Single Review)
Light My Fire was genius as a song. Now as part of this release, the song succeeds to redeem the whole album and bring it up to a high. All the tension, the grit, the power, the hype, everything shines through to overshadow the monstrosity that is Kuchu Puzzle. This song is most definitely still one of the highlights of this album.
6. Damare yo, Peter
Lyrics: KOTOKO
Composition and Arrangement: DECO*27
Now we get another rock song with Damare yo, Peter. But this time, a more subdued, light, and slow rock song, with subtle touches of guitar riffs. The overall mood of the song is quite chill and laid-back but still evokes a somewhat fun and cheery vibe. The major drawback, however, is that the song has too much of this laid-back and reserved mood, with the listener left hanging and wanting for more.
Why is that? It was probably because the track is too in between the genres of rock and pop. Damare yo, Peter is lost in between. While it tries to take the best of both worlds, it falls short of its goal and settles instead with mediocrity, in terms of both genres alone or as a hybrid. It lacks the hardcore punch of a rock song, and also lacks much of the fun element of a pop song. It sounds robotic for some parts, devoid of the happy-go-lucky attitude. The hushed rock elements work out just fine, so more of the fun element would have made the song way better. The last part had more of the fun, but only that part managed to fill the listeners with satiety.
Still quite enjoyable for some parts, but surely runs dry fast. It is sad that the song's potential was not harnessed all that much.
1. My-Les
2. WING OF ZERO -the ring-
3. Kuchu Puzzle
4. frozen fir tree
5. Light my fire
6. Damare yo, Peter
7. SHOOT! -KOTOKO Ver.-
8. fushi-gino-ana
9. Rock☆DE fruits basket ♪
10. Sakura no Ame mo Egi no yo
11. Loop-the-Loop
12. Restart
13. P◇lyG△n
14. →unfinished→ -Album Ver.-
1. My-Les
Lyrics: KOTOKO
Composition and Arrangement: Saitou Shinya
The album starts strong with a song of a genre KOTOKO has been very proficient at. The subdued introductory synths eventually bursting out into techno/trance goodness gives an element of surprise and the song draws entertainment factor from that very element. That's not a bad thing though, as My-Les constantly tries to hold that attention right from the start. The loudly prominent beats make your heart race, the powerful synths keep the mood energetic, and KOTOKO's vocals manage to deliver emotions anchored to the song while not letting go of the catchy element.
The contrasts work out and ironically complement each other to produce a track that is highly reminiscent of KOTOKO's roots. Indeed, the song resembles something I've Sound would have done. On the one side, it's something we've heard before. On the other, it's something that has come to define KOTOKO as an artist. Employing that forte, KOTOKO lives up to Shinya's work.
The vocal and instrumental highs and lows mesh for the song's dynamics and climactic character. The song starting and ending at the same mood sort of gives that personal touch. It does have the punch and the grasp, but the song has this innate tendency to run dry after some listens. Well, I guess that means you just can't have it all.
My-Les, to start off the album, is nonetheless the smartest choice. It serves its purpose and keeps up the adrenaline pumping.
2. WING OF ZERO -the ring-
Lyrics: KOTOKO
Composition and Arrangement: Kazuya Takase
The album continues on with more techno!
WING OF ZERO, the original version, prides on its clear, distinct techno beats. Seamless and clean. The vocals are edgy, dynamic, and have that angst-y mood. These vocal positives are further amplified by the subtle execution of the synths, which puts the spotlight on the vocal performance. That being said, the song draws its main energy from KOTOKO's vocals, which in turn, do manage to carry the whole song across.
The repetitive character of KOTOKO×I've techno/trance works may be called a trademark and therefore, is still much apparent on the song. Does it work its way through the song's ruin? Or does it work wonders? With this song fortunately, the trademark came out as an advantage, further unleashing its potential.
With WING OF ZERO -the ring-, Takase added a darker hint, infused the song with rock elements to come up with a rock/techno hybrid. The gritty and heavy (rock) but repetitive (techno) guitar riffs is a fine moment showing how well the hybridization works out. It does seem a little bit odd at first, most especially if you are so used to hearing the original version. But this version does have its strengths. The faster background beats contrast the slow vocal flow to essentially alleviate some of the song's repetitive character and, along with it, some boring elements.
Whichever of the two is better primarily depends on the listener's preference. The purely techno version and the rock/techno hybrid version both have different things to offer, and blend fine with the mood of the song and the vocals.
