Review: -Oz- Soga

Tracklist:

1. Reverse

2. Unseal

3. Ecdysis

I think that its actually been quite some time since I really loved a song from -OZ-, said song probably being either DETOX or FILMY both off the VERSUS album (and their respective previous singles). And Soga is an interesting single, to say the least.

I really love the introduction to Reverse, the first 40 seconds are one of the best part of this song. I’m a big fan of the rhythm, guitar riff and electronic sections heard in the intro, conclusion and through many of the songs choruses as well. I also very much enjoy the heaviness of the song and how that rolls right along the same path as the lead and background growling/screaming vocals. Though I am reminded just a little bit of some of Born’s more recently released tracks, and perhaps that’s because both Reverse and many of Born’s tracks have the same “heavy” quality about them. I have to say, however, there are some fantastic instrumentals throughout Reverse. Some of the finest are from 1:54 to 2:42, not only does this include two amazing drum and lead guitar segments, but during the slower piece of the aforementioned time is a great underlying bass line.

I’m really drawn into the next track, Unseal, as well, by the memorable guitar riff and powerful rhythm line of the introduction. And, I’m happy to say, the rest of the song truly lives up to my expectations, especially after following such a smashing title track. I’m very struck by how prevalent the rhythm guitar and drum lines are and I quite enjoy their progression through the song. My favorite part: 1:48 to 2:23, the guitar line here is very melodic and I also think this measure contains some of the better singing vocals on the single. This is, of course, followed by an incredible instrument section and a guitar solo starting at 2:40, which, I have to mention, is bar none, the best on Soga. Another notable guitar slice lies underneath the verses and moves quite well (and effectively) into the chorus. Honestly, I, quite thoroughly in fact, enjoy this track, the only thing I wish I could have heard an ounce more of is the bass.

Ecdysis is a decent ballad type song, I do like it, but I don’t think it’s a particularly remarkable song, and while by no means an awful track, I’d say it’s probably the weakest off this single. However, I do really enjoy the power that has been put behind the chorus, the vocals here definitely shine the most compared to the previous two songs. And again, there is quite the row of brilliant instrumentals throughout all three tracks and this one doesn’t dare stray from the path. My favorite part: 2:38 to 3:32, I adore the drums that begin this segment and the dual guitar lines are done so skillfully, frankly I could listen to just these 50 or so odd seconds, on a continuous loop, for a very long time without tiring of it. I also very much enjoy the concluding guitar segment, and I have to admit this Ecdysis is seriously beginning to grow on me.

I actually amazed by how much I like this single. While I am a big fan of -OZ- , truthfully, since I hadn’t so much loved their last couple releases, I wasn’t really expecting much. I’m very surprised and pleased.

My Grade:  4.5/5