Yes Kotono had been a backing dancer with Baby Metal before being a singer with Ironbunny. Her voice is deliberately in contrast to the music- it makes it more dynamic and creates a sort of tension in the music- not everyone likes or recognises this, but it's creative arranging just like A New Picture.
I just went to listen to your reaction to ‘A New Picture’, and you said something about Kotono’s vocals being calm, but that you could still tell that she has good vocals. I think your opinion here, is actually similar to your earlier one.
“I feel like you listen to this particular group for the band itself… she’s a good singer, I just don’t know if she is highlighting herself” To me she doesn’t sound any different than in their other songs. Anyway, I don’t want the singer to be the highlight itself; I want it to be the band. When the singer becomes the focus of the band, it can usually come at the cost of other stuff I prefer more. For example, my favorite member here is Kanade Sato, and so for me it’s more about a full member band (not like Li-sa-X’s old band); I need more focus on all the instrumentals. A band that has more of a singer-focus with some guitars (Li-sa-X’s old band), is less appealing to me. Everyone has their preferences. 🤷♂️
I certainly respect your opinion. Personally, I love this song and direction. It is a blend of many genres with a Jazz, Progressive, and Pop feel. To that end I think Kotono’s vocals serve a good balance. It is a little more Pop, but also Jazz, or even lounge singer (perhaps passionate) vibe. The Babymetal artist you were thinking of is Yui-Metal who left for undisclosed health issues. However, Kotono was a backup dancer for Babymetal’s Chosen Seven video and presumably concerts. These are just my own thoughts.
“To that end I think Kotono’s vocals serve a good balance” Right, to me it’s more about her supporting the song, rather than being the highlight herself. Although I don’t think her vocals are the type to cut through the music as easily, maybe this actually lead to the creative (or prog-like) writing in ‘A New Picture’: like how they slowed the music before her vocal parts. Perhaps to say, the singers limitations in that area are manifested in other interesting ways: highlighting creative songwriting and the instrumentals. “Personally, I love this song and direction” Me too. It’s my favorite of theirs so far.
Personally I kind of think the simplicity of the vocals provides a nice contrast to the jazzy complexity of the music. Then again I'm into jazz (acquired taste) and that sort of contrast is common. Doesn't blow me away, but solid. Possibly vocals should have been higher in the mix, she is a bit drowned out.
You need to here this quite a few times to unpack this song. Took me, 3 or more.To me its their best so for. The vocals are magic. If you put a hard edge vocal against these chords , it would ruin the song. Don't you think producer tried harder vox. Bet he did, and realised smooth vox is the go. This a Grammy winning level song and performance IMO , and that includes the vocals. No one in Babymetal could sing like this esp not Yui. Maybe you mean singer from Lisa X Band ? But she had a smokier , slightly rougher tone.
Maria, It is nice to see you back ! I'm glad you like this as the song goes, and the musicianship. I agree with you on your overall thoughts here. Kotono, the singer was originally ex support dancer for Baby Metal in 2018 and then from Band Iron Bunny as Singer & Dancer. I hope things are going well with You, and your Family, so sorry for your loss, many Blessings. Thanks so much, Maria for the great reaction! God Bless You and your Family, and your beautiful Kitties. Peace & Love, Thomas & The Kitties from Indiana
Yes Kotono had been a backing dancer with Baby Metal before being a singer with Ironbunny. Her voice is deliberately in contrast to the music- it makes it more dynamic and creates a sort of tension in the music- not everyone likes or recognises this, but it's creative arranging just like A New Picture.
Kotono was one of the three singers from IRONBUNNY ("23- twenty three-" is good song) before joined KOIAI.
I just went to listen to your reaction to ‘A New Picture’, and you said something about Kotono’s vocals being calm, but that you could still tell that she has good vocals. I think your opinion here, is actually similar to your earlier one.
“I feel like you listen to this particular group for the band itself… she’s a good singer, I just don’t know if she is highlighting herself”
To me she doesn’t sound any different than in their other songs. Anyway, I don’t want the singer to be the highlight itself; I want it to be the band. When the singer becomes the focus of the band, it can usually come at the cost of other stuff I prefer more. For example, my favorite member here is Kanade Sato, and so for me it’s more about a full member band (not like Li-sa-X’s old band); I need more focus on all the instrumentals. A band that has more of a singer-focus with some guitars (Li-sa-X’s old band), is less appealing to me. Everyone has their preferences. 🤷♂️
I certainly respect your opinion. Personally, I love this song and direction. It is a blend of many genres with a Jazz, Progressive, and Pop feel. To that end I think Kotono’s vocals serve a good balance. It is a little more Pop, but also Jazz, or even lounge singer (perhaps passionate) vibe. The Babymetal artist you were thinking of is Yui-Metal who left for undisclosed health issues. However, Kotono was a backup dancer for Babymetal’s Chosen Seven video and presumably concerts. These are just my own thoughts.
“To that end I think Kotono’s vocals serve a good balance”
Right, to me it’s more about her supporting the song, rather than being the highlight herself. Although I don’t think her vocals are the type to cut through the music as easily, maybe this actually lead to the creative (or prog-like) writing in ‘A New Picture’: like how they slowed the music before her vocal parts. Perhaps to say, the singers limitations in that area are manifested in other interesting ways: highlighting creative songwriting and the instrumentals.
“Personally, I love this song and direction”
Me too. It’s my favorite of theirs so far.
Welcome back! Everything I've heard from these folks has been flawless. Great reaction 👍
Personally I kind of think the simplicity of the vocals provides a nice contrast to the jazzy complexity of the music. Then again I'm into jazz (acquired taste) and that sort of contrast is common. Doesn't blow me away, but solid. Possibly vocals should have been higher in the mix, she is a bit drowned out.
Yui left Baby-Metal. Kotono supported for awhile before they got a permanent member.
Disagree with you completely. This is a great song.
I like it. The voice and the instrumentals contrast nicely. But then, I like this band anyways.
You need to here this quite a few times to unpack this song. Took me, 3 or more.To me its their best so for. The vocals are magic. If you put a hard edge vocal against these chords , it would ruin the song. Don't you think producer tried harder vox. Bet he did, and realised smooth vox is the go. This a Grammy winning level song and performance IMO , and that includes the vocals. No one in Babymetal could sing like this esp not Yui. Maybe you mean singer from Lisa X Band ? But she had a smokier , slightly rougher tone.
Maria, It is nice to see you back ! I'm glad you like this as the song goes, and the musicianship. I agree with you on your overall thoughts here. Kotono, the singer was originally ex support dancer for Baby Metal in 2018 and then from Band Iron Bunny as Singer & Dancer. I hope things are going well with You, and your Family, so sorry for your loss, many Blessings. Thanks so much, Maria for the great reaction! God Bless You and your Family, and your beautiful Kitties. Peace & Love, Thomas & The Kitties from Indiana
Kotono, the singer, was a backup dancer for short period for Babymetal. She was never a member. ❤
Glad that you are feeling better and back doing reaction videos 📹 😊