In terms of pictures, I was only able to find a few, and this is the best one:
Link to the fabulous art: http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/AAXeyvyrGF0/hqdefault.jpg
Handy YouTube Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAXeyvyrGF0
Knife was created in February 2010 by Powerchord-P. Before stumbling across this little gem of a song in the depths of the album "Vocalonexus", I had never even heard of Powerchord-P.
For some reason, though, Knife is on iTunes in case you want to go out and support. Seriously. What's up with that? I'm happy that Powerchord-P (who in my opinion is a fine producer) is on the American iTunes, but what about people like Nem and 40mp? There are whole lists of LEGENDARY producers who aren't represented.
But...I digress.
Knife is a song that tackles a subject that both adults and children (teens especially) can relate to...growing up. More specifically, the question of dreams over responsibility. There's no doubt that having outlandish dreams is and will continue to be a hallmark of childhood. However, what happens to all that ambition once we're faced with the harsh reality of supporting a family among other expenses and crippling occupational stress?
Well, that doesn't happen to everyone, but its natural to experience some measure of reality check in the awkward transition from child to adult. While Knife does seem a bit cynical at times, its message is global as it deals with a subject that affects everyone regardless of race, status, or location: aging.
The music is tight with some upbeat guitar and drum action. Its honestly pretty standard and nothing to write home about. However, what is really interesting is the tuning of Luka.
Luka is a very underrated V2 voice bank. Her voice is richer than most give her credit for, and while she can't sound nearly as cute as Miku, for Knife, few Vocaloids could have been more fitting.
The refrain is where this song really shines. I thought Luka's scratchy voice-break-prone upper register sounded very desperate at first, and it fit in well enough with the lyrics, but on subsequent listens, it began to seem a bit more like nervous excitement.
I'm sure Powerchord-P did not plan this...its pretty hard to predict the emotions of your audience after the first listen, but if it was planned...Knife is completely genius. Just like how a teenager may look back at dwindling youth with dismay and regret, an adult well into life may be both nostalgic and excited for the future. Its a very nice outlook on life disguised in a depressing package.
It gets better...right?
Of course, there are many other interpretations of Knife's meaning.
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The Rating
7/10
I can't help but take the instruments and synthesizers into account more than the lyrics when giving a song a rating. Its called "music" after all, not "poetry".
The actual instruments were used only as an energetic backdrop to the real star of the show: Luka's voice. The difference between the smooth verses and the excited refrain was really apparent and provided the much needed variety in the musical score.
I don't usually talk about lyrics, but I think I shall be doing more of that in the future. It makes for a fuller and more interesting review for one.
Also, I've decided that I'm only going to review the lesser known Vocaloid songs. After I just made fun of Cantarella's video last post, I found that its much easier to write a sizable review on a song that I know a large number of people haven't heard (comparatively). But of course, right?
Until next time!
ROCK ON, FELLOW VOCALOCONNOISSEURS!