3. Kuchu Puzzle
Lyrics: KOTOKO
Composition: KOTOKO
Arrangement: Saitou Shinya
A techno introductory track, followed by a techno/rock hybrid, and now a rock/pop song with Kuchu Puzzle. Pretty coherent line-up arrangement so far, yeah?
Shinya made such a messy and fragmented composition with this song, with an accordingly messy vocal flow to boot. With messy, it means the song breaks out of the normal, structured, and clean formula of most ordinary songs. With the usual structured songs, it is often an easy challenge to hold and keep the listeners' attention, imposing this hunger for more listens. Deviating away from this formula, usually more work need be done to do the same feat. The possible upside, however, of such deviation is a unique touch to set apart the song from the mainstream. But this never erases the fact that the struggle to be memorable is there.
So was Kuchu Puzzle able to take on the challenge successfully? Sadly, no. It fails horribly. The fragmentation held down the song, abrupting hold of the listeners' attention and sounds utterly awkward most of the time. It gets stale really fast into the song. Confusing and all over the place. The fade out at the end doesn't help either. It only leaves the listeners still confused and clueless. Indeed, the song perfectly fits its title, like a puzzle with all the pieces scrambled all over.
This song's failure to take on the risk does not necessarily mean that messy compositions will not always work out. There are times when it does. In this particular case, however, it didn't. It was as if very little thought was put into the making of this song, a vital part of making such a song work out. Horrendously random.
4. frozen fir tree
Lyrics: KOTOKO
Composition and Arrangement: Satoshi Yaginuma
With the steep downfall of the third track, frozen fir tree better be excellent to help the album recover its momentum. And thank the heavens, it does help to an extent.
The song features the usual work by sat. Repetitive piano tunes and melody. This time, the track is neatly structured, so it is never a surprise that the song manages to be memorable. The only challenge now is to beef up the dynamics and never be stale.
frozen fir tree builds up the tension bit by bit, from the verses up to the climactic chorus. It helps that the chorus is climactic enough, to steal away the attention from the overly repetitive verses. The song's strong points include just that, plus the catchy tune to add an addictive element. However, the main selling point has got to be KOTOKO's work. The song shows more of KOTOKO's vocal prowess than the other tracks, thus far. All the falsettos and the high notes. It was definitely a treat to listen to KOTOKO show off what she can do, and do so well.
Yes, it may be generic as per sat's work standards, but yes, sat almost always makes songs which sound very similar with each other. That aside, the upbeat composition still does its work, with KOTOKO mainly managing to carry it all through with her vocal charm. In the end, the song still came out to be simply enjoyable.
5. Light My fire (Single Review)
Light My Fire was genius as a song. Now as part of this release, the song succeeds to redeem the whole album and bring it up to a high. All the tension, the grit, the power, the hype, everything shines through to overshadow the monstrosity that is Kuchu Puzzle. This song is most definitely still one of the highlights of this album.
6. Damare yo, Peter
Lyrics: KOTOKO
Composition and Arrangement: DECO*27
Now we get another rock song with Damare yo, Peter. But this time, a more subdued, light, and slow rock song, with subtle touches of guitar riffs. The overall mood of the song is quite chill and laid-back but still evokes a somewhat fun and cheery vibe. The major drawback, however, is that the song has too much of this laid-back and reserved mood, with the listener left hanging and wanting for more.
Why is that? It was probably because the track is too in between the genres of rock and pop. Damare yo, Peter is lost in between. While it tries to take the best of both worlds, it falls short of its goal and settles instead with mediocrity, in terms of both genres alone or as a hybrid. It lacks the hardcore punch of a rock song, and also lacks much of the fun element of a pop song. It sounds robotic for some parts, devoid of the happy-go-lucky attitude. The hushed rock elements work out just fine, so more of the fun element would have made the song way better. The last part had more of the fun, but only that part managed to fill the listeners with satiety.
Still quite enjoyable for some parts, but surely runs dry fast. It is sad that the song's potential was not harnessed all that much.
7. SHOOT! -KOTOKO Ver.-
Lyrics: KOTOKO
Composition: Satoshi Yaginuma
Arrangement: Saitou Shinya
Damare yo, Peter may have fallen short of donning that cheerful vibe, but this next track sure did the otherwise. SHOOT -KOTOKO Ver.- does a wonderful job at spicing up the album with its stand-out character.
