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Rampant
Blossom, 2010 (Available 10/27/2010)
MP3s provided by Japanfiles.com
http://www.japanfiles.com/rampant

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Rampant: Blossoming!

Blossom means to “mature in a promising way”, an appropriate title then for the second mini album by the female fronted Japanese band, Rampant. Blossom is a big leap forward for Rampant from their debut album Choice of Life. This mini album’s juxtaposition of Rampant’s raw energy combined with slick production helps the band to break free from the label “Japanese Evanescence” once and for all.

Rampant stays true to what made them such a popular act in their native land. That is their rich layered, spellbinding soundscapes featuring lead singer Hiroko’s signature sing-scream vocals, an engaging mixture of Japanese and English lyrics, some brash nu metal thunder and solid musical craftsmanship. Now though Rampant’s sound and skills are both noticeably more defined and developed.

Formed in Osaka, Japan in 2005, Rampant are:

Hiroko … Vocals
Atsushi … Lead Guitar
Tomoya … Rhythm Guitar
KEI … Bass
KA+U … Drums

raw energy combined with slick production

Some thoughts on their second mini album:

1. NAKED, 4:41
Best of the lot. Some subtle talking under the music. Quick pace. This is the song you want to recommend when you introduce Rampant to your friends.

2. STILL GROWING FLOWER, 4:44
The blend of this song’s lyrics and this track’s crisp militaristic drum beat makes it ideal for sport themed movie soundtrack.

3. My winding road to unknown, 4:22
Heavy / nu metal intro. Then more melodic than the rest of the tunes, getting closer to pop by the end of this number.

4. WHITE FLOWER, 6:00
More emotional range in the vocals than the other tracks, but way too long.

5. IF I AIN’T GOT YOU, 4:53
Eclectic. Great riffs / guitar work, solid beat, interesting contrast of a whispered voice and clear 70s-ish rock vocals (think Heart), but wanders off towards the end.

6. melt away, 4:17
Opens strong, a tour de force for Hiroko’s powerful voice, particularly potent beginning at 2:22.

The Takeaway:
RiceburnerFM recommends Blossom by Rampant. It is another bold release from this exciting band that is just beginning to bloom.

UPDATE: NAKED Video

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Rampant: Choice of Life, a RiceburnerFM Music Review