HANABIE. – Bucchigiri Tokyo (Epic Music Japan)

Rapidly gaining worldwide recognition after their second album, last year’s Reborn Superstar, HANABIE. have been sprinkling in new singles since then among stops from the touring circuit, two of which have made their way onto their new EP, Bucchigiri Tokyo. A five song EP (six if you count the short ‘bonus’ track) with a central concept centering on Japanese culture, it represents the next evolution of HANABIE., and one that should justly continue to propel them forward to the front of the scene.

Opening with the title track, the first thing that sticks out is how riff-centered it is. A buzzing, thick line of riffing leads the way, with the electronic portion of the band’s sound taking a backseat (in comparison to some of their more recent material). It results in the song having a visceral edge to it, and it feels custom-made to put into the band’s live repertoire, elevating itself with a very catchy yet still stomping chorus featuring Matsuri’s clean vocals. “Metamorphose!” continues the mostly guitar-centric approach with galloping thrash tempos, only slightly slowing down for a more bouncy chorus that utilizes both Yukina and Matsuri in a way that allows them to play off each other effectively. The first song that was debuted from the EP, “OTAKU Lovely Densetsu” ramps up more of an electronic presence than the songs before it, and brings a mixture of what has made HANABIE. such a memorable group. The riffs (and frantic drumming) hit hard, the energy swings from snarling to soaring, and the overall vibe is that one that draws the listener in with how fun it is.

“GAMBLER” offers a few moments of restraint with it’s opening, but don’t expect it to last for long. The music does carry a unique and an almost traditional Japanese feel at times that’s carried by the guitarwork until it gradually escalates. The chorus also sits on the more melodic side of things, giving Matsuri her finest chance to shine vocally, and it’s still packed with heavy, rolling grooves that pick up to thrashing territory as Yukina drops some menacing roars. The end of the track has an effective repeated riff that is bound to leave listeners with a sore neck. Arguably the most upbeat song on the EP, “Ito Okashi My Type,” cranks up some of the electronics and sampling a bit, capturing that more energetic and playful feeling that HANABIE. can weaponize on a moment’s notice. The hooks are massive, with danceable grooves and melodies colliding with frantic heaviness in the best possible way, while Yukina fires off everything from rapid-fire rap vocals to screams.

The EP closes with a ‘bonus’ surprise, giving drummer Chika the spotlight, much in the same fashion that “ME, The Ultimate Invader of the Universe” did for bassist Hettsu. A swirling, electronic-laden trip with dance beats and sounds floating around Chika’s vocals (including a chanted spelling out of her beloved “ice cream”), “Guilty Time” is nothing if a not a thoroughly entertaining send-off that will likely stick in your head at the end of a listening session as much as the other tracks.

HANABIE. continue to evolve their unique and genre-mashing friendly take on heavy music and explore new directions while maintaining their core essence. Bucchigiri Tokyo reinforces the idea that the band is onto something fresh and innovative, and they have the drive to make a name for themselves in the global circuit. Tired of the same ole thing? Let HANABIE. win you over with their slurry of explosive metalcore riffing, vicious roars, jpop and anime-inspired melodies, all laced with danceable modern electronics. Explosive mayhem at its most kawaii.