Seeing SixTONES live and in person was an experience I won’t be able to forget. EVER! I’ll be in the nursing home STILL talking about how INCREDIBLE it was to see them perform live! So, it is fitting that the physical version of their newest CD single, NEIRO, was waiting for me when I got home. Pre-ordered with First-Press extras, the three-disc sets came with polaroids, a photo book, a clear folder (A5 size), and paper versions of the acrylic standees that are so popular with fans and collectors.  

Owning all eleven of their previous singles (and all four albums), I have no problem saying – as far as releases go – NEIRO is my favorite. In addition to the first-press external extras, sonically, this single is packed with sound, including some OUTRAGEOUS remixes! 

“NEIRO“

Understanding SixTONES is to appreciate the allure of their unique blend of sweet sentimentality and unconventional charm. For a deeper insight, you can find my review of the music video here. The video below, is a 360 degree camera / one shot version that perfectly highlights what I mean by their unconventional charm.

“ONE by ONE“

There’s a soft sensuality about this song. It’s the type of song you get up and dance to, but at the same time, it’s something you can get down to (take that as you will). 

“Like THAT“

Keeping the party going, this song is one of my new favorites of the group. There’s something very Y2K about this song. I love how they use auto-tune to accentuate the sensuality of their voices. Move over Timberlake. SixTONES has cornered the market on sex pop.

Spanning the three versions of this release are three distinct rearrangements of the group’s previous singles. The ‘AGGRESSIVE METAL Rearrange’ of ‘CREAK‘ is a surprising standout, hitting harder than expected. Both ‘BE CRAZY‘ and ‘Hysteria‘ have rock rearrangements that are masterfully executed. These arrangements were performed during their VVS concert, and ‘Hysteria’ was particularly moving. In my review on GENIUS , I couldn’t help but praise the beautiful rendition by Taiga Kyomoto. It’s a moment I’m grateful was included in the release. 

The NEIRO release is a treasure trove for SixTONES fans. It includes two nonStop DJ MIXes, each spanning over 33 minutes and featuring all their previous releases. Limited editions A and B come with DVDs containing the Music Video for NEIRO, Making Video Making, Solo shots, and Video versions of the nonStop DJ MIXes. Additionally, there’s a documentary about the making of their fourth studio album, THE VIBES. 

Photo Credit: Mandy Gerbode

I ended my Genius review by stating that when SixTONES was formed, they were hewn from a very different kind of rock, and over the years, have smoothed and polished themselves into one of the most successful pop gems in Japan… and soon, one fervently hopes, the world to follow. I mean those words. There’s just something extraordinary about this group. They’re unlike anything I’ve ever seen – or heard – before. You can purchase a copy of NEIRO wherever Japanese music and movies are sold, including CD JAPAN.

More SixTONES soon so…

Stay Tuned!