Kekkaishi Original Soundtrack: A Genre-Bending Sonic Adventure That Sticks
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a composer throws every genre into a blender and hits "puree," Taku Iwasaki’s Kekkaishi Original Soundtrack is your answer. Released in 2007 under Giza Studio, this album isn’t just a soundtrack—it’s an auditory labyrinth that keeps you guessing at every turn. Hip hop? Pop? Rock? Electronic? Experimental? You name it, it’s here. And somehow, it works.
Let’s talk about two tracks that stuck with me like gum on a shoe: "Sebben Crudele" and "She La La -Ayakashi Night- (TV Edit)."
First up, “Sebben Crudele.” Yeah, yeah, I know—it sounds like some pretentious opera title, but trust me, this one’s a vibe. The track starts off slow, almost haunting, with these delicate piano notes that feel like stepping into an old cathedral where time stands still. Then BAM! Outta nowhere comes this massive swell of strings and percussion that feels like the roof’s about to blow off. It’s cinematic without being cheesy, dramatic without being over-the-top. Every time I hear it, I imagine myself running through some shadowy forest, dodging glowing monsters or something equally epic. Honestly, it’s so good it makes me wish my life had more high-stakes chases.
Then there’s “She La La -Ayakashi Night- (TV Edit).” This one’s got swagger for days. With its funky bassline and quirky vocal chops, it’s like if anime characters decided to throw a rave. The beat bounces around unpredictably, keeping you on your toes, while the synths sprinkle in just enough weirdness to keep things interesting. It’s playful, kinda hypnotic, and impossible not to bob your head to. Plus, the whole thing has this mischievous energy that screams late-night shenanigans—perfect for sneaking out of the house or plotting world domination (no judgment).
What blows my mind most about this soundtrack is how cohesive it feels despite its wild diversity. Taku Iwasaki didn’t just slap together random styles; he wove them into a tapestry that feels both chaotic and intentional. From the breakbeat-heavy “Battle Ground” to the ethereal minimalism of “Sanctuary,” each track adds its own flavor to the mix without overshadowing the others. And let’s give credit where it’s due—Iwasaki wrote, arranged, produced, programmed, AND played keyboards and piano. Dude basically did everything except design the CD cover.
Reflecting on Kekkaishi Original Soundtrack, it strikes me as less of a traditional score and more of a musical kaleidoscope. Sure, it was made for a Japanese TV series, but honestly? You don’t need to have seen the show to appreciate this masterpiece. In fact, listening to it feels like peeking inside someone’s brain during a brainstorming session gone gloriously haywire.
And hey, here’s a thought: maybe we all need a little chaos in our playlists now and then. After all, who wants boring when you can have breakbeat meets goa trance meets modern classical? Not me, man. Not me.
So grab your headphones, crank up the volume, and let Taku Iwasaki take you on a ride you won’t soon forget. Just don’t blame me if you start daydreaming about monster-hunting adventures afterward.
