Emboldened summer love.
While SID's previous single smile gently pushed listeners into the summer, Natsukoi takes their hand to pull them along in a sunny, catchy melody. Like the band's other singles, Natsukoi was released in three versions; this is a review of the regular edition.
The title track opens with a touch of piano, perhaps briefly lulling the listener into expecting a ballad, before the dance tune begins. Catchy and fun, Natsukoi's sound is perfectly suited to being played over the radio, perhaps while either on the balcony of a balmy club or while driving down the highway with the top of the car down. Mao's lyrics are rather wistful, yearning and not the sort one might expect to be matched to such a cheerful melody, but the band carries off this contradiction without a hitch. One of the most striking things musically about Natsukoi is its clear, pronounced bass line subtly driving the song along beneath the layers of guitar and synthesizer. The quick guitar work during the verses is quirky and an interesting twist from the otherwise light, pop-like playing heard in the tune and helps set the mood for this summer tune.
The second track, PROPOSE, is quite a different creature from Natsukoi. Pop or lighter rock music fans who might have been lured in by the title song may be turned off by PROPOSE's filtered vocals and shouts in addition to the aggressive music, topped off by a rather psychedelic guitar solo. However, SID's older fans may be delighted by this inclusion which is a nod to their earlier songs, such as Renai's Rinjin. While the lighter title track will make one want to dance, this B-side will definitely urge the listener off their feet as well to headbang along.
While some listeners may find the difference in songs a touch jarring or may find themselves vastly preferring one track over the other, most should soak this single right up. Previous fans, or those who simply enjoy good music, no matter what the genre, shouldn't let Natsukoi pass them by.
