Rising Suns: Perfume's Nebula Romance Part 1

    The music scene is constantly changing. If you think about how much it has changed in the last 10 years alone is insane. Most album promotions would start off with a lead single, followed by maybe a second single before the album drops, the album drops, and then 3 or more follow up singles to support the album are released. No one dared not to release a music video. Albums began to shift to being high art forms with well-thought out concepts. And now albums are well-thought out art expressions. I only bring this up because artists have now, more than ever, done companion albums or trilogies more than ever. 

    Perfume is blessing us with not one, but two studio albums. The first, Nebula Romance: Part 1, sets us up for a concept right from the first song, the simultaneously vintage and futuristic "The Light." Which sees long-time producer Yasutaka Nakata at his very best. He feels refreshed and revived here on the album. Plasma and Future Pop were both solid efforts with some standing ovation moments from both albums. But it was starting to feel like Perfume were holding steady and playing it safe. When they had always been at the forefront of innovation. Just look and listen to GAME, Triangle, and JPN. All 3 had concepts, in a time where concepts were just beginning to take roots and albums were nothing more than houses for certain sounds and singles, and all 3 were trailblazers sonically. Perfume have always had insane visuals both in music videos and on tours too. They should always be innovating and evolving. "Love Cloud" shows they still have it. It was included as the b-side for their "Moon" single. And honestly, I didn't pay much attention to it at the time, but it is absolutely wonderful here. 

    Whereas in the past, the members of the group felt like tools at time for Nakata to fulfill his vision, they feel like the main attractions here. As they should. By the time I got to "Cosmic Treat," which is a cosmic treat, by the way. I was like "OMG! Their vocals aren't super processed here." I know they've been gravitating away from that for awhile, but it's very refreshing here.

    Disco is our main draw here. It's... Heavy 70s inspired. I'm picking up some Yellow Magic Orchestra vibes. "Starlight Dreams" is the vibe many artists have been going for today, but it's rare that many nail as much as Perfume does right here. 

    "IMA IMA IMA" has been the main promotional song for the album, and it does not disappoint. It's addictive. Especially with the hooks. 

    I think it was a great idea to keep the album at a tight 10 tracks. As they all work super well together, and the album is just a high form of entertainment. Perfume has been going for godlike quality as of late, and it has really paid off for them. The group caught some international attention when they performed at Coachella. Here's hoping this album catches international publications' attention, and they keep growing their audience.

    I'm selfish that I want Perfume to be around for a very long time. But when they make music this good, who wouldn't? I'm loving part 1 right now, but I can't wait for part 2!

Rank: A Rank. NebulA RomAnce: PArt 1. 

Recommendation: when you're so in love you're up in space.

Standouts:

    I honestly recommend all 10 tracks. It's nice to put on while you cook or are in the shower. You'll be singing and dancing for sure!