SuG - 39GalaxyZ

SuG’s latest single, 39GalaxyZ, leaves behind the mournful image of Tricolour Color and explodes with a bright and sporty flair. The band, dressed in sequined basketball jerseys, physically embodies the energy of the title track.

39GalaxyZ starts with drums and the chant “hey! hey! 39 galaxy hey!” It sounds like any cheer one would hear at a sports rally. Then, the digitally modified melody kicks in, and it’s fast and cheerful with a bouncy beat. Takeru is playful and lively, though his voice gets a little shrill at the chorus. The vocal filters and synthesized enhancements don’t necessarily do him many favors, but overall the sound isn’t too bad. 39GalaxyZ is a very cute song with lots of layered noise, and as can be expected from SuG, it’s not boring!

The band takes an about turn with VAMP VAMP VAMP. Instead of being shiny and happy, the song features a synthesized, Indian influenced melody to create a dark, smoky atmosphere that is overtly sexy. Takeru’s voice is throaty at parts, yet still sinuous and light to contrast with the deep, heavy beat. The song retains SuG’s tendency to add lots of ornamentation, and Takeru does a short rap during the break. It seems that with VAMP VAMP VAMP, the band is experimenting a bit, and it’s paid off: the song is perfect for a hot night at a dance club.

The last song on the single, V.I.P GOBLINZ, is more of a simple, classic SuG rock song. It starts hard, heavy and fast, with slamming guitars and breakneck drumming. Some scratching is thrown in for good measure, and the instrumental break also features metal-esque, layered guitar playing. It’s a little disappointing that Takeru filters his voice, as his natural voice wasn’t heard often on the previous songs either, but with him belting out the lyrics to shouts from his band mates, it’s a disappointment easily forgotten. A whirlwind of noise that’s full of passion,V.I.P GOBLINZ would be a great song to listen to at a concert.

39GalaxyZ manages to combine all the styles we’ve come to look forward to from SuG. From electronic pop-rock to the more hardcore sound of their visual kei roots, SuG delivers, making 39GalaxyZ a fun single any fan can appreciate.