The original version has more subtle synths. The vocals, however, fail to live up to the song's denpa nature. Some try hard to be cutesy but do not, in any way, pay regards and stay true to the song. The vocal performance fail to embody the happy mood, putting the great composition to total waste. It is a wonder how vocal units like this thrive in the industry with such a horrible vocal performance. With the spotlight on sat's work, the whole song still comes out nicely upbeat to listen to.
Now with KOTOKO's version, more pronounced and heavier synths amplify the hype and the energy. To come along with it are KOTOKO's vocals infused with so much more flavor and texture, relative to that of Ro-Kyu-Bu!'s. KOTOKO definitely lives up to the song's powerful dynamics. The vocals embody the denpa nature so well without being too cutesy. This just shows the immense gap between a veteran singer (like KOTOKO) and the trying-hard-to-be-cutesy girls of the unit.
The refrain is more cheery, and even the rehashed arrangement is better and more lively. KOTOKO sure brings out the full potential of the song so much that it makes you want to dance and play basketball in a field of flowers under the soft shine of the sun. Definitely better in every way than the original version.
SHOOT -KOTOKO Ver.- is one fun track and proves to be one of the album's glorious moments.
8. fushi-gino-ana
Lyrics: KOTOKO
Composition and Arrangement: Maiko Iuchi
After a fun track comes a song with a hint of mystery. fushi-gino-ana leans more towards light trance and progressive contemporary music, resembling tracks from Mami Kawada's LINKAGE album. This song stands out from the rest mainly because of the sheer uniqueness it offers: fast paced verses subsisting on a modernistic, ethereal feel.
It does not follow the usual formula many are familiar with, giving the song its individuality. While not much risks were taken to step out of the comfort zone, the song still has that experimental vibe to it, which is pretty nifty. It may seem odd and off for one's liking but it all came out nicer than expected. The vocals and instrumentals mesh well together for coherence. It is not the type of song that is good and takes you by surprise, but it is not too bad either. It's like not doing the usual stuff, but not venturing out there too far. It was a bit played safe.
Overall, the whole song seems to be shrouded in mystery, as much as it does pull off that mood itself quite fittingly. Weirdly tolerable.
Composition: Satoshi Yaginuma
Arrangement: Saitou Shinya
Damare yo, Peter may have fallen short of donning that cheerful vibe, but this next track sure did the otherwise. SHOOT -KOTOKO Ver.- does a wonderful job at spicing up the album with its stand-out character.
The original version has more subtle synths. The vocals, however, fail to live up to the song's denpa nature. Some try hard to be cutesy but do not, in any way, pay regards and stay true to the song. The vocal performance fail to embody the happy mood, putting the great composition to total waste. It is a wonder how vocal units like this thrive in the industry with such a horrible vocal performance. With the spotlight on sat's work, the whole song still comes out nicely upbeat to listen to.
Now with KOTOKO's version, more pronounced and heavier synths amplify the hype and the energy. To come along with it are KOTOKO's vocals infused with so much more flavor and texture, relative to that of Ro-Kyu-Bu!'s. KOTOKO definitely lives up to the song's powerful dynamics. The vocals embody the denpa nature so well without being too cutesy. This just shows the immense gap between a veteran singer (like KOTOKO) and the trying-hard-to-be-cutesy girls of the unit.
The refrain is more cheery, and even the rehashed arrangement is better and more lively. KOTOKO sure brings out the full potential of the song so much that it makes you want to dance and play basketball in a field of flowers under the soft shine of the sun. Definitely better in every way than the original version.
SHOOT -KOTOKO Ver.- is one fun track and proves to be one of the album's glorious moments.
8. fushi-gino-ana
Lyrics: KOTOKO
Composition and Arrangement: Maiko Iuchi
After a fun track comes a song with a hint of mystery. fushi-gino-ana leans more towards light trance and progressive contemporary music, resembling tracks from Mami Kawada's LINKAGE album. This song stands out from the rest mainly because of the sheer uniqueness it offers: fast paced verses subsisting on a modernistic, ethereal feel.
It does not follow the usual formula many are familiar with, giving the song its individuality. While not much risks were taken to step out of the comfort zone, the song still has that experimental vibe to it, which is pretty nifty. It may seem odd and off for one's liking but it all came out nicer than expected. The vocals and instrumentals mesh well together for coherence. It is not the type of song that is good and takes you by surprise, but it is not too bad either. It's like not doing the usual stuff, but not venturing out there too far. It was a bit played safe.
Overall, the whole song seems to be shrouded in mystery, as much as it does pull off that mood itself quite fittingly. Weirdly tolerable.
