HANABIE.: Hot Topic EP
HANABIE. has been on my radar for quite some time, but I have been reticent to get into the vast world of Japanese "alt-idol" music because, frankly, I knew I would get obsessed with it and I didn't have the spare time to hyperfixate on a new topic. I knew a little about the poster girls of the genre, Babymetal, and I know a lot of groups in the scene by name only; but until now, I haven't actively listened to any of their music.
Immediately, the opening track 'ICONIC' grabbed my attention with its funky synth bass and hip-hop groove. As the hook faded in, the K-pop fan in me was expecting a drop into a bouncy half-time verse. Instead, I was pummeled with frantic drums on top of chunky riffs laced with electronics, and vocals that are reminiscent of any number of early-'00s metalcore bands. This song's combination of mosh-ready riffage, ultra-catchy vocal melodies and glitched-out production had me hooked from the jump.
By the time the verse riff hit in track 2, 'Spicy Queen', I was already sold on HANABIE.This track makes me want to throw things across my living room and crowd-kill strangers in a busy shopping mall; a feat which only a few other songs have achieved. The girls' energy here is off the charts and unrelenting as they effortlessly blend metal, hardcore, and pop into something more powerful than the sum of its parts. And just as the song starts to wind down, it comes back in with a vengeance, ending with a frenzied instrumental and some of the nastiest (in a good way, of course) high shrieks I've heard in any genre of metal.
Slowing things down a bit, though in tempo only, the third track 'トキメキAbout you' (which Google says translates to 'Excitement About You') employs a more nu-metal-influenced approach, complete with DJ scratching and rapped vocals. Fans of Spineshank, Limp Bizkit, Slipknot and early Powerman 5000 will have a good time with this one. The clean vocal harmonies in the chorus provide an ethereal contrast to the screams underneath, making for a very atmospheric experience.
The fourth track 'GIRL'S TALK' might be a good place to start for anyone who, like myself, was only familiar with Babymetal. An intriguing blend of thrash-y melodeath riffs and city-pop vocals, 'GIRL'S TALK' is possibly the most straightforward and accessible track on this EP, but don't think for a second that that means it's without its quirks. The modern trap and electronic influences are still at play in the verses here, which makes for a wonderful juxtaposition with the '80s-inspired choruses.
There are plenty of surprises throughout this EP, even with its short 15-minute runtime, and I think it's best to discover them for yourself. If you're unfamiliar, unsure, or even uninterested in the "alt-idol" scene, do yourself a favor and check this one out. You might just open a door into a new realm of forward-thinking, chaotic, energetic, danceable and downright fun heavy music.
Now, if you'll excuse me, it's time for me to choose my oshi.