Purple SKY Web Exclusive

MUCC - Gokusai Preview

The new MUCC album is a bit of a schizophrenic affair. Those salivating for a return to form for the band will find plenty to like. "Gokusai" and "Nageki no Kane" launch the record with ground n' pound metal that nevertheless sacrifices none of their recent artistic adventurousness. The disembodied guitar solo in "Nageki no Kane" is a delight as is the acoustic interlude in "Gokusai." "Risky Drive" is a stuttered, muttered classic rock n' roll number both relentless and crazy and "Gekkou" may be heavy but it's classical plucking and Tatsurou's pretty falsetto are fresh. Elsewhere MUCC seems to more fully embrace the style shifts. "Panorama" is delicate, with a folk song sway and not a shout nor yell to be found. "Kinsenka" sounds like something The Back Horn might do with a bump n' grind bass, and a purely alt-rock groaning chorus. Perhaps most shocking though is "Yasashii Uta" which goes for straight up Reggae complete with a happy chorus of la la la's. Though to be fair, "D.O.G." and "25ji no Yuutsu" are both odd little deviations. "25ji no Yuutsu" starts off as an atmospheric space age freestyle, but goes all swing bop in the middle before returning for a deliciously messy finale that could be a revelation live. MUCC pretty much disappears on "D.O.G." which is like classic rock played in a punk band's garage. There's definitely a lot to discover on MUCC's mysterious 7th album. Check out the Winter issue of purple SKY for a full review.

Gokusai releases 12/6/2006 in Japan.

- Brian "boo" Stewart

Image courtesy of Universal.