9. Rock☆DE fruits basket ♪
Lyrics: KOTOKO
Composition: KOTOKO
Arrangement: Hashizaki Tooru
And we're back on track with another rock song off the album! This song offers a three-way hybrid of rock, pop, and a little bit of denpa to deliver that cheerful vibe once again. The cheesy guitar lines and arrangement supporting KOTOKO's controlled vocals get the mood across. Lively, enjoyable, and exudes that typical anison feel.
KOTOKO has tons of denpa/pop songs in her entire repertoire, so what makes this song special? None. It is fun to listen to while you're at it, but eventually it becomes apparent how half-baked it actually is. The verses builds up tension, but the chorus fails to keep and increase this tension up until at a later part of the song. The fragments, the notes held longer than they should be, both destroy the continuity of the tonal execution. It would have a been a tad better if the composition was tweaked a bit and the energy pushed higher. All the inset verses shackles the song from going for it.
True enough, the song is more like the recent eroge themes by KOTOKO, but undoubtedly nowhere near as great as, say, Flower!!, or Koisuru mori no fairy tale, or even floating up. It is also nowhere near as cheery as her last album's Mirai Ressha.
The mood was there, but not quite laid out and executed properly. Still makes for an enjoyable track, nonetheless.
10. Sakura no Ame mo Egi no yo (Single Review)
Sakura no Ame mo Egi no yo is one hell of a memorable track when it was released back in 2012. It still is, now as part of Kuchu Puzzle, and duly brings the album up to glory once again. What's troubling however, is how it strikingly resembles frozen fir tree. It would have been forgivable if these two alike songs were released separately in two albums, but they're not. Now with these two sounding too the same and being in one album, the originality and individuality of the tracks in the album take the toll. Yes, both are decently good tracks but it was just wrong to have them together, unless the whole album itself is going for the oriental feel, then coherence justifies this choice.
In the end though, we still got two good songs in one album, no matter how alike they may be. So who are we to complain?
11. Loop-the-Loop
Lyrics: Kotoko
Composition: KOTOKO & Tomoyuki Nakazawa
Arrangement: Tomoyuki Nakazawa & Takeshi Ozaki
The aim for that marshmallow and candy paradise of happiness is not yet over, folks. Here we are again with more of fun and smiles.
Loop-the-Loop was released ages ago. A rock/pop/denpa hybrid that truly exemplifies genuine happiness. Though this song was not much expected to be in this album given that it was released under Geneon at the time, it was still definitely a smart choice to pick up.
The vocals don't sound too grating, unlike some other KOTOKO denpa songs, just the right tint of energy and cutesy. The instrumentals not too jarring, and the upbeat mood really attracts you and brightens your mood, instantly pulling you into the loop the loop world of happiness. The song prides on its perfect blend of rock and pop, mixed in with a great execution of denpa elements. It manages to stand out from the rest of KOTOKO's repertoire simply because the song fully went for it. No shackles but still controlled enough to not go into a heap of crazy cuteness. Easily one of the better denpa anime themes by KOTOKO.
Loop-the-Loop is undoubtedly the top-notch cheery track off the album.
12. Restart (Single Review)
Loop-the-Loop leads seamlessly to the pop/ballad song Restart. This song is the closest to a ballad that the album picked up. It may be generic and a bit forgettable when it was released back then, but it sure makes for a nice addition to the album, not too bad compared to the lows of some of the previous tracks. While it is the odd one out, genre- and feel-wise, the song undoubtedly fares to serve as a refresher, a mild cool-down near the end of the album.
Sure, Restart is just your average song but hearing it again as part of this album, it is never too hard to appreciate it at the very least. It just has this subtle charm to it that works out for the whole album, in general.
13. P◇lyG△n
Lyrics: KOTOKO
Composition and Arrangement: Kazuya Takase
And we're up against another new track produced by I've! The affinity of KOTOKO with Takase has been tested and proven over so many good techno/trance tracks this combination came up with in the past. P◇lyG△n is no exception.
The juicy techno goodness of this song manifests in its catchy beats, attitude, and flare to make it quite an electronic dance material. To go with it are KOTOKO's equally artsy vocals. The techno synths are lighter than we're used to with KOTOKO×Takase, but the layered effects, the angst-y trance sure do enhance the overall experience and succeeds to hold attention all throughout. What gives the song its quite unusual and nostalgic charm is, perhaps, the fact that once again, a KOTOKO×I've work made something closer to home.
P◇lyG△n kicks ass. Sure brings back memories of all the techno glory KOTOKO made with I've. Definitely one of the best new tracks from the album.
