Ongaku Cafe (The 2000s): moumoon – EVERGREEN (February 2009)

“EVERGREEN” is another solid CD single from moumoon.  Each release has been fantastic to listen to and they are becoming one of my favorites from Japan to listen to.  A good balance of vocals, songwriting and music, “EVERGREEN” is definitely worth checking out!

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GROUP: moumoon

CD SINGLE: EVERGREEN

LABEL: avex trax

CATALOG #: AVCD-31555/B

DURATION: 22:56

RELEASE DATE:  February 25, 2009

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1. EVERGREEN
2. S-cape
3. AINOOTO (愛の音 ～English ver.～)
4. EVERGREEN ~instrumental~
5. S-cape ~instrumental~

DVD: Region 2, 4:3, Duration: 13:45

1. EVERGREEN Music Clip – Kafu wo Machiwabite – Another Story>
2. A Documentary Film<[moumoon 1st ALBUM release Tour 2008] Off Shot

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Reviewed back in February 2009

In 2004, singer/songwriter YUKA and musician/composer Kousuke Masaki were introduced by a mutual friend.    Eventually, the two appreciated each other’s music and in 2005, the two would form the rock unit, moumoon.

The group based their name from the French world “mou” and the English word “moon” which literally translates to “soft moon”.  Two words that would describe the two individuals of the group.

YUKA who was born on Dec. 3, 1985 in Tokyo is a big fan of Michelle Branch and Des’ree. Although, known for her vocals, YUKA is actually an accomplished violinist and played for an orchestra.  She learned English while living in America where she lived in Michigan and Illinois.  Kousuke Masaki was born on June 22nd, 1977 in the Ishikawa Prefecture and is a big fan of The Neptunes and Alanis Morissette.  Kousuke is an accomplished musician who grew up learning the piano and at the age of 13, learned to play guitar and at 15, started playing the synthesizer.

The group has managed to capture my attention with their Japanese and English releases and have felt that this band has a good presence to perform outside of Japan based on the releases and live work they have done thus far.

In Feb. 2009, the group released their fourth CD single titled EVERGREEN which is used as an ending theme song for Japanese television network, TBS’s “Megadigi” and “Akko ni Omakase!” and also their coupling song “AINOOTO” which is used as the ending theme for the anime “VIPER’S CREED”.

“EVERGREEN” is song written by YUKA and music by K. MASAKI and features a mid-tempo rock ballad.  The song starts off slow but once you transition to the chorus, the strings by Gen Ittetsu takes over and you get the moumoon style of vocals that is noticeable with their music in that chorus.  A wonderful and touching ballad!

The second track “S-cape” features a half English/half Japanese song written by YUKA which is literally a “sex, drugs, rock n’ roll” revolution track which features English profanity and although Yuka writes “I don’t do drugs”, she does add in her lyrics “I need alcohol”.  Overall, a fun and surprising track to find on this CD single.

As with most moumoon CD single releases, she does have an all English track and in this CD single, included is the English version of “AINOOTO” (which means “Sounds of Love).  Actually, the lyrics are well-written and poetic.  A song about not being with the person you once loved durin gthe Winter.  Overall, a solid ballad featuring lyrics by YUKA (and English vocal and lyrical direction by Nashmillion$, a producer at Avex and rhythm zone who lived in East LA) and the song is balanced with elegant piano accompaniment.

The final two instrumental tracks that make up the CD single are instrumentals of the first two songs.

The DVD features a clips from the film “Kafu wo Machiwabite” (based on the novel by Maha Harada which won the 1st Japan Love Story Award in 2005) and moumoon briefly in the video.

The second video featured on the DVD is “A Documentary Film<[moumoon 1st ALBUM release Tour 2008] offshot” features the group performing live and traveling to Osaka in late November 2008.   Behind-the-scenes at the music studio and recording their first major full-length album.  And then rehearsing and performing in Shibuya at duo MUSIC EXCHANGE in front of a live audience.

The CD insert booklet features the lyrics to the songs, a picture of moumoon and production credits.  Also, a flier in regards to “moumoon FULL MOON LIVE TOUR 2009”.

Overall, “EVERGREEN” is another solid CD single from moumoon.  Each release has been fantastic to listen to and they are becoming one of my favorites from Japan to listen to.  A good balance of vocals, songwriting and music, “EVERGREEN” is definitely worth checking out!

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