VOL.70 4th single“千以上の言葉を並べても...”

●○○ From music freak magazine Vol.70

GARNET CROW

Since their major-label debut in March, GARNET CROW have continued to release high-quality work while taking a serious look at the ground beneath their feet. Their new single, “千以上の言葉を並べても...,” will be released on September 27. This time, we follow the members’ comments on the work to explore the world they have created.

Unlike the sense of speed in their previous release, “二人のロケット,” which seemed to shoot toward the sky, this new work is steeped in autumn and filled with a wistful atmosphere. Yuri Nakamura sings calmly along a delicate melody; AZUKI Nana lyrically sets down the impatient feeling that cannot be conveyed even by listing a thousand words; and layered harmonies and an arrangement built from overlapping phrases complete the picture. You can clearly feel how the elements each member of the four-person group carefully wove into their own part have fused into a whole. Where, specifically, does that care reveal itself in this work?

“Because it is an autumn song, it has a sorrowful quality that slowly seeps into the heart.”
— Yuri Nakamura (Vocals, Composition)

“It is a relationship in which no one is at fault, yet the two people cannot remain close. I wanted to write about it as gently as possible, so I wrote these lyrics.”
— AZUKI Nana (Lyrics, Keyboard)

“I worked to make the arrangement gradually draw the listener’s ear in, so that when it ended, it would feel like watching a film.”
— Hirohito Furui (Arrangement, Keyboard)

Indeed, the more you listen, the more easily the song draws you in. When asked what was worth listening for in this compelling song, Furui answered concisely, “The sense of a story running through the entire song,” while AZUKI pointed to “Nakamura’s voice, which unfolds freely and softens your mood.” Nakamura replied, “I think this is a song that sinks into you more deeply the more you hear it. I hope everyone will listen to it again and again and feel the lingering aftertaste it leaves behind.” Their words fully convey how much they care about the song.

As mentioned above, each member brought a particular commitment to making the song. Sometimes that meant taking on something new; at other times, it meant understanding and absorbing the song in their own way. We therefore asked what had been difficult during the recording and what they had tried.

“I paid attention to how the new sounds worked with the vocals, and to the rise and fall of the layers.”
— Hirohito Furui

“I valued the sound of the words, and wanted them to blend naturally into the arrangement when sung.”
— Yuri Nakamura

“I consciously tried to create a textured, inorganic quality.”
— Hitoshi Okamoto (Guitar)

You can feel a powerful message in Nakamura’s calm voice, and discover that what first sounds like a simple melodic line is actually supported by an arrangement and harmonies layered with numerous phrases. The further you listen, the more new details you find. Those discoveries are what draw listeners closer to GARNET CROW’s world.

The coupling song “blue bird” unfolds another side of GARNET CROW. Furui describes it as “a song like a fresh breeze,” while Nakamura says, “It became a song that is very easy to get into and has a strong pop appeal.” Nakamura’s comfortable pop melody combines beautifully with AZUKI’s philosophical lyrics. Perhaps a work like this is possible precisely because every member is an accomplished creator.

This is GARNET CROW’s fourth single. We asked whether anything within the band had changed as they continued releasing new work.

“I think the range of songs GARNET CROW can express has grown wider.”
— Yuri Nakamura

“We have improved in many areas, including sound, groove, and harmonies. Those aspects should be even more apparent on the album, so please look forward to it!”
— Hirohito Furui

With each release, GARNET CROW are steadily growing. You can sense their progress by listening to the music, and the members’ words make it even clearer. What will GARNET CROW, always moving forward, try next? Each member gave a different answer.

“In any case, I want to write more songs.”
— AZUKI Nana

“I want to combine new things with what I have learned so far and create music of even higher quality—music that will not be cast aside after a single listen.”
— Hirohito Furui

“Guitar playing that goes straight for the vital point!”
— Hitoshi Okamoto

“I want to keep writing songs that let everyone feel the seasons. I also want to create works that convey the image of GARNET CROW through photographs and video.”
— Yuri Nakamura

GARNET CROW’s breadth and depth of expression have already earned them considerable praise. These comments confirm that the band continues to develop, and that this development is becoming fuel for further creation. Lyrics, melody, vocals, harmonies, and arrangement: their musicality runs through every element that makes up a song. By bringing those elements together tightly, they give birth to a complete and expansive work. GARNET CROW have found a way to create songs that enrich the sensibilities of their listeners.

Release information

New Maxi Single “千以上の言葉を並べても...”
GIZA studio　GZCA-1044　¥1,050 (tax included)
Release: September 27, 2000

1. 千以上の言葉を並べても...
2. blue bird
3. 千以上の言葉を並べても...〜Instrumental〜

New Maxi Single “千以上の言葉を並べても...”
Out September 27!!