14. →unfinished→ -Album Ver.- (Single Review)
Lyrics: KOTOKO
Composition and Arrangement: Satoshi Yaginuma
So we're down to the last track off the album. The only significant change this album version has compared to the original version are the introductory piano synths, in place of the vocal intro.
A somewhat odd choice for the album's ending track, but it seems KOTOKO has this special attachment to the song, so not bad. Plus the song is techno through and through, much like the techno first track My-Les, so it fits just fine.
Looking past the prominent generic tag on →unfinished→ and focusing more on the positives, the song definitely has a catchy beat to it to sustain an addictive element and to make the repetitions work out. It does well with what it has, vocal- and composition-wise.
As a whole, Kuchu Puzzle is neatly decent. The highs are relatively not that high and some of the lows hit rock-bottom. The stand out new tracks must be My-Les, SHOOT -KOTOKO Ver.-, frozen fir tree, and P◇lyG△n. The others fail miserably to make a significant impact on the listeners and actually be memorable. In all, it is sad to see KOTOKO come up with such mediocrity but of course, mainly the producers she worked with are to blame. A bit worse than her previous album Hiraku Uchuu Pocket, and undoubtedly nowhere near as good as her 4 albums with I've.
Kuchu Puzzle includes a lot of I've-produced songs, just like Hiraku Uchuu Pocket. While it seems to give KOTOKO the upper hand, this means something else. KOTOKO may have left I've officially but I've's signature has been and always will be an integral part of KOTOKO's artistic definition. With that said, it actually is a win-win situation. We are still going to hear more of KOTOKO×I've, perhaps more future I've Girl compilations with KOTOKO, but she also get to work with other producers, as she may wish. The only sad thing is that she is no longer an official I've girl.
With KOTOKO basically out on her own, it is vital that she stay true to what she does best, probably even take a hand more on her own songs' composition to veer her career back on track, or at least have some sort of control over it. Seeing as how some of these producers mess up this album, it may be a risk worth taking. Remember her 3rd album UZU-MAKI? She's worked on compositions of a considerable number of songs in that album, and the end product was great. I guess being can be a prime example.
It is never too late for redemption. Who knows, maybe her 7th album comes out with a bang!
Composition: KOTOKO
Arrangement: Hashizaki Tooru
And we're back on track with another rock song off the album! This song offers a three-way hybrid of rock, pop, and a little bit of denpa to deliver that cheerful vibe once again. The cheesy guitar lines and arrangement supporting KOTOKO's controlled vocals get the mood across. Lively, enjoyable, and exudes that typical anison feel.
KOTOKO has tons of denpa/pop songs in her entire repertoire, so what makes this song special? None. It is fun to listen to while you're at it, but eventually it becomes apparent how half-baked it actually is. The verses builds up tension, but the chorus fails to keep and increase this tension up until at a later part of the song. The fragments, the notes held longer than they should be, both destroy the continuity of the tonal execution. It would have a been a tad better if the composition was tweaked a bit and the energy pushed higher. All the inset verses shackles the song from going for it.
True enough, the song is more like the recent eroge themes by KOTOKO, but undoubtedly nowhere near as great as, say, Flower!!, or Koisuru mori no fairy tale, or even floating up. It is also nowhere near as cheery as her last album's Mirai Ressha.
The mood was there, but not quite laid out and executed properly. Still makes for an enjoyable track, nonetheless.
10. Sakura no Ame mo Egi no yo (Single Review)
Sakura no Ame mo Egi no yo is one hell of a memorable track when it was released back in 2012. It still is, now as part of Kuchu Puzzle, and duly brings the album up to glory once again. What's troubling however, is how it strikingly resembles frozen fir tree. It would have been forgivable if these two alike songs were released separately in two albums, but they're not. Now with these two sounding too the same and being in one album, the originality and individuality of the tracks in the album take the toll. Yes, both are decently good tracks but it was just wrong to have them together, unless the whole album itself is going for the oriental feel, then coherence justifies this choice.
In the end though, we still got two good songs in one album, no matter how alike they may be. So who are we to complain?
11. Loop-the-Loop
Lyrics: Kotoko
Composition: KOTOKO & Tomoyuki Nakazawa
Arrangement: Tomoyuki Nakazawa & Takeshi Ozaki
The aim for that marshmallow and candy paradise of happiness is not yet over, folks. Here we are again with more of fun and smiles.
