Altocolony No Teiri: Radwimps Album

Altocolony no Teiri (also Altcolony no Teiri, Arutocolony no Teiri) is the fifth studio album from Japanese rock band Radwimps. It was released on March 11, 2009 and has sold over 300,000 copies in Japan since then.

The album consists of 13 tracks that collectively showcase Radwimps to be a versatile and lyrically powerful rock group.

The opening track, Tayuta, is softer and more mellow than the other tracks and can be quite unexpected for Radwimps fans. Though not their main style of music, the ballad-like style of the first track primarily demonstrates the type of music that Radwimps is capable of producing.

The next track, Oshakashama, is an explosion compared to the first track. The band's complicated guitar pickings, combined with the lead singer Yojiro Noda's rapid lyrics, zip right off the album and is a surprising contrast with the opening track. It is a welcome change and easily one of the best tracks on the album.

The third track, Bagpipe, is primarily sung in English. Even so, the lyrics are still quite rapid. The song continues the quick pace set up by Oshakashama. It is more anthem-like with a more steady rhythm.

Nazonazo brings a soothing change that calms the listener's spirits after the lightning fast pace of the previous two tracks. Nazonazo is longest track so far and has the time to develop into a more well-rounded song, and it does so brilliantly. Though the pace of the song is slower, Radwimps manages to maintain a degree of energy throughout the track that allows it to act on its own. At the same time, the slower pace sets up the mood for the next track, making Nazonazo a great bridging track between Bagpipe and the next track.

Nanoka feels at once very bluesy while maintaining a modern rock atmosphere, most probably due to Yojiro Noda's rapid lyrics laid over the rest of the band's mellow beats and notes. The repeating chorus of Nanoka is great for sunsets on a beach.

The next track, One man live, picks up the pace again with its catchy guitar riffs and lyrics. The track ends by transcending aurally for a bit before dissipating into thin air.

Sokuratikku rabu is a pretty drastic change from the previous tracks, sounding a little edgier than its predecessors. It also contains within itself the more mellow aspects of Radwimps, further demonstrating the versatility of the band. This track is one of those tracks that you like more the more you listen to it.

Meruhen to Gureteru is a slower, more soothing track than the previous track, but even so it is a good change and timed well. The guitar riffs are almost playful throughout and is a nice touch to the track.

Amaotoko is another track that is primarily sung in English. It is overall a good solid track with a catchy chorus and equally catchy guitar riffs. It continues the playful attitude set up by the previous track.

Order-made is another longer track on the album. As such, it has the time to develop into a deeper song. The lead singer's light vocals work well with the increasingly heavier beats and complicated note patterns.

Magic mirror picks up the pace once again. The band explodes right from the start and settles down for a few stanzas before picking it up again at each chorus.

Sakebe (Shout) would be like any generic rock song; however, placing it in this album puts it on good terms with its listeners right from the start so that is not seen at once like a generic rock song.

37458, or effectively Minashigo Hatch, wraps up the album. It is one of the slower songs on the album and almost has a lullaby feel to it and does a good job of bringing the album to a close.

Overall, Radwimps' fifth studio album is a sound production with plenty to offer the band's fans. It is also a great way for those new to the Japanese rock band to become new fans.