The fighting idols of Neo Japonism are back with a brand new full-length with Egoist, the first in two years. What was striking about the group initially was their seeming affinity towards more heavy riffs, unlike many idol groups that maintain the line at pop. If Egoist is any indicator, they have swung even further into heavier directions, something that only helps to distinguish them from a large base of other idols that keep it more in traditional terms.
There’s a certain energy to Neo Japonism that instantly draws you in. If you hear a song like “Molecule,” it has upbeat vibe that seems to blur between more hard rock and pop elements in a way that’s both playful and energetic. On the heavier side, “Crazy Actor” kicks up some massive grooves that bounce against some hookier moments, which the follow-up track “Show Case” elevates further with a frantic build up to an addictive, soaring chorus. “Black & White” assures that no momentum is lost as the group propels forwards with often urgent sections, driven especially by Hinano Takazawa’s instantly recognizable vocals as she grabs your ear.
That said, there’s also a number of tracks that don’t swing in the heavier direction to offer some diversity from start to finish. Poppy and upbeat “Luv Duv” might be the most immediately catchy song in the mix, veering into vintage pop-punk territory, as does “Kizuite,” though it moves the needle even further into the pop direction. “All of Us” closes the album with an upbeat rock feel that has a soaring finale vibe that almost merges with anime OP territory. If there’s a track that seem to tether the two sides of the album together, it’s “Howl Out,” in which driving rock energy with a danceable underbelly to it that works tremendously.
Neo Japonism continue to sit as an idol group that can still appeal to the rock/metal community without going into a ‘darker’ direction. They have all the traditional appeal of Japanese idol music, but done with a heavier approach that proves to be an addictive and fun time. Egoist should take them a few steps forward, and with any luck, get them back over here in the US for another tour.