Loop-the-Loop was released ages ago. A rock/pop/denpa hybrid that truly exemplifies genuine happiness. Though this song was not much expected to be in this album given that it was released under Geneon at the time, it was still definitely a smart choice to pick up.
The vocals don't sound too grating, unlike some other KOTOKO denpa songs, just the right tint of energy and cutesy. The instrumentals not too jarring, and the upbeat mood really attracts you and brightens your mood, instantly pulling you into the loop the loop world of happiness. The song prides on its perfect blend of rock and pop, mixed in with a great execution of denpa elements. It manages to stand out from the rest of KOTOKO's repertoire simply because the song fully went for it. No shackles but still controlled enough to not go into a heap of crazy cuteness. Easily one of the better denpa anime themes by KOTOKO.
Loop-the-Loop is undoubtedly the top-notch cheery track off the album.
12. Restart (Single Review)
Loop-the-Loop leads seamlessly to the pop/ballad song Restart. This song is the closest to a ballad that the album picked up. It may be generic and a bit forgettable when it was released back then, but it sure makes for a nice addition to the album, not too bad compared to the lows of some of the previous tracks. While it is the odd one out, genre- and feel-wise, the song undoubtedly fares to serve as a refresher, a mild cool-down near the end of the album.
Sure, Restart is just your average song but hearing it again as part of this album, it is never too hard to appreciate it at the very least. It just has this subtle charm to it that works out for the whole album, in general.
13. P◇lyG△n
Lyrics: KOTOKO
Composition and Arrangement: Kazuya Takase
And we're up against another new track produced by I've! The affinity of KOTOKO with Takase has been tested and proven over so many good techno/trance tracks this combination came up with in the past. P◇lyG△n is no exception.
The juicy techno goodness of this song manifests in its catchy beats, attitude, and flare to make it quite an electronic dance material. To go with it are KOTOKO's equally artsy vocals. The techno synths are lighter than we're used to with KOTOKO×Takase, but the layered effects, the angst-y trance sure do enhance the overall experience and succeeds to hold attention all throughout. What gives the song its quite unusual and nostalgic charm is, perhaps, the fact that once again, a KOTOKO×I've work made something closer to home.
P◇lyG△n kicks ass. Sure brings back memories of all the techno glory KOTOKO made with I've. Definitely one of the best new tracks from the album.
14. →unfinished→ -Album Ver.- (Single Review)
Lyrics: KOTOKO
Composition and Arrangement: Satoshi Yaginuma
So we're down to the last track off the album. The only significant change this album version has compared to the original version are the introductory piano synths, in place of the vocal intro.
A somewhat odd choice for the album's ending track, but it seems KOTOKO has this special attachment to the song, so not bad. Plus the song is techno through and through, much like the techno first track My-Les, so it fits just fine.
Looking past the prominent generic tag on →unfinished→ and focusing more on the positives, the song definitely has a catchy beat to it to sustain an addictive element and to make the repetitions work out. It does well with what it has, vocal- and composition-wise.
As a whole, Kuchu Puzzle is neatly decent. The highs are relatively not that high and some of the lows hit rock-bottom. The stand out new tracks must be My-Les, SHOOT -KOTOKO Ver.-, frozen fir tree, and P◇lyG△n. The others fail miserably to make a significant impact on the listeners and actually be memorable. In all, it is sad to see KOTOKO come up with such mediocrity but of course, mainly the producers she worked with are to blame. A bit worse than her previous album Hiraku Uchuu Pocket, and undoubtedly nowhere near as good as her 4 albums with I've.
Kuchu Puzzle includes a lot of I've-produced songs, just like Hiraku Uchuu Pocket. While it seems to give KOTOKO the upper hand, this means something else. KOTOKO may have left I've officially but I've's signature has been and always will be an integral part of KOTOKO's artistic definition. With that said, it actually is a win-win situation. We are still going to hear more of KOTOKO×I've, perhaps more future I've Girl compilations with KOTOKO, but she also get to work with other producers, as she may wish. The only sad thing is that she is no longer an official I've girl.
With KOTOKO basically out on her own, it is vital that she stay true to what she does best, probably even take a hand more on her own songs' composition to veer her career back on track, or at least have some sort of control over it. Seeing as how some of these producers mess up this album, it may be a risk worth taking. Remember her 3rd album UZU-MAKI? She's worked on compositions of a considerable number of songs in that album, and the end product was great. I guess being can be a prime example.
It is never too late for redemption. Who knows, maybe her 7th album comes out with a bang!
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