After the success of their previous single “Crimson Desire”, the Japanese-British-Italian quartet returns with a new song – “Reverie” and it can’t be further from their past releases. From the energetic, blood pumping metal anthems to the fairy-tale, enthralling and philosophical ode to the serene, snow covered landscape – Re:O prove to be versatile and unorthodox creators. “Reverie” mixes Japanese pop, J-rock, alternative rock with delicate, rich arrangements and beautiful airy atmosphere that can only be found in the stillness of icy air.
Reverie single cover by Rio Suyama
Official bio: Beginning with bittersweet tones, Re:O’s 10th single “Reverie” signals the dawn of a new era for Re:O. Reverie portrays the story of missing someone you shared every moment after they are gone. Those who once spent time with us eventually disappear from your sight as time goes by, like snow falling on your hand, without a trace. The fragile snow, even when it piles up, will eventually melt away. In the same way, human connections are breakable and bound to fade. Nonetheless, the memories of those we hold close remain eternal. Walking down this snowy path, glancing at the snow-covered buildings, such ordinary days bring back nostalgic memories of the times spent with you, and this song carries one wish: “May you always stay well.” “Reverie” is not about loss, it’s about reminiscing about those we encountered in our life, the special moments shared and the hope that not only could a friendship or relationship reignite but also the hope that those that we shared these memories with are safe, well and thriving.
When I first heard “Reverie”, I was truly surprised. The song stands at only 2 minutes and 37 seconds which makes it probably the shortest song the band has ever released. Fans also got accustomed to their songs being quite fast, melodic and dynamic, and “Reverie”is mid tempo, delicate and feels almost subdued. Another important change is that the song is sung entirely in Japanese, their first track written like this since 2021’s “GUILD”. Some time ago, I wrote that I would love to hear Rio Suyama (the band vocalist) sing an entire number in her native language and I guess I can count this dream fulfilled. However, what I had in mind was more like “Ronin” or “Crimson Desire” – I was expecting an uncompromising sonic kick than a semi rock ballad.
Despite my initial amazement, “Reverie” is a very beautiful song. It is also quite an earworm that has been playing in my head non stop for over a week now. The biggest perk of being a music journalist is that we get to hear the music before the premiere and I think I’m addicted to listening to it. “Reverie” has a soft, pop melodic line, a typical pop structure of verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus, with short intro and outro. There are few rocker bits that add a bit of power to the composition (guitar riffs at the beginning, heavy drumming in the chorus and delightful drum/bass/guitar cannonade at 1 minute and 15 seconds mark) but otherwise “Reverie” has a particular daydreaming vibe to it.
Band picture by Lee Paine
“‘Reverie’ focuses on the relationship between the guitars and synths working with each other, to create an atmosphere of powerful, raw energy yet a mysterious, cold, distant but yet familiar and comforting overtones with the synth” writes the band in the song’s press release and it’s a great description. Synths play a leading role on “Reverie” indeed giving the track a cold wave atmosphere. There is something gothy about the song too: the themes of winter, alienation,and loss remind me of Siouxsie and The Banshees, but also of Alphaville and Malice Mitzer. I have no idea how they do it, but Japanese artists are absolute specialists when it comes to creating mish/mash of pop culture styles, references and themes. No other musician could ever come up with something that combines German darkwave (Falco, Kraftwerk) with Japanese visal kei (X-Japan, GazettE) and British new romantics a la Visage or Ultravox. Re: O do and the results are absolutely pitch perfect. They are probably the only ones who can actually pull it off so flawlessly, anybody else would just crash and burn.
I have to mention Rio’s impressive vocals. One thing I noticed is that Rio modulates her register a lot in “Reverie”, to the point that I thought somebody esle was singing alongside her. Very verse starts in her normal range, but then her voice goes quite low for the second part, it’s really something. I always assumed that Rio is a mezzo soprano, but she might be an alto, or at least she has the capability to go into alto’s range. Please see the difference between the way Rio sings at the beginning of the song (20 second mark) and then at the 32 seconds mark. Colour me impressed!
“Reverie” is rather an unusual track for Re:O but they are growing as a band and they are experimenting with different styles and genres. In the middle of winter, “Reverie” is what we all need right now.
“Reverie” is out today on all streaming platforms.
RE:O online:
https://www.facebook.com/reothebandofficial
https://x.com/re_oofficial
https://www.instagram.com/reotheband
https://www.youtube.com/@reotheband
https://www.twitch.tv/reo_o_jp
https://reomusic3.bandcamp.com
https://www.tiktok.com/@reotheband
https://soundcloud.com/user-532691948
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rLfw0m94PhKR4pnbomrqB
Rita Dabrowicz
Indieterria 