After their powerful first release “アイラク偽心” (Airaku Gishin) 游彩 (Yusai) are already following it up with their second single. While the first single very much had a feeling of “fire” all over it, this second single has a calmer approach. And like the name already suggests, the inspiration for this release comes from rain.
But does 游彩 (Yusai)’s second release live up to their first one? Since their first release was a clear display of their skills as a group, while still keeping the familiar feeling of their previous band ジン (ZIN). Are you ready? Let’s find out!
雨 (Ame)
(Words: 雨音 類 (Amane Rui) / Music: 慶 (Yoshi))
The title song of the release translates to “Rain” in English, and it’s not just the title that conveys the feeling of rain. Throughout the entire song the influence of rain returns, showing the diversity of the group by switching between slower and faster verses to tell the very sad story of loneliness.
The previous single, “アイラク偽心” (Airaku Gishin), also had a surprisingly sad story in it’s lyrics, and 雨 (Ame) continues this theme that’s surprisingly fitting with the combination of rain.
The music video for this song is filmed in front of a waterfall with a muted color theme, adding to the theme of negativity and loneliness, but the entire visual aspect of the music video is very fitting to the light during a rainstorm as well.
渇望 (Katsubou)
(Words: 雨音 類 (Amane Rui) / Music: 慶 (Yoshi))
The second song of the single prefers a faster overall rhythm and continues the pace the first single already set earlier, but also continues the theme of negativity in the lyrics. Rather than a lost love, the feeling of obsession seems to take the main stage by the words of 雨音 類 (Amane Rui) voicing the desire of being with someone who might not feel the same towards them.
Traditional elements are combined with the modern instruments seamlessly, which is something 游彩 (Yusai) has been doing very well since their first release as ジン (ZIN) already. Combining all of these elements with 雨音 類 (Amane Rui)’s unique voice creates a sound that only 游彩 (Yusai) can produce.
真宵路 (Mayoimichi)
(Words: 雨音 類 (Amane Rui) / Music: 慶 (Yoshi))
The final song of this single, which is only found on the regular edition of the release, is also one with a higher pace. And despite the cheerful tone the song portrays, the lyrics once again fit the theme of negativity and sadness. Rather than grief and obsession, the theme of choice for this song is depression, where every day feels the same as the one before it, or the one coming after it.
Conclusion
The neo-traditional elements that made up a big part of ジン (ZIN)’s career are still very present in 游彩 (Yusai)’s second single, and despite them now working with one guitarist rather than two (vocalist 雨音 類 (Amane Rui) was previously the lead guitarist in ジン (ZIN) under the name Luy, but after vocalist 唄 (Riku)’s sudden withdrawal from the group it was Luy who stepped up to the plate, and later changed his name to 雨音 類 (Amane Rui) instead) their sound is still just as recognizable and familiar as it was before.
This group of four individuals have played together for quite some years already, and it seems like they have a solid idea of what they want to sound like as a band as well, something that we already heard in their previous works, but gets underlined once more with 雨 (Ame).
If you’re a fan of the “traditional meets modern” style that 游彩 (Yusai) have been portraying perfectly since their first single, this is definitely the release for you. Though, if you were a fan of ジン (ZIN)’s work you’ll also find familiar ground here. The vocalist in both group might be different, but the foundation is still the same. If you haven’t given 游彩 (Yusai) a chance yet, then now is your time to do so.
Release information
Are you interested in supporting the band by getting your own copy of the release? Here is something to get you started:
 (Type A) | 01. 雨 (Ame) 02. 渇望 (Katsubou) DVD 01. 雨 (Ame) (MV) |
 (Type B) | 01. 雨 (Ame) 02. 渇望 (Katsubou) 03. 真宵路 (Mayoimichi) |
Artist: 游彩 (Yusai)
Release: 雨 (Ame) (single)
Release date: July 26, 2017
CD number: NSRC-0014A (limited edtion) / NSRC-0014B (regular edition)
Follow 游彩 (Yusai)
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 (Amane Rui) |  (Yoshi) |  (Orochi) |  (Saku) |
雪 (Yuki) is the owner and driving force behind Arlequin.
She originally started the project in 2009 as a photographer under the name of Arlequin Photography, but developed an interest in journalism and translation ever since. Because of these interests interviews and reviews were added to the project, until it eventually hit the limits as a "photographer" in 2021, and Arlequin Magazine was added to the mix.
雪 (Yuki) is a native Dutch speaker with a graphic design degree, which means she is also the main person behind Arlequin Creations.
After all these years she is still the main person who does interviews the interviews and live photos that you see on Arlequin, but also a large chunk of the reviews and behind-the-scenes work and communication goes through her.
She speaks Dutch and English on a native level, but also understands Japanese and German.