[FG] FLOW Generation

SNOW FLAKE – Kioku no Koshuu -/PULSE is FLOW’s twenty-second single, released on December 10th, 2008. It is the last in a trilogy of three thematically related singles.

The only really good song on this album is SNOW FLAKE – Kioku no Koshuu - (the persistence of memories). It’s a sweet rock ballad with FLOW’s trademark hip-hop/R&B infusion. This song is a lot different from the previous two rock-based singles, WORD OF THE VOICE and WORLD END. Now that they have three great singles, their next album, #5, is going to have to be excellent to live up to them.

PULSE is an average song, but definitely more B-Side material than A-Side. It’s just too aggressive (especially at the beginning) and it drags on a lot. The verses are OK, but I was expecting a lot more from the chorus. I was expecting a nice track in the same style as SNOW FLAKE – Kioku no Koshuu -, but this is more than a disappointment.

Phantom should’ve been the second A-Side, simply because it’s a lot better than PULSE. It’s a catchy song with some hints of the aggressive guitar riffs from the previous track, but controlled. The vocal work isn’t exceptional but it’s effective. It does sound a lot like the two previous singles, which is a good thing, since they were both excellent. I hope this goes onto their upcoming album.

A heavy hitting Summer rock release!

The rock band FLOW is back with their 23rd single titled “Nuts Bang!!!” to celebrate the Summer.

The band which consists of vocalist Koshi, guitarist Take, vocalist Keigo, bassist Goto and drummer Iwasaki wanted to go with a surf inspired track kicks off the the single with “NUTS BANG!!!”, a track which utilizes Take’s guitar churning and includes rapping and singing about “Summer Days”. Lyrics are written by Koshi Asakawa and music by Takeshi Asakawa. An upbeat, fun and enjoyable summer track.

The second track is “SUMMER FREAK” featuring an uptempo rock track but more upbeat. Electric guitar and bass driven. Very punkish track! Lyrics are written by Koshi Asakawa and music by Takeshi Asakawa.

The third track “Bring it On!” features a track written by Koshi Asakawa and music by Takeshi Asakawa. This time the band goes for a more upbeat reggae-style of track with touch of rock and Spanish influence. Awesome track!

The fourth track “黄昏サマーデイズ” features another track by Koshi and Take and a summer-themed rock track. The track is upbeat, quick and infused with electric guitar during the tracks upbeat moments and bass during the slower moments.

The final track is a cover of the Beach Boys song “Surfing’ U.S.A.” and sung entirely in English. But ends with a cool segment with many people singing the final part of the song.

The CD insert comes with five-fold insert with many pictures of the members and model Megumi Ikeda in her bikini. The foldout features the lyrics and production credits to the song. The outside of the insert utilizes a specialized glittery paper. Also, included is FLOW’s September tour information and a “Nuts Bang!!! Flow” sticker.

Overall, “Nuts Bang!!!” gives FLOW fans a new Summer track with a good diverse amount of music from rock, punk, reggae and a cover of a popular Beach Boys song. But for the most part, a heavy hitting, summer CD single worth checking out!