Brilliant Moon by Unfinal: A Punk Rock Gem from Japan That’s Still Kicking
Alright, buckle up, because we’re diving into Brilliant Moon, the 2002 punk rock rollercoaster by Japanese band Unfinal. Released under Syndrome and Einstein Records Japan, this album is like that one friend who shows up uninvited but ends up being the life of the party. It’s raw, unapologetic, and has just enough grit to make you wanna smash something—preferably your neighbor's mailbox.
First off, let’s talk about the title track, “Brilliant Moon.” If you’ve ever stared at the night sky while questioning all your life choices, this song gets it. The opening riff hits like a caffeine jolt, and the vocals? They’re somewhere between a snarl and a scream—which honestly feels appropriate for punk. What sticks with me most is how chaotic yet catchy it is. You’ll find yourself humming it later while pretending to be deep during mundane tasks like grocery shopping or waiting for your coffee order. Pro tip: don’t try explaining this song to your mom unless you want her to think you’ve joined a cult.
Then there’s “Uphill Slope,” which might as well be the anthem for anyone trying to adult unsuccessfully. The energy here is relentless, and the guitar work feels like someone set a skateboard ramp on fire and told the band to shred their way out of it. Lyrically, it’s not Shakespeare, but who cares? Sometimes you don’t need poetry; sometimes you just need a kick in the pants to keep climbing—even if you trip halfway through. This track reminds me of those days when everything feels impossible, but hey, at least you’ve got loud music to drown out the existential dread.
Now, I could go on about “I Hear…” too, but honestly, my brain kinda short-circuited after the first listen. Not in a bad way, though. More like, “Oh crap, what did I just hear?” sort of moment. Let’s call it… intriguingly unhinged.
What makes Brilliant Moon stand out isn’t its perfection—it’s far from polished—but its authenticity. Unfinal doesn’t care about impressing anyone; they’re too busy making noise that matters. And yeah, maybe the production quality sounds like it was recorded in someone’s garage (spoiler: it probably was), but that’s part of the charm. Punk’s not supposed to be shiny; it’s supposed to be real.
So, would I recommend this album? Absolutely. Is it flawless? Nope. But honestly, if you’re looking for an album that captures the messy, rebellious spirit of punk rock, Brilliant Moon delivers. Just don’t blame me if you start randomly yelling lyrics in public.
Final thought: Listening to this album feels like eating wasabi for the first time—it burns, it shocks, and somehow leaves you wanting more. Also, now I really want sushi. Coincidence? Probably.
