Search - Inoran :: Fragment

Faint Luna Sea traces to be heard here.

05/09/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Inoran, rhythm guitarist of Luna Sea, had previously released his first solo album when the band decided to take a break before releasing the ironically titled "Style." Hip-Hop influences ran wild and rampant through his solo debut, but "Fragment," the guitarist's second solo effort, is a stark change.Sure, there are faint, very faint, traces of hip-hop influence in the album's tracks, but they get lost in the sea of rock-heavy guitars and drums. This album would almost feel more comfortable in the shoegazer rack as opposed to the hip-hop one. The fact that Inoran distorts his voice in nearly all of the songs featuring vocal tracks helps this suggestion. That's not to say it wasn't needed. Even with vocal training, Inoran's voice is still rough and jagged, and without the vocal distortions, the works included would be virtually impossible to listen to (Inoran himself has admitted a lack of talent in the singing department). The voice tricks not only suit the listener's ears, but it also suits the lazy, rainy day music it is featured in.All voice criticisms aside, this is a very good album. It seems to lack any sense of togetherness amongst its tracks, but the songs, individually, are powerfully trance inducing. This album almost feels like a collection of singles. Be that as it may, it is essentially an album -- one that may lack direction as a whole, but when separated into individual pieces, proves to be a pleasing experience for the ears. "Fragment" allows the music listener to hear it from the horse's mouth, as it were. It seems to give more insight into Inoran's true rocking musical ground. After listening to this collection, you may find it easier to pick out which Luna Sea songs Inoran wrote himself. You can and you do hear the Luna Sea sound in "Fragment." Where was this on the highly experimental "Sou"?"

Fragment cd review

David | Singapore | 01/21/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Luna Sea fans will definately lap up this solo album from Inoran. There are so many great songs in this cd (which I would give a 4 STAR rating to)...one just has to grab hold of it to really bask in the often-underrated brilliance of Inoran. Songs like Spirit, I wish I Never Met You, To Myself, Can You Hear It and Won't Leave My Mind are still playing on my CD player so that will give everyone an idea of how GREAT Inoran is !!! I love it !!!"