Totemo kakkoii !
What. A. Surprise.
The third release of Toukyou Jihen is not comparable to the previous two... mostly due to it's variety. Nomen est omen in this case.
All tracks are written by the other band members, unlike before, when Shiina wrote most of the music. Nevertheless, fans of Shiina will not be disappointed, her voice (and the lyrics which she contributed to nearly every track) is stunning and cunning as ever.
So are the skills of the Jihen, though the album is not the jazz-kinda-style we know of this band, it features some gorgeous instrumental moments.
My favourites:
OSCA: Rather weird song, catchy, tight rhythm, squeeky vocals and interesting harmonies. At the end, they double the speed and go through the melody once more with Warp 9.9 Overdrive.
Fukushu: Perhaps the darkest rock-type track Shiina and the Jihen ever did. Entirely with English vocals, and with a bridge that reminds me of the british rock-band Queen.
Tsukigimehime: Definitely my favourite. Featuring gloomy to happy moments, a nice church-organ and some quite obvious references to "Light My Fire" by The Doors.
Id est: More than worth buying! Must have!