On the surface, Waltz is Ryugujo’s first anime theme — an important milestone for any J-pop group. However, the song is meaningful in other ways as well. It’s been announced that this will be the final Ryugujo song written by their producer and mentor Avu-chan. This news elicited and honest-to-god gasp from me when I read it. It’s hard to imagine what Ryugujo are without Avu-chan’s pen. Their work so far has been tied closely to this sound and has made them incredibly unique. Can they sustain this idiosyncrasy going forward? Or, will they push further into the mainstream?
While we await that answer, we have the dark and emotional Waltz. This song feels very much like a farewell of sorts, and the dance-themed concept makes sense. This debut phase of Ryugujo started with a Rondo and ends with a Waltz. As ever with this group, the song improves when you see its accompanying visual and the way in which the guys express the music. Waltz is certainly not some catchy pop bauble, but it unfolds with a dramatic weight that’s hard to look away from.
The members’ unique tones are put front and center with minimal production. The verses are sparse and haunting and just rough enough around the edges to become quite affecting. This works well to set up the layered, theatrical chorus. The song plays with contrast throughout, often pulling its punches right before delivering a knockout. When it comes to Ryugujo’s excellent catalog, this is unlikely to ever be the song I rush toward first, but its searing, raw sound feels like a vital piece of their musical journey.
Hooks
8
Production
8
Longevity
9
Bias
9
RATING
8.5