A quick return following last year’s debut EP, EXCLAMAT!ON, Nek! continue to showcase what appears to be a rapid rise to the top of the scene (one can only assume they will reach Band-Maid levels sooner than later). Their diverse blend of rock, metal, and pop influences is one that their first EP had on full display. Follow-up Tr!ck Tak!ng works in essentially the same way, offering another taste of fun and flashy collection of tracks that seem to all but illustrate the diversity Nek! is shooting for.
The title track starts us off in quick rocking fashion. Loud, playful basswork from Kanade leads off the track and sits as a perpetual highlight. The driving tempo of the track, alongside the uplifting guitar melodies all but urges the listener to give the song plenty of re-listens to hone in on the intricacies (seemingly becoming a Nek! trait), or just enjoy the song as a classic driving anthem. “Fool” ratchets up the tempo and moves the band back into some punk-inspired waters as the riffing and drum combo brings the chorus into catchy yet rocking territory. Again, Kanade’s bass really stands out and is given plenty of space to showcase it. That’s not to stop a fine Natsu guitar solo later though. Natsu’s guitarwork takes an even stronger presence in “Loner,” with playful runs and soaring melodies.
It’s at the more mellow and quiet “moon” that Hika gets to really shine at the vocal end. The ballad-y cut shows her at her most emotive and gentle, and it’s a nice contrast to the three more brazen rockers before it. The chorus feels like a cool wave rushing over the listener. The final track, “Dreams!!!!” sees the band shift gears back towards an arena rock feel, but still maintaining the same high level of musicianship that is to be expected of the young act. There’s a greater emphasis on the chorus than the other tracks, though it’s chock-full of interweaving guitar and bass melodies outside of the strong presence of Hika.
The only problem that seems to stem from Nek!’s two EPs is that they end far too quickly. The fun and engaging instrumentation and vocal hooks make for a thrilling listen that’s bound to put a smile on any listener’s face. Tr!ck Tak!ng cements Nek! as rising force within the Japanese music scene, and one that’s bound to turn quite a few heads once their name breaks further in the international scene. Let’s just hope they will provide a full-length effort sooner than later.