弌 (TWO) [AKA: VIVA KOENJI !]

I really don't know what to say other than VIVA KOENJI is vastly mediocre compared to the other works Koenjihyakkei has put out. Most of the pieces try to cater to the epic opera style filled with melodrama, slowing down the tempo but not sacrificing any noise or craziness. Everything I expect from Koenjihyakkei is here, and maybe that's the problem considering I've heard all other Koenjihyakkei albums up to this point.

The three long epic tracks are very well done with ''Rissenddo Rraimb'' being the best track here; the band takes only a few ideas and expands them well, particularly the 7/4 idea at the beginning. ''Guoth Dahha'' follows in that slow, manic, loud, operatic style I mentioned earlier before a semi-explosion. ''Grembo Zavia'' is a typical Koenjihyakkei track; the first six minutes can't sit still, but the pace and energy keep the track entertaining. The more epic ending is a little overdone, but not surprising since this IS Koenjihyakkei.

The remaining tracks are pretty much void in my eyes. Then again, I have a handicap in being exposed to many Koenjihyakkei works before this, so songs like ''Brahggo'' and ''Quidom'' I tend to shrug off in indifference. If you like obtuse, weird operatic music that is loud and obnoxious, yet haven't heard Koenjihyakkei before, then you'll like VIVA KOENJI. Else, this is more of what you know if you're a fan, or it's insanely crazy avant-opera-rock for those unfamiliar to the band.