Ongaku Cafe (The 2000s): TRIPLANE - Kokoro Haretara (February 2008)

They do produce their own original music and I have to say that I really enjoyed their second album “Kokoro Haretara” a lot. There are many awesome tracks on this album and I hope their comparisons to Mr. Children don’t push people away but moreso, pushes them towards TRIPLANE.

BAND: TRIPLANE

ALBUM: ココロ晴れたら (Kokoro Haretara)

LABEL: avex entertainment

CATALOG #: AVCD-27080/B

DURATION: 50:58

RELEASE DATE: February 6, 2008

1. モノローグ
2. 愛の唄
3. I am
4. 扉を開くよ
5. メトロ
6. jump -線の向こうへ-
7. 僕に出来る事
8. yesterday
9. エアポケット
10. ココロハコブ
11. 明日晴れたら

DVD: Region 2, 4:3, Duration: 8 minutes

Featuring the music video, concept, story, making and special segment of the band’s hit song “Monologue”.

Reviewed back in 2008

TRIPLANE is an interesting band because of the comparisons to Mr. Children.

The group which was formed back in 2002 consists of vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Ebata “Samurai” Hyoue (who people say he’s like Mr. Children’s Sakura Kazutoshi which Ebata respects); guitarist Kawamura “Kane” Kenji; bassist Takeda Kazuya and drummer Hirota “Tan” Makoto (the leader of the band).

Lead vocalist Ebata’s voice is very similar to Mr. Children’s Sakurai Kazutoshi and thus the frequent comparisons.

In 2004, the group debuted with “SPEED*STAR” which is said to be a cover of a hitomi song but in fact, hitomi actually covered the song that was sung by them.

But the group is probably known for their third CD single “Dear Friends” (NFCD-27002, January 11, 2006) which was used as an ending theme for the anime series “ONE PIECE”.

And in 2008, the group released their second album “Kokoro Haretara” which would feature the group’s latest hit titled “Monologue”.

Back in 1995 or so, Mr. Children’s “Bolero” was one of my favorite albums. A good balance of their music that would feature rock and also rock that would have a touch of strings. Well-written songs and just all out good music and vocals.

TRIPLANE’s “Kokoro Haretara” reminds me of that album. They may not be as well-known as Mr. Children but the potential of this group is just great. Tracks such as “Monologue” really showcase the group’s talent as a band and has that “Owari Naki Tabi” Mr. Children feel while the second track “Ai no Uta” has that “See-Saw Game” Mr. Children upbeat acoustic guitar style.

There are so many awesome tracks on this album such as “Metro”, “Air Pocket”, “Kokoro Hakobu” and the list goes on and just a great balance of fast, upbeat songs and ballads.

As for the DVD, the DVD features the music video of their hit song “Monologue” which features a tree-like creature in the forest (the music video also has removable subtitles), enjoying his walk through the forest until children start pelting it with rocks.

During his walk in the forest, the creature finds a woman unconscious and nurses her back to health. But the woman can only last so long as it’s going to snow in the area. So, the tree creature tries to bring her to safety but the fire they built has run out of brush and the woman is in dire need of heat. Thus the creature sacrifices himself by being the firewood to keep her warm.

The other segments on the DVD are text-based and photos behind-the-scenes on the making of the music video. The special 3-minute still-motion video features a storyboard which features the actual storyline of how a boy became the tree and as it got older, the woman that he cared about and had to leave her. The story is told by text to the instrumental music of “Monologue”.

As for the CD insert, the insert booklet comes with lyrics and production credits. And pictures of the globe and the red head kid. The CD fits into a cardboard slip cover and a little promotional flyer with a biography of the group and 2008 concert tour dates.

Being compared to one of the most successful Japanese bands and drawing comparisons to Mr. Children is definitely not a bad thing. If anything, it’s great publicity and also a great comparison because many people love Mr. Children’s music.

But I also understand both sides of Japanese music reviews with many who praise the group for it’s music and vocals and resemblance to Mr. Children but also a little criticism of the band sounding too much like Mr. Children and thus the band is not too original.

Personally, for me, I love Mr. Children. They are my favorite band. And the fact that another band sounds like them musically (the earlier years 1995-1996 years) and how vocally, Ebata and Mr. Children’s Sakurai sound so similar is a bit surreal but I never saw it as a bad thing.

Cool music, awesome vocals and a band with a lot of potential! Definitely give TRIPLANE’s “Kokoro Haretara” a try!