alansmithee [w/ DVD, Limited Edition]

The studs have steadily improved with each new album/single they've released, and alansmithee is no exception. The album contains four track previously released in single form alongside eight songs made specifically for the album. I will admit, I would have preferred 12 all-new tracks rather than a semi-compilation of their most recent singles, but it's a minor gripe since their most recent work has been some of their best to date. The new songs on the album showcase a bit more variety than the studs usually show in their music, which is great. I've heard their music accused of "all sounding the same" more than once, and as much as I love the studs, I can agree that their earlier stuff all has the same general vibe. With the new music on the album, Aie experiments with some slightly more varied riffs which lend the songs a variety more akin to his early Deadman work. Only unfortunate problem with the album is that the limited edition is missing my personal favorite of their recent singles, Creepy Crawly (though it is present on the regular edition). However, I suppose as a trade-off, the accompanying DVD contains the PV for Creepy Crawly, which I liked a lot. Along with the PV, the DVD also features five live performances, which are great to finally see (I've been hoping to see what they're like live for some time now). Some songs sound almost completely different in live form, while some sound essentially the same but with interesting variations in the guitar work (Aie seems to enjoy improvising, and it works well here). Overall, alansmithee is a great new release for the studs. Recently Hibiki, the band's drummer, left to pursue other undisclosed interests. Usually the departure of a band member can easily spell doom for a japanese band, but I hope the studs can work past it. They've improved with every new release, and I genuinely hope to see them continue that trend.