Review: ketchup mania "Please Marry Me!" single

Cross-posted from Japanator.

It's no secret that ketchup mania has been getting a lot of love around these parts as of late. Plus, they've been touring around the world, gaining tons of fans in the process. Plus plus, they've got a new album out soon, not to mention a brand new single due later this month.

No, wait, we will mention it. In fact, after the cut you'll find an entire review of the forthcoming single for “Please Marry Me!” from the pop/punk-rock band, as well as the new video.

If that wasn't enough, we also have the (exclusive?) first look at the amazingly cool cover of the new album. What are you waiting for? Hit that jump!





The single is a bit of a departure from the band's usual high energy approach. They drop the punk in favor of a much stronger stronger pop feel and even a funky, groovy bassline. It's very bright and upbeat as the title might suggest, with the “Please marry me!” sing-along chorus being extremely catchy and memorable, not to mention the wedding march breakdown. It's a great middle of the road track from an otherwise high energy band. Check out the video and judge for yourself!

This is followed up with “Paranoia,” another curve ball from the band. This is even more laid back and tripped out. There's a ton of reverb and delay on Hiro's vocals, and there's even a sitar playing in the background. While the band's signature sharp and heavy sound is all over it, the structure and melody remind me of more soft spoken acts like Puffy Ami-Yumi or Love Psychedelico. It's probably as close to a ballad as KM ever gets.

“Ping-Pong” is definitely back to business as usual, with a crazy nu-metal opening and clanging drums echoing over the fuzzed out guitars. The verses take a break for Hiro's typical chirpy delivery and the choruses are a sprint to the finish, again as is usual for the band. While this one certainly doesn't break any new ground for the band, it's a nice finish to the otherwise down-tempo single.

Overall “Please Marry Me” is a solid single. It shows a lot of growth for the band, that's for sure. If they can keep up this level of variety on the upcoming F.L.A.G. album, then we're all in for a treat come June 11th! Speaking of which, check out the F.L.A.G. cover in the gallery.

Until then, the “Please Marry Me!” single, available May 21st from JapanFiles.com, will just have to do.