Album Review: Ningen Program by The BACK HORN – A Raw, Unfiltered Rock Journey
If you’re into alternative rock with a Japanese twist, Ningen Program by The BACK HORN is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released back in 2005 under the Speedstar label, this record doesn’t try to be flashy or overly polished—it’s gritty, emotional, and straight-up real. With tracks like “セレナーデ” and “幾千光年の孤独,” it digs deep into feelings most of us don’t even wanna admit we have.
Let’s talk about “セレナーデ” (Serenade) first because, honestly, how could you not remember this one? It kicks off the album with this hauntingly beautiful vibe. 山田将司’s vocals are raw but smooth at the same time—he sounds like he’s pouring his soul out through every word. And菅波 栄純’s guitar work? Damn. There’s this understated intensity that builds up without ever going overboard. You can tell they didn’t just slap this together; there’s thought behind every note. This track sticks with me because it feels personal, like eavesdropping on someone’s private moment of heartbreak.
Then there’s “幾千光年の孤独” (Thousands of Light Years of Loneliness). Man, this song hits different. It’s slow-burning, almost melancholic, but in a way that makes you want to sit alone for hours thinking about life. The rhythm section—courtesy of井上富雄 on bass and松田 晋二 on drums—is tight yet loose enough to give the track room to breathe. By the time the chorus rolls around, you’re hit with this wave of emotion that feels both heavy and freeing. It’s kinda weird how music can do that, right?
One thing I love about Ningen Program is how unapologetically human it feels. These guys aren’t trying to reinvent rock—they’re just doing what comes naturally, and it works. Tracks like “夕焼けマーチ” and “雨” add variety to the mix, keeping things interesting from start to finish. Oh, and shoutout to whoever decided to split the bass duties across different tracks—it adds subtle layers to the sound that keep you hooked.
Looking back, this album reminds me why I fell in love with rock music in the first place. It’s not always about big riffs or flashy solos; sometimes, it’s about telling a story that resonates. Fun fact: listening to this album made me realize how much I’ve been sleeping on Japanese alt-rock. Like, seriously, where has this been all my life?
So yeah, if you’re looking for something authentic and packed with emotion, check out Ningen Program. Just don’t blame me if you end up spending hours dissecting its lyrics and wondering what菅波 was thinking when he wrote those killer guitar parts.
