roar - roar

ROAR

ROAR
self-released; 2013

4.2 out of 5

By Eva Cantillo

ROAR is a one-man-band from Canada and for the last six years this musician has called Tokyo home. Known as “itari kitari” in Japanese, ROAR “comes and goes” and this self-titled album ROAR was recorded and mastered in several locations including California and Montreal. The music within this release can be classified as chillwave with an alternative edge; I am reminded of bands like The Shins, Zero 7 and even Grizzly Bear while listening to ROAR.

After the ethereal intro track “Summer,” the song “In the City” shows listeners a beautifully smooth satin track that’s decorated with small glistening jewels. Here we really get to experience the soothing yet dynamic voice behind this solo musician. The chorus and repetition of “In the summer, in the city,” is accentuated by a cooing guitar and simple sweet chords that have a pleasant lullaby effect. The song grows quite catchy toward the closing.

The track “Road to Riches” is a pop-alternative song and right from the beginning the upbeat percussion and giddy vibrations invite you into this world of flowers and soda pop, but not in a cheesy way. “This bitch is bat-shit crazy… you know you rock my soul.” The song represents an interesting duality, as it seems to describe a relationship that’s out of whack, yet too interesting to leave behind.

The quality of sound is commendable on most tracks, but could be slightly improved to increase the delivery of each note emitted by the instruments and the vocalist’s smooth voice. This album is a perfect collection of tracks and will greatly complement the “ambient alternative” section in any music enthusiast’s library.

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