Heavy rock band Sadie successfully romances us with their new single.
As usual, Sadie gives their fans a treat with a maxi-single of four tracks rather than just two or three. But more than just quantity, the quality of Ice Romancer is as impressive as the high expectations for the release were.
The album takes off with Ice Romancer, the name bearing similarities to the band's upcoming tour and album, both called Master of Romance. The title track is not exactly seductive however. After a wild chorus as the opening, the verse divides into first a bass-laden, relaxed section followed by an aria from Mao's demonic other half. Along with the entrance of hellish screaming, the guitars of Mizuki and Tsurugi turn from light and glinting to weighty and turbulent. Overall, the album opener offers just what you were probably hoping for in a Sadie title track, with lines that are sure to get stuck in your head and death vocals that seem especially invigorating.
marionette opens surprisingly with a light piano and quiet talking from Mao, but it quickly breaks into familiar ground with the entrance of a furious drum beat, beastly screams and hard guitars. Impressive here is the aggression Mao weaves into his voice while singing a very melodious chorus, lashing out with his spiraled "r" sounds and growl-laced notes.
With its low-key, jazzy vibes and leisurely but enjoyable pace, Recall is one of the few Sadie songs that could bridge the generation gap and delight even middle aged listeners who don't care for heavy metal and screaming. And for visual kei, rock and Sadie fans, it's a departure from the norm that really succeeds with its mixture of laid back jazz and darkly piercing emotion. The melodies of Aki's bass and a chorus of unearthly beauty carry the song, and we are offered a coaxing, seductive singing style from Mao rather than the usual angst and rage. Despite the soothing nature of the vocals, Mao still conveys a rich intensity and he hits the high notes quite naturally, an indicator that his vocals have improved. A vast improvement over the ballad from Grieving the dead soul, Recall is undoubtedly the biggest surprise on this single and should be counted as a rare treat.
Psychedelic Chemical Movie finishes off the release in dark, ominous style; it's full of fierce drumming from Kei and pure destruction in the vocals. The chorus is a little lighter but still pounding and aggressive with an all too understated but catchy melody. While the guitar solo isn't fancy, it conveys a dark threatening atmosphere that leads into the following vocals perfectly.
With this single, Sadie continues to impress and assert their position as a very consistent band while at the same time showing new sides and reclaiming their largely underestimated talent in making soft songs. Expectations for the upcoming album are high, and we look forward to more ballads like Recall in the future!
