Somewhere in-between Base Ball Bear, Burger Nuds and Bump of Chicken lies the newly minted Allport Diary. With an earnest vocal delivery, modest dance vibe and slightly nerdy guitar noodling, Allport Diary blends the best of several different worlds into their own brand of mild, yet toe-tapingly stylish rock.
Formed in 2007, the band has released only a single self-titled album to-date. While their first release has a few of the hallmarks of a band's first halting steps into the world of pro recording (slightly too dry and shaky vocals, a few too many bland studio effects and a general lack of confidence) their songwriting is solid. Their songs are much more than a predicable progression of verses and choruses, but instead take the time to walk around in a few wide circles before zeroing back in on the target.
The 50/50 ratio of ballads to the more rocking songs is probably a good indication that these guys are a bit more concerned with playing the soft and sensitive role than a more confrontational and overly serious one. Even their louder songs take the time to break down into slightly jazzier sections, defusing the high energy before it can go out of control.
With only one eight track release to go on, it's still unclear where these guys might go in the future. They certainly have the ability to turn up the volume and really crank things up, but maybe they will instead continue to merely skirt the edge and instead set their sights on softer shores. Right now, only time will tell.
Official Site
MySpace
Members:
坪本伸作 : Vocal,Guitar
河辺朋久 : Bass
七戸阿希人 : Guitar, Programming
[no drummer listed, though all pics show four members...?]
Releases:
Allport Diary 2008
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