REVIEW: coldrain - OPTIMIZE

If Japan can do something spectacularly, it is with no doubt rock music. And who is a better representative of this ever-evolving genre than the infamous coldrain? Hailing from Nagoya, the band, currently featuring MASATO DAVID HAYAKAWA (vocals), RYO YOKOCHI (lead guitars, piano, keyboards), KAZUYA SUGIYAMA (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), RYO SHIMIZU (bass, backing vocals) and KATSUMA MINATANI (drums, percussion), was founded in 2007, and since then achieved many recognitions. With an ongoing European and UK tour, supporting the release of their latest EP, there is no doubt the band is still on the rise.

The five-track EP OPTIMIZE is a perfect summary of the band's expanding style. Although it is short, it does not skimp on vocals, nor does it hold back with the precise sound of guitars and drums. The first song, which is also the title-track of the EP, starts off strong with all the features mentioned, while adding in a healthy amount of synthesis. However, it does not divide much from the sounds they are most known for, resulting into a banger of an opener that brings in the nostalgic feeling of the band’s previous works.

Continuing with CHASING SHADOWS, the pace picks up a bit, diving more into heavier guitars and keeping HAYAKAWA’s clean vocals that are complimenting the overall melody. YOKOCHI’s and SUGIYAMA’s guitars are very prominent in the song, and together they create a signature sound that is sometimes followed by the synthesis. Offering a chorus that stays in the listener’s head even hours after listening to it and a bridge that is melodic, aggressive and builds quickly before going back to the chorus, the song is one of the best on OPTIMIZE. The third song of the EP, DIGITOLL, changes the band’s approach to the release, and focuses more on MINATANI’s drums. Coming once again back with swift guitars and synth, that are heard only a handful of times, the sound does not drift away from the similarities with the previous song, making it in contrast not as interesting.

INCOMPLETE utilises the band’s signature sound once again, with the help of backing vocals. Apart from HAYAKAWA’s clean vocals, the listeners are also met with his screams that add another layer to the energetic song. Being close to the well-known sound of Japanese rock songs, it is not hard to picture this one as an opening or closing song for anime. The last song of the EP, FREE FALL, combines all instruments, including SHIMIZU’s bass, and creates an aggressively catchy melody, that is bound to bring some good moshpits on the tour. Not deriving from the sounds heard throughout the release, but instead adding even more ear-piercing screams throughout the song, the closing track is a pompous ending to the short journey through coldrain’s world of music.

Being just a small drop in the vast sea of their work, OPTIMIZE is still vital, as it is a transition into coldrain’s upcoming new era. The band once again proved that they are still capable of staying relevant, and not only with their new release, but also with the demand for their tour. Although the songs sound majorly similar, there are still distinctive features in each of the melodies that set them apart, creating an enjoyable atmosphere while listening.

Score: 7/10

OPTIMIZE was released on 24th October via Century Media Records.

Words: Katerina Stepanikova

Photos: Jesse Kojima