On August 7, 2024, Hanabie released Metamorphose! as a digital single. A new EP named Bucchigiri Tokyo was announced on the same day along with an accompanying national tour.[7] In November of the same year the track list and the album cover designed by digital artist PONKO were revealed.[8] Two of the six tracks on the EP were previously released as singles.[9]
Writing and composition
Both music and lyrics of all tracks on the EP were written by Yukina and Matsuri, with the exception of track 6 which was solely written by Matsuri. The EP is centered around the theme of returning to the roots. The inclusion of the word "Tokyo" in the title is a reference to the band's origins in the city.[10]
Tracks 1–3
The title track Bucchigiri Tokyo opens with a punk inspired riff. According to an interview published in Billboard Japan, Matsuri composed the music for the song after watching a Green Day performance at a European music festival.[11] The second track Metamorphose! in lyrically based on the idea of superheroes and was influenced by the anime Purikyua, specifically “the cuteness and powerfulness” of the show, which Yukina watched as a child.[10]
The third track OTAKU Lovely Densetsu combines the band's erratic metalcore style, with EDM samples and pop sensibilities.[12] lyrically themed around Japanese otaku sub-culture.[13] In an interview with Revolver Yukina while describing the song stated " I wanted to write a song to express my gratitude to all the fans, staff, and bands that I met and played with on our world tour, and to express what I felt on the tour. One of the things I felt was 'Japanese culture, such as anime and video games, is truly loved'! We love Japanese culture, but not only about Japanese culture, this is a chaotic and Harajuku-core-like song that makes you think it’s cool to be faithful and straight up to what you like."[14]
Tracks 4–6
This is a song that goes back to our roots. I didn't add any decorations such as synths, I didn't ask for an arranger, and I made it with just the members. In 2018, we released our first EP called "Cherry Blossoms are Blooming", and we wanted it to be a song that would stick with people who liked songs from that era.
Matsuri on the song 'Gambler', Ototoy.jp
The 4th track Gambler is about Hanabie's early days as an independent band in the Tokyo underground scene when they performed at venues like Shinjuku Antiknock.[3] The band members in an Ototoy Japan interview, explained that, as struggling musician in a rock band they felt like "gamblers' as they faced an uncertain future. After graduating from high school the band members were unsure about continuing as a band.[15] While talking about the song to Kerrang! Magazine about the song, Yukina stated " Doing a band is like a gamble, especially right out of high school or college… We had many, many paths we could choose, like having a job, or continuing with the band, and we bet everything on this band."[10] In a separate interview to Billboard Japan Matsuri said that they want to make the music of the song closer to the band's early sound.[3]
The 5th track Ito Okashi My Type is about people who get obsessed with modern trends like online personality tests.[15] The 6th track Bonus Guilty Time is the first song by the band to feature Chika on vocals. Matsuri wanted to do a song similar to I Am the Most Powerful Invader Girl in the Universe from Reborn Superstar! but due to Chika's hesitation to sing she asked her to rap instead. While recording, Chika pointed out that her vocals were a bit rhythmically off and asked if they should re-record it, but Matsuri decided to keep it as she felt these imperfections gave the song a unique personality.[3]
Critical reception
Bucchigiri Tokyo received positive critical reviews upon release. According to JRock News "Overall, Bucchigiri Tokyo marks a noticeable yet subtle step toward maturity in HANABIE.’s sound. While the shift isn’t drastic, this evolution gives the music a greater sense of cohesion while still delivering the playful, high-energy vibe that has made HANABIE. so beloved.".[16] Amped Magazine remarked "Bucchigiri Tokyo, marks an exciting evolution, delivering relentless heaviness, soaring clean vocals, and dynamic synths that push their sound to bold new heights.".[17]
Track listing
All lyrics are written by Yukina, Matsuri; all music is composed by Matsuri, Yukina except where noted.
No.
Title
Lyrics
Music
Arrangement
Length
1.
"Bucchigiri Tokyo"
Matsuri, Yuyoyuppe
2:41
2.
"Metamorphose!"
Matsuri, LASTorder
3:23
3.
"OTAKU Lovely Densetsu"
Matsuri, LASTorder
3:11
4.
"GAMBLER"
Matsuri
3:30
5.
"Ito Okashi My Type"
Matsuri, LASTorder
3:07
6.
"Bonus Guilty Time"
Matsuri
Matsuri
Matsuri
1:51
Total length:
17:43
Personnel
Hanabie.
Yukina – harsh vocal, clean vocals
Matsuri – lead guitar, rhythm guitar, clean vocals
