SCANDAL HEAVEN members who visited Hawaii for SCANDAL’s appearance at the 2016 Honolulu Ekiden and Music Festival had the privilege of participating in an exclusive listening party for their upcoming single "Take Me Out" which the band revealed was written by MAMI. This was just one of many activities that the girls had planned for the "Farewell Meeting" event, even offering a chance for fans to express their thoughts about the song directly to the band.
SCANDAL played “Take Me Out” during their “YELLOW” Japan tour at the Zepp Tokyo stop and a few SH members who attended the concert reported back that it had more of a “rock” than “pop” sound. This topic has become a favorite point of discussion amongst fans as SCANDAL has become known for experimenting with their sound with each successive musical release. This is especially true of their recent releases as they take more control of their musical direction and writing responsibilities. Not knowing much more than that, everyone had no choice but to come to the party with open ears and open minds.
The 3 previous singles ("Image", "Stamp!", and "Sisters") each had markedly different styles but all of them clearly took cues from American pop/rock sounds, some of which came close to feeling a little too forced at times. "Take Me Out" both continues and bucks these trends by delivering a completely new sound that feels much more natural. In fact, just before playing the song TOMOMI noted that "YELLOW" was heavily influenced by the "American/British rock" style; however, this time "Take Me Out" is a rock song with an Asian twist.
RINA said that the band packed a lot of detail into this song and invited the audience to listen carefully to each part. It only took a few seconds for this to become obvious as I was caught off guard almost immediately by the starting guitar hook which tricked me into thinking that the song might sound like another “Stamp!” before unexpectedly catapulting into the main intro. What also caught my ear is the extensive usage of offbeat rhythms which is most clearly heard in the drum part, which features shuffling snare drum rhythms and rim clicks.
SH member Geoff L. caught on to this and mentioned during the feedback session that the drumming sounded different than what he’s heard in the past. RINA responded, saying that hearing someone comment about the drum part makes her happy as a drummer and that the rhythm of the drums makes you feel like you’re at a “matsuri” festival.
Another highlight is MAMI’s usage of a reverb/delay effect on lead guitar, played in such a way that’s reminiscent of “Kimi to Yoru to Namida.” Unfortunately, MAMI couldn’t attend the Hawaii events due to her hospitalization but it was clear that she was there in spirit through the music as “Take Me Out” clearly bears her fingerprints.
With almost 2 months left until the release of “Take Me Out” there’s a lot more to look forward to--just take it from these people who attended the listening party:
“…this single had a different vibe than most of SCANDAL's previous singles and may be further indication of the band's progression into different sounds.”
– cheehoo808
“Right from the start of the song, my first thought was that this is definitely what ROCK is about…”
– zimbobbio
“The rhythm of the drums combined with the guitar in Take Me Out instantly generates that feeling of fun…”
– David
“…the song reminded me of hanging out with my friends at summer festivals…”
– Bennie
“The song was full of energy. There's a part of the song where Haruna sang in a stacatto like fashion and it was phenomenal…”
– silkdog44
“It's impressive how SCANDAL is able to always show a new side of their music while still making songs that their older fans are sure to enjoy…”
– Sam
“I like the upbeat nature of "Take Me Out". While listening for the Asian influence and sound, I heard a lot of the bass lines, which really caught my attention. The next time I hear the song, I might start dancing, just a little.”
– Taiko
“I was surprised in a good way by the sound of the lead guitar and drums. It was something we have never heard before, and it really gave a ‘matsuri’ feeling like RINA mentioned. I like that they are going for a more Japanese-inspired sound, as well as a more up-tempo rock song, after two singles that were more mellow and western-influenced.”
– Geoff L.
Hopefully we’ll get to hear more feedback about the song as they are likely to continue playing it through the remainder of their “YELLOW” tour!
#front-page #TakeMeOut
