Mikeru On Japanese Music Today

Ten years after their establishment, Japanese trio Ikimono-gakari finally climbed to the top of the charts last year with My Song Your Song, their 3rd major album. Almost exactly a year later, they return to repeat the success with Hajimari no Uta. Despite guitarist/songwriter/vocalist Yoshiki Mizuno playing the leader role behind the scenes, main vocalist Kiyoe Yoshioka's voice largely dominates the album. Even when the songwriting or the production become lackluster (particularly in the side tracks), Yoshioka's youthful enthusiasm is clearly expressed in her voice, fitting the generally light tone of the album. Blending modern musical sensibilities with traditional youthful innocence, Ikimono-gakari has a more everyman vibe than their pop music contemporaries, and Hajimari no Uta reflects that sensibility perfectly.