Musical Style: Hard Rock	Produced By: Imari Tones
Record Label: Knife Records	Country Of Origin: Japan
Year Released: 2019	Artist Website: Imari Tones
Tracks: 11	Rating: 65%
Running Time: 48:38

For 2017, Yokohama, Japan based Imari Tones stepped up its game by releasing what this reviewer considers its best album in Jesus Wind.  A conceptual release taking a panoramic view of Japanese history from a Christian perspective, the 80% Angelic Warlord graded work experienced the power trio of guitarist Tak Nakamine, bassist Hassy and drummer Jake abandoning the progressive facets to its earlier material in favor of a straightforward melodic heavy metal basis.  Gist is how on Jesus Wind Imari Tones fulfilled its calling to “reach beyond their culture to make the music they love and to reach beyond their music to bring Jesus into their culture” (as notes in its press material).

Overture, the December of 2018 sixth full-length album from Imari Tones, continues to see the group fulfilling said calling, albeit not without its share of change.  First, Overture represents the first Japanese album from Imari Tones since it started performing Christian music at the time of its 2009 release Welcome To The School.  As noted by the group: “The other reason is for our Japanese friends. We have been thinking about how we can convey our message, God’s Love, to Japanese people. These songs and lyrics are our answer.”  Second, it is also the last album to feature the above referenced lineup, which has been around since 2008.  Despite the departure of Hassy and Jake, it is not the end of Imari Tones, but rather a beginning - referencing the Overture title - in that Tak has decided to press on with a new roster, which he plans to announce in the near future.

Third, Overture finds Imari Tones branching out musically from its signature melodic heavy metal in allowing for elements of J-Rock, alternative rock, acoustic rock and even hip-hop (hip-hop!) to imbue its sound.  As one might imagine, Overture reflects a musically more diverse Imari Tones, whom in embracing many of the notes influences takes a heading I like to better define as hard rock and at times even straightforward rock.  Atmospheric production plays no small role in this regard, which hints lightly of U2, as found in staples such as wave like guitars backed by airy bass to breath in the back end.

When a band chooses to alter its sound, I prefer to focus less on musical direction and more on musical quality.  In other words, is the music any good?  With Imari Tones, however, they deliver a somewhat mixed bag in Overture.  As one might expect of an album from band of Imari Tones ability, it has its share of good moments, but too often Overture trends towards too much of a sound alike quality in which individual songs fail stand apart as they should.  A good measure of this potentially attributes to language barrier in that I find it problematic to identify with music not entirely sung in English, noting I had similar problems with Brazil's Angel's Fire and its mostly Portuguese symphonic metal album O Conto, which I reviewed in late 2018. 

First two songs "Overture" and "Discarded World" are by no means bad but also embody the challenging nature of non-English material.  Former highlights the albums big bass sound (which I really like) as it slowly drifts to ethereal guitars and latter an up-tempo resonance with airy backing vocals and feedback driven instrumental moments (which I like as well).  Problem, however, revolves around how hooks - and once more I am pegging this on language barrier - are not strong enough to maintain my repeat listen attention.

Similarly, "Forgiven" comes across laid back and easy going as a mid-paced rocker with an inviting feel, while "Mistake" allows Tak to make use of wide falsettos in taking a melodic rock heading with a forward disposition.  When placed alongside, I find the two to be somewhat better but still lack the engaging qualities to adequately separate from the rest.  Are they metal or hard rock?  Does straightforward rock apply better?  The two walk a fine line either way and struggle to define themselves as a result.

I am more inclined towards the albums acoustic material, which combine for a mid album three-song suite.  "Cat Licks", giving prominence to the delicate and easy going with periodic upbeat forays, gives way to “Daremo Kamiwo Minai”, warmly tinctured acoustic rock in its purest form.  "Kotoba" is shorter (two and a half minute) acoustic interlude carried by spoken word delivery.

Overture is at its best when heaviest.  On "Born Again" Imari Tones fires on all cylinders with its classic metal bent, singular to a darker partiality as catchy riff frequencies uphold its expansive distance.  Likewise, "Samurawanai" proves a powerhouse, battering with its chaotic veneer and energized aspects as albums catchiest refrain stands out in the process.  Distinctive to the two is Tak's cutting-edge lead guitar work.

Finally, what are my thoughts on the 'hip-hop' song?  My initial inclining was to listen to it once and sum up by stating 'respectfully, not my cup of tea'.  Problem is that said song, "Revive The World", does not impress as hip-hop in that any supposed hip-hop elements - which I guess center around narration during the verse sections - are vastly understated.  Otherwise, "Revive The World" takes an AOR inclining with a distinct melody and smooth female backing vocals to lend a crystalline appeal.  I actually kind of like it, despite any hip-hop elements (real or imagined). 

Whereas in my opinion Overture might not be its best effort, I remain long term bullish as it pertains to Imari Tones.  Not every band hits a home run when stepping to the (speaking figuratively) musical plate, and so I expect even bigger and better things from Imari Tones in the future.  That said, I hope I was not unduly harsh in my critique of Overture either, but more and more I find it an increasing challenge to review albums not in English.  I have considered adopting an English only policy but do not wish to limit bands or the sites readership in terms of discovering new music either, even if not in English.  Moving forward, I see its soon to be revamped lineup breathing new creative energy into Imari Tones - hopefully returning to the heavier direction to Jesus Wind - and putting its best foot forward in the process.

Review by Andrew Rockwell

Track Listing: “Overture” (5:04), “Discarded World” (4:35), “Born Again” (4:06), “Forgiven” (4:57), “Samurawanai” (4:47), “Revive The Nation” (4:46), “Cat Licks” (3:49), “Daremo Kamiwo Minai” (4:45), “Kotoba” (2:23), “Mistake” (5:06), “One More Continue” (4:22)

Musicians
Tak Nakamine - Lead Vocals & Guitars
Hassy - Bass
Jake – Drums

Additional Musicians
Yona Ishikawa - Lead Vocals