Cover of Kayo Mitsuami Heroine
ColinGreenwood

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For fans of polysics, lovers of japanese synth rock, followers of björk-esque vocal styles, and enthusiasts of innovative electronic solo projects.
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THE REVIEW

The true and first work by the keyboardist of the Japanese group "New Wave Technicolor Pogo Punk" (as they define themselves) POLYSICS as a solo artist. Here you can hear the musical influences of the keyboardist and appreciate her qualities, in short, a clear change: from "Robotthatdoesanythingbutsmileontourwithhergroup" to "NowIamAhumanTooandcandoasIplease," anyone who has seen POLYSICS live or watched their live performance videos can understand it.

The first track is the title track "Mitsuami Heroine," a pop ballad that closely resembles "Human Behavior" by Björk. If I have to find someone she resembles, it's definitely her; even the voice is very similar, and it's very odd to hear her with a clear voice, as I'm used to hearing her distorted voice or with the help of a vocoder. The next track "Natsu Nandesu" begins to reveal the Kayo of Polysics: synthesizers and guitar reminiscent of Hayashi Hiroyuki, the frontman of Polysics. My first impression of the third track "Bokutachi no Jikan" was more or less: "But this is 'The Dance of the Mosquito' sung by a Japanese woman!" And here’s what I never expected: "Midori pop de," the fourth track of the album, contradicts what I've always thought: "If a rock band member decides to pursue a solo career, they will most likely not try to do what they did with their band," and yet here I find myself listening to a real "POLYSICS moment": blaring synthesizers, as we've always been accustomed to with the band, and vocoder accompanying the warm voice of the new singer. The fifth and final track: "Saraba Siberian Tetsudou" continues what the previous track left unfinished, another POLYSICS moment, but better executed, and manages to well describe what the lyrics want to tell, namely a woman traveling to Siberia by train: you can hear snowstorms, strong wind, and the voice of loudspeakers urging passengers to get off the train... and then, with one last gust of wind, the album ends.

Overall, it's a more than good album although I expected more tracks than anticipated.

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Summary by Bot

Kayo, keyboardist of Japanese band Polysics, releases her first solo album 'Mitsuami Heroine' showcasing her musical influences and a clear stylistic evolution. The album mixes pop ballads reminiscent of Björk with synth-heavy tracks that recall Polysics' energetic sound. Key tracks depict vivid soundscapes and lyrical depth, especially in the closing song. Overall, the album is praised though the reviewer wished for more tracks.

Kayo

Keyboardist of the Japanese group Polysics; released the solo album Mitsuami Heroine.
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