Album Review: Merci Box II Symphonie by Various Artists
Released in 2014 under the label Project "Merci Box," Merci Box II Symphonie is a genre-bending musical journey that captures the essence of Japan’s vibrant electronic and rock scenes. With its eclectic mix of styles—ranging from Synth-pop to Hard House, Drum n Bass, and even Happy Hardcore—this compilation feels like an ambitious experiment that somehow works. It doesn’t just push boundaries; it smashes them wide open.
One standout track is "キャンバスライダー (Merci Box Version)." This one sticks with you because it blends pulsating synths with a melody so catchy it worms its way into your brain for days. The energy here is electric, almost tangible—you can practically feel the neon lights flickering as the beat drops. What makes this version special is how it takes something familiar and twists it into something fresh. It's not overly polished but has enough grit to keep things interesting. You'd think a remix would lose some soul, but nah, this one holds its own.
Another unforgettable gem is "天空シンフォニア" ("Sky Symphony"). True to its name, this track feels massive—like staring up at the sky on a clear night and realizing how small you are. The orchestral elements layered over the electronic beats create a sense of grandeur without feeling pretentious. There’s a moment midway through where everything crescendos, and honestly? It gave me goosebumps. That’s the kind of magic you don’t find often in compilations like this.
The diversity of sounds across the album is impressive. Tracks like "Extreme Block Play" bring hard-hitting Electro House vibes, while others like "Solitude Prayer (Ft. Mami)" lean more introspective, offering softer, melodic breaks. Even quirky tunes like "Box In The Box" add a playful touch, reminding listeners not to take themselves too seriously. The inclusion of vocal tracks in both Japanese and English adds another layer of depth, making the album accessible yet uniquely tied to its cultural roots.
What really struck me about Merci Box II Symphonie was how unapologetically bold it is. Some tracks hit harder than others, sure, and there’s definitely a lot going on, but isn’t that what music should do? Challenge you, excite you, maybe even confuse you a little? Listening to this album feels less like pressing play and more like stepping into someone else’s dream—a chaotic, colorful, slightly overwhelming dream.
In the end, though, I couldn’t help but laugh when I saw the final track titled "Merci Box -Symphonie Remix-". After all those wild rides, they loop back around to remind you where it all started. Clever, right? Or maybe just cheeky. Either way, hats off to whoever thought of that.
If you’re looking for something safe, predictable, or easy to define, this ain’t it. But if you want an album that’ll make you scratch your head, nod along, and maybe even dance awkwardly in your living room, give Merci Box II Symphonie a shot. Just don’t blame me if “キャンバスライダー” gets stuck in your head for weeks.
