It’s a bizarre time to be a Kis-My-Ft2 fan. The group’s newest album (their first in 4 years) was simply their worst — a challenge I listened to as soon as and by no means returned to. But after leaving the group, Hiromitsu Kitayama has unveiled a musical breadth and creativity solely hinted at throughout his time with Kisumai. I’m delighted for him, and want to see the identical ambitions mirrored in his former group. 2023’s RANSHIN was a spectacular solo debut and the just-released Comedian may show to be even stronger.

This tune is taken from Kitayama’s first full album and does an amazing job distilling his ferocious rock-meets-rap sound. Proper from the beginning, we’re blasted with a mix of pummeling guitar and icy synth. This vitality by no means wanes aside from the instances the monitor decides to modify issues up and grow to be much more aggressive. It’s so much to absorb on first pay attention. You’re steamrolled by unyielding power with out a second to catch your breath, however the items shortly come collectively as every hook builds upon the momentum.

Comedian‘s craziest moments arrive throughout its second half, when the tune splits itself open and transitions to a jarring chant. This escalating vitality serves to tug us into two velocity rock breakdowns. It’s disorienting and feels at odds with the remainder of the monitor, however that is clearly intentional and finally ends up making Comedian even bolder and brasher because it hurtles towards its finale.

Grade: A-