My First Story x HYDE – MUGEN/Tokoshie (EP Review)

J-Rock royalty collide on this colourful EP that showcases the impressive vocal ranges, complex lyricism and stunning songwriting of two industry greats.

For many listeners of the sensational J-Rock scene, this was the collaboration no one knew they desperately needed until now. Fan favourite ‘My First Story’, formed in Tokyo in 2011 and led by spirited vocalist Hiroki Moriuchi, and the effervescent HYDE, a singer-songwriter from Wakayama whose vibrant career spans over three decades, have never before crossed musical paths until now.

What brings these superstars together is the new Anime ‘Demon Slayer : Kimetsu no Yaiba Hashira Training Arc’, for which My First Story and HYDE provide an opening and closing track that will exponentially vamp up the hype for this series amongst both loyal listeners and audiences encountering these artists for the first time. Their new EP features two songs ‘MUGEN’ and ‘Tokoshie’, and further spoils fans by including the instrumentals of both songs plus the original shortened ‘TV versions’ that will be heard on the Anime.

The Anime’s opening song ‘MUGEN’, translating to ‘Fantasy’, is an evocative track full of the energy and melodic driving force that is to be expected from such Anime openers. The song’s beginning certainly does not fail to draw attention to the singer duo’s impressive synergy in attacking this track; the soothing and subdued quality of Hiroki Moriuchi’s opening notes and the pair’s gentle melodies instantly captivating their audience. The lyrics themselves compel listeners to drown themselves in both the song and the Anime’s fantastical premise, by exploring themes of humanity and immortality. After this comes the frenzied rush of guitars and upbeat percussion, with the lead guitarist performing a stellar solo that really drives home the song’s hopeful and energetic sentiment.

Listeners get their first chance to hear HYDE sing on the first verse, where his rich, soulful tenor stands out against a now restrained guitar-led instrumental. As many who have followed HYDE’s career until now will know, the singer’s signature melodramatic and operatic-style vocals, which were first cultivated in the singer’s first band ‘L’arc en Ciel’ in the 90s, add a searing emotional depth to any record that the Japanese musician features on. The fact that HYDE is still able to come out with vocal performances as polished is this is not only impressive, but a testament to his immense talent and fortitude that pushes him to excel as one of J-Rock’s most legendary artists. Throughout the track HYDE’s melodious croons dreamily encapsulate ‘MUGEN’s moving lyrics and are a flawless match against My First Story’s Moriuchi.

The latter is by no means intimidated singing next to HYDE; his coarsely powerful vocals soaring effortlessly through high notes and delivering some astonishing vocal dexterity towards the end of the track. No doubt ‘MUGEN’s biggest attraction lies in its euphoric chorus, which swells in power and resolve as the charismatic vocal duo display all they have to offer in this vibrant power ballad.

The Anime’s closing track ‘Tokoshie’, or ‘Forever’, begins with HYDE’s deeply expressive vocals which sound simply sublime over the top of a dramatic string-led instrumental. The commanding tone of his vocals as well as his strikingly practiced use of vibrato sets an immediate intrigue around the track for listeners, as the two singers begin to wind their way through serpentine melodies and pleasant harmonies.

The lyrics are deliciously dark and moody in tune with the themes explored in the Anime itself; lines such as “Why do those who devour life, plead for mercy as if they were innocent of sin?” highlighting the song’s criticism of power-hungry people willing to sacrifice all for evil influence over others.

It is almost as though HYDE and Moriuchi embody these themes – HYDE’s deep drawl contrasted with Moriuchi’s breathy higher pitched trills conjuring up images of a duel between light and dark, or good vs evil. This is likely why their union seems to succeed as well as it does; the contrast of their vocal colours and singing style creates a rich soundscape for audiences while embodying the song’s themes of tackling one’s inner darkness and humanity. Upon the culmination of a swirling string interlude, the vocalist’s duet is back in full force and ending on an exquisite high that will leave listeners feeling satisfied and certainly in the mood to either watch the Anime or gladly listen back over the EP’s many offerings.

Score/Excellent: It was a duet we never thought we’d see, but it was wholly welcomed. Ever the seasoned professionals, My First Story and HYDE sound self-assured and jubilant on this joint venture as they explore new musical grounds and work together to create a stunning musical score. Definitely not to be missed.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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