It’s been awhile since I’ve watched any of INI’s content, but Ozaki Takumi was always a favorite member of mine. His good-hearted nature and willingness to be the butt of a joke made him come across as amiable and relatable. With that persona in mind, I never would have imagined he had something like Sonzai Shoumei (存在証明) in him. The fact that he’s listed as both a composer and lyricist here is even more impressive.
For awhile now, I’ve been bemoaning the lack ambition in music. Songs seem content to coast by on vibes for two minutes without ever laying anything on the line. Sonzai Shoumei can be a mess at times, but it’s never a boring one. The first minute feels like perfunctory set-up, but once the beat really gets going the track pulls you in with force. Pinballing between rap and melody, there are points that speed by at such breakneck pace that you barely have time to catch your breath.
If I had my way, Sonzai Shoumei would find stronger melodies throughout, but I’m heartened by the singing placed at the song’s core. It would be easy to just talk through the entire track as so many idols do, but there’s a real attempt at giving this chaotic arrangement an anchoring centerpiece. This helps cut through the messier moments and deftly straddles the line between pop and sound experiment.
Hooks
8
Production
9
Longevity
9
Bias
9
RATING
8.75