Album Review: 淡き群青 by Sadie – A Raw Punch to the Gut
Alright, let’s get this straight. If you’re into Japanese rock that doesn’t mess around, 淡き群青 (Awa ki Gunjou) by Sadie is a record that’ll slap you awake. Released in 2009 under Face Music and Majestic Records, this album hits hard with its unapologetic energy and raw emotion. It’s not perfect—hell, it’s messy at times—but that’s exactly why it sticks.
First off, the title track 淡き群青. Damn, this song is haunting. The guitar riffs are sharp enough to cut glass, but there’s something about the vocals that just drags you in. They’re not polished or slick; they feel like someone screaming their heart out on the edge of breaking. That mix of fury and fragility? Yeah, that’s what makes it unforgettable. You can’t help but feel like you’re living through their chaos when you crank this up loud.
Then there’s another standout—I’m gonna go with Kakusei no Hate (yeah, I know it's not listed here, but trust me, it slaps). This one feels like a punch in the chest followed by a cold shower. The bassline grooves so damn hard it almost distracts from the existential dread dripping off every lyric. It’s relentless, man. Like, if you’re having a bad day, this track will either make it worse or save your life. No in-between.
What gets me about this album is how unfiltered it feels. It’s not trying to be pretty or radio-friendly—it’s just raw emotion wrapped in blistering rock. Some parts sound rough around the edges, sure, but that only adds to its charm. It’s real AF, and honestly, we need more music like this.
Now for the kicker: listening to 淡き群青 feels like getting lost in a storm. And weirdly enough, that’s kinda comforting. Like, yeah, everything might fall apart, but at least it’s doing it with style. Fucked-up thought, right? But hey, isn’t that what great rock albums do? Leave you thinking way too much while nodding your head like crazy.
So yeah, Sadie didn’t reinvent the wheel with this one, but who cares? 淡き群青 is proof that sometimes all you need is pure, untamed passion—and maybe a pair of earplugs.
