FACT

My first taste of FACT was when a college friend sent me a link to their video, A Fact of Life. My impression from the minute I watched of the video was, "sounds too American," and I shut it off without another thought. After all, part of the reason I listen to Japanese music is because I don't care for much of the newer American music. Quite a while later, I saw that the band would be going on tour here in the USA, and decided to check into their music again, since reporting on Japanese bands in the USA is what I do.

I got my hands on a copy of FACT's most recent release, their self-titled album, FACT, and gave it a proper listen. And surprisingly found myself digging the sound.

FACT's sound is nothing like what I have heard in any VK bands, and definitely fits better into the category of "alternative." Think Ellegarden meets pre-MUSIC girugamesh; the vocals have a bit of a rock-pop tone, which at times drops into a throaty metal scream, set to music that plays with everything from heavy, wailing guitars to synth or rock-pop. And for the most part, the different sounds come together quite nicely, though you can really hear the American influence in their music. The fact that FACT's lyrics are sung in English only furthers that, to the extent that, yes, a few songs do indeed sound like they are from an American band. In particular, Los Angels and Stretch My Arms sound like they would have a solid place on American radio.

On the other hand, most of their music sounds rather unique; A Fact of Life is probably one of the best songs on the album, blending heavy guitar riffs, synthetic, filtered vocals, and a taste from both sides of the world's rock--Japanese and American. 45days brings us a ballad with just the right amount of electric guitar floating behind the acoustic guitar, until the two sounds meld together and peak. 1-2 is distinctly electronic, and almost sounds out of place on the album, except for the guitar rippling through it subtlely.

Overall, FACT by FACT is an album that stands out from GazettE, girugamesh, and other popular Japanese bands, with a sound that finds a healthy balance between heavier rock sounds and lighter pop and electronic sounds. If you're looking for something new in the Japanese music realm, FACT is certainly worth checking out.

track list

1. paradox
2. los angels
3. a fact of life
4. chain
5. reborn
6. purple eyes
7. lights of vein
8. merry christmas mr.lawrence
9. co-3
10. snow
11. stretch my arms
12. 45days
13. why...
14. 1-2
15. rise
bonus track: a fact of life -BOOM BOOM SATELLITES Remix

buy this album

FACT is now available for only $7 via Vagrant Records' website!

review by Melony; photo copyright FACT/Vagrant Records

FACT Official Website
FACT Official MySpace

BACK