Eve of Absolute Evolution Revolutionby Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Recording label
Credits Grade: 8 Eve of Absolute Evolution Revolution is the soundtrack for the anime Revolutionary Girl Utena. Creator Chiho Saito said it's a blend of "Hollywood's style", "japanese pop", and "'70s hard rock style chorus". I think that's a pretty good way of describing it with some parts being more blended than others.The lyrics to the songs are printed in both Japanese and English in the insert. As far as the lyrics are concerned my favorites are When Where Who Which and Angel creation, namely light. It would take an article unto itself to get into the meanings of the lyrics and how they pertain to the story and characters so I wont get into that here, but I will say that the lyrics to the opening theme, A Round Dance — Revolution fit the anime perfectly. The one song that I really don't care to listen to is the closing theme, truth. It's not so bad once you get into it, but I really hate the beginning that's sung in English. I don't like the music or the sound of the vocals there which is probably why I don't listen to the rest of the song or watch the closing on the anime. My favorite song to listen to is The Revolution of Absolute Destiny; it has a nice, catchy beat, great vocals, and a sense of strength that is unrivaled. All of the songs have incredible harmonies — a bit unusual, but amazing. The Brightened Garden piano pieces are beautiful. I've always though so, and it's a nice treat to get to enjoy them with eyes closed rather than trying to watch the anime. It's just so peaceful. Jump Up Beauty has a definite '70s/'80s sound to it during the guitar riffs while She is Refined is more of a classical era dance piece. The Memory of an Idea has haunting organ music which continues into Legend — The God's name is Abraxas where it gains a more dramatic air as other instruments become more prominent. Alien Kashira is just odd. It sounds almost like it's out of a sci-fi flick which clashes with the dramatic flourishes and airy melodies that the rest of the album features. There's not even any piano or strings to hold it with the rest of the pieces. Duelists is definitely a jazz piece, and the rising chords add suspense while the jazz of Prayer to Dios is over an extremely airy sounds — the type you'd find on a relaxation/Yoga meditation album. Despite this variety, it all seems to run together a bit when you're listening to it, partially because almost all of the pieces use the same basic chords and instruments and partially because it's such a long CD (36 tracks). All the fun, energetic songs are at the end! Overall, a very nice soundtrack. I love the songs from Utena so that is reason enough, but most of the instrumental pieces stand well enough just as music as well. If you're a fan of the anime, then you should definitely get this soundtrack. Written: April 30, 2004
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