Ketsumeishi's attempt at a winter wonderland is more like a grey winter's day.
It's Christmas time in Ketsumeishi land and time for a winter ballad! Ketsumeishi does not, however, excel at ballads, and this time is no different with the standout song being put on the B-side.
Sei naru yoru ni is rather like Sakura: at first it may appear irritatingly monotone and repetitive, but it is something of a 'grower,' becoming a little more appealing each listen. It starts slow, introducing a sweet, simple piano synth melody that takes a back seat to the vocals. But it is too simple and falls flat through the lack of a single attention catching note. Meanwhile, the vocals are initially far too rough and awkwardly juxtaposed with this melody. Only in the chorus does Sei naru yoru ni come close to reaching the typical Ketsumeishi quality with its smooth, well sung vocals. Still, there is a distinct lack of passion. As a whole though this song isn't one of Ketsumeishi's best; it is far too disjointed and falls quickly into the dull ballad trap.
As the quickened beat of Fuyu monogatari starts, one may breathe a slight sigh of relief. Though similar to a ballad, the music picks up the pace a little. The combination of a thumping house beat and laid back synth-strings creates a curious song balanced between being relaxed lounge music and a dance number. It is an interesting style that Ketsumeishi has experience in from their earlier single Train, and as such this song is handled much more deftly than Sei naru yoru ni, with vocals complementing both pace and instruments. This is also the downfall of Fuyu Monogatari: it is a fun song, but sadly we have heard it all before.
For those lulled into a false state of wintry security, however, Zutto futari de provides a sharp shock as it radically takes the single into summer. The perky reggae beat and the acoustic funk guitar sound very alien in context to the whole single. Yet it is the most enjoyable song of the three. The vocals take on a more aggressive rap style that works within the context of the song, maintaining the upbeat pace. It is also the most musically complex of the three tracks, and the song becomes the only interestingly new music on an otherwise disappointing single.
Too many artists believe that winter is a great time to bring out ballads, and too many artists fail miserably at the ballad releases. Ketsumeishi fell into the trap this time with a release that isn't much worth recommending; ironically, it is the song that reeks of summer from every note worth noting. Unfortunately this release is like your average winter's day: dull and uninspiring.
