Tricolor [CD+DVD]

This is the first Moran release that doesn't contain departed bassist Zill's music. While the 'Apples' mini album closed the first part of Moran's career, 'Tricolor' starts the next. "Haruka no Ao" is the first track, composed by Soan. It's a song that feels spacious and intimate at the same time, with Hitomi's vocals always moving forward, while the music churns underneath. "Beni Sashi" is the "red" song, composed by Sizna. It's fun and all too short. Sizna's mad genius guitar playing is featured here, bluesy and and in your face. Reminds me of Sizna's old band Sugar or Fatima during their jazzier moments. "WHITE OUT" is the last track, also by Sizna. This song has more of a hard edge to it, but it's hiding under a slick production that retrains it a little. It feels like you listened to a longer song because there's so much to listen to. It's an excellent song, but I almost wish it had more of a climax. The PV for "Beni Sashi": Sexy. I won't spoil it. Moran has had a rocky start as a band, so I hope that this is beginning of a new era of stability and creativity for them. If you're an old Sugar fan, or you just love Hitomi's smoky voice, this release should in your 'to buy' list.