It’s been awhile since I’ve watched any of INI’s content material, however Ozaki Takumi was at all times a favourite member of mine. His good-hearted nature and willingness to be the butt of a joke made him come throughout as amiable and relatable. With that persona in thoughts, I by no means would have imagined he had one thing like Sonzai Shoumei (存在証明) in him. The truth that he’s listed as each a composer and lyricist right here is much more spectacular.

For awhile now, I’ve been bemoaning the dearth ambition in music. Songs appear content material to coast by on vibes for 2 minutes with out ever laying something on the road. Sonzai Shoumei is usually a mess at occasions, nevertheless it’s by no means a boring one. The primary minute seems like perfunctory set-up, however as soon as the beat actually will get going the monitor pulls you in with pressure. Pinballing between rap and melody, there are factors that velocity by at such breakneck tempo that you simply barely have time to catch your breath.

If I had my approach, Sonzai Shoumei would discover stronger melodies all through, however I’m heartened by the singing positioned on the music’s core. It will be straightforward to simply speak by way of all the monitor as so many idols do, however there’s an actual try at giving this chaotic association an anchoring centerpiece. This helps reduce by way of the messier moments and deftly straddles the road between pop and sound experiment.

Grade: B+