Great band, great music, FANTASTIC album. They never disappoint.

ONE OK ROCK, one of the most famous Japanese alternative rock / post-hardcore bands, recently released their 7th album 35xxxv (read as thirty-five). The new album includes two very interesting collaborations: Tyler Carter (Issues) and Kellin Quinn (Sleeping with Sirens). It also includes the songs «Mighty Long Fall» and «Heartache», which are soundtracks for the movies «Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno» and «Rurouni Kenshin: The legend ends». The deluxe edition was released on September 25 and it includes all songs with English lyrics, along with two extra tracks. Of course, its purpose was to promote their work in the West even more, and have more impact on the world.

A few words about the band:

It was formed back in 2005 and it consists of Taka (vocals), Toru (guitar), Ryota (bass) and Tomoya (drums). Although they come from Japan, their music has strong western influences. Particularly, they have stated that their musical influences include Linkin Park, Green Day, The Smashing Pumpkins, Blink-182, Good Charlotte, Enter Shikari, Nirvana etc.

 

1. “3xxxv5”

Possibly the best introduction track I’ve heard this year. Man, did it make my heart skip a beat. From the very first seconds you know ONE OK ROCK has made something unique, something epic. A simple yet beautiful piano riff, accompanied by drums, whispers and various electronic sounds leads to an impressive build-up of Taka’s passionate screams. A powerful combination of both the rhythmic and melodic instruments, finally leading to the second track.

2. “Take Me to the Top”

Time to release all the energy and awe you absorbed during the opening track! At lives, this is the part when the audience goes insane. Raw rock sound merged with contemporary effects (that bridge dude, that bridge), perfect for old and new fans. “Way too close when I'm far away from you and all the crazy shit we do”: I don’t know why, but this part seemed kinda strange to me at first. In a good way, of course. Somehow, the whole song makes me think of the ups and downs relationships face, it’s both passionate and angry. It’s pure love.

3. “Cry Out”

Soft, dreamy guitar. THEN GANG VOCALS. Then soft again. I’d be worried if I saw someone listening to this and not tapping their foot to the beat; it’s just too catchy. Another well-made composition, doesn’t leave you thirsty for more at any part; except when it’s over, because then you wanna listen to it again.

4. “Suddenly”

«Suddenly»  comes on now. A playful guitar riff in the intro that is repeated during the verse and a cheerful drumming pattern fit Taka’s fresh voice perfectly. Then the bass comes in, providing a stable base for the chorus. I simply love songs with this kind of sound that they have also rebellious lyrics with a hint of romantic sadness:

“Then suddenly
I'm breaking past the lies
It's something magical
We outta say a lullaby
Into the pain I go
Say our last goodbye
Suddenly”

5. “Mighty Long Fall”

«Mighty Long Fall», yet another mind-blowing track. So far, this album has got me really fired up. I mean, REAAALLY fired up.  Love the beat, love the vocal lines, and most importantly, LOVE the effects over Taka’s voice at the outro. I really can’t understand why voice effects get so many people troubled; this kid’s got some serious talent. A truly great singer and performer and technology won’t change or alter that. The only thing that kind of put me off was a tiny little change in the lyrics: “Try to make amends for what you’ve done” became “Try to make amends for what you did”. It just doesn’t sound as nice as it did before, considering the next line is “running with the demons in your head”. BONUS:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7seozLvbHw

You might want to check the breakdown at 3:48. Be careful though, it could make your heart jump right out of your chest.

6. “Heartache”

If you’ve ever been through a tough break-up, you’re definitely going to relate to this ballad. When you realize you’ve made so many mistakes, you’ve pushed the other person away and you ask yourself “why did I let you go?”, you need songs like this one to recover.  Strings and a piano enhance the whole track, giving it a more serious tone. It is songs and melodies like this that help us realize that admitting our mistakes, our sadness, our anger is a beautiful thing to do. Oh, and if you miss someone, let them know. Who knows where it could lead.

7. “Memories”

This song has everything: a bright, playful sound, just the right amount of electronic sounds, an emotional chorus AND something to make it extra special: a metallophone here and there. It makes me think of paint bombs exploding everywhere. And stars. Lots of sparkling stars. Pretty, right? I know! I just feel strange about the parts where Taka sings “Go on and fuck yourself”,  seems a bit too aggressive to me. Plus, it’s the first song that comes after a ballad, so the change is a bit abrupt.

8. “Decision”

This one is featuring Tyler Carter from Issues, which I’m sure you’ve heard of. I have mixed feelings about this song; first of all, I feel like I’ve heard parts of it in other songs, but I just can’t remember their names. It’s really frustrating! I liked the chorus and the overall message: “We'll never be as young as we are now”, “It’s my life to live”. Damn right! Remember that people!

9. “Paper Planes”

“Paper Planes”, featuring Kellin Quinn from Sleeping with Sirens. I hate to say this, but I was hoping for something much, much louder. Not to say the song itself is bad. Of course, my “disappointment” is absolutely personal. However, the lyrics are creative, with words such as “jaded”, “gasoline”, “kerosene” and “vultures”.

10.  “Good Goodbye”

First thought on this one? “It’s beautiful, because it’s simple and clear”. A relaxing track that will put a smile on your face and will probably bring back some nostalgic memories. Toru’s clean guitar parts: it’s amazing how mesmerizing chords can be. Not to mention Taka’s nailing his high notes as always. I seriously love him for all the feelings he conveys.

11. “One by One”

Let’s go crazy again! This song is fierce, totally wild and energetic. The moment it came on, I could picture the whole band breaking their way through the masses, inviting more people to join them in their uprising. If you’ve ever feel oppressed or that life is unfair, this song’s definitely gonna help you get it out of your system.

12. “Stuck in the Middle”

A song for those who feel like their goals have lost their meaning, like they have nothing to fight for anymore. The truth is that things will get better. And till they do, music like this will be there to heal us. Ah, there are so many things I loved as I was listening to it: pure rock sound, contemporary electronic elements and voice effects, definitely one of the best tracks of this album. Favourite part: the last chorus; coming right after a powerful bridge. Suddenly, everyone stop playing and you can only hear Toru on the guitar, rhythmic clapping and Taka singing over them. Then, the whole band joins in for a powerful outro. That’s the stuff!

13. “Fight the Night”

Not sure if I was expecting this kind of sound.. I LOOOOVE IT! Such an awe-inspiring track, interesting instrumentation, beautiful choice of words. Honestly I’m left speechless. You NEED to hear it for yourself!

14. “Last Dance”

We’ve reached the first bonus track, a wonderful ballad. The melody will catch your attention and by the last chorus, you might be crying a little bit… All right I admit it, I was sobbing the first time I heard it. The promotional video of this one is beautifully unusual. I mean, a love story and an alien invasion? WHO came up with this? (person who came up with this, YOU ROCK).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6j4vxu8dnp4

15. “The Way Back”

Aaaand, the last track of the album: “The way back”. The main riff is still stuck in my head. I’ll probably be humming this song for a couple of weeks. Gotta love how Taka is accompanied only by Ryota and Tomoya, at first, with just a distant guitar sound in the background. It’s those little things that get you excited and wanting more, right? And lucky for us, OOR knows exactly how to move on, finishing the album in an intense way.

That’s all for today guys! Have any releases you’d like us to review? Let us know!