MAN WITH A MISSION – I’ll be there (Single Review)

Japan’s wolf rock band returns with an uplifting anthem designed to comfort and encourage those currently trying to push through hard times.

After taking a short break from releasing new music, focussing instead on their vigorous touring schedule through both Europe and the land of the rising sun, MAN WITH A MISSION has returned to dazzle and thrill fans with a soulful new song that proves the quintet are simply incapable of running out of steam or creativity.

Written and composed by bass guitarist Kamikaze Boy to be the opening track for the Anime ‘Believe: Kimi ni Kakeru Hashi’, ‘I’ll be there’ is quintessential MWAM magic featuring gorgeous vocal harmonies, ear-worm melodies and a memorably striking instrumental. The band’s unique sensitivity is also interwoven through tempo shifts and emotive lyrics pertaining to the determination it takes to push through and see the light at the end of the tunnel when enduring mental hardship.

The song’s muted beginning guitar riff is soon joined by guitarist/vocalist Jean-Ken Johnny’s crystalline clear croon of the poignant first lyrics “I’m your light, I’m your eyes”. The softly played guitar accompaniment here adds so much spectacle to Johnny’s and backing vocalist/bassist Kamikaze Boy’s vocals; the band intentionally draws back from their impressive instrumental openings to bolster the commanding air of the guitarist’s vocal performance. These English lines are therefore leant a pleasing gravity when sung in Johnny’s melodious tone.

Next comes the contrast: the deep, husky voice of vocalist Tokyo Tanaka. Whether singing in his native Japanese or English (in most songs both singers switch flawlessly between the two), Tanaka’s vocals are in a word sublime. His first line “Can you hear the voice of your heart?” is belted out with such power and resonance that listeners will feel it in their very souls. His vocal calls are framed by a budding chorus of voices that now feel characteristic of MWAM’s inspiring tracks. This only contributes towards the rousing quality of ‘I’ll be there’; a spirited call to arms for all their listeners far and wide.

The mixture of energetic bursts of electric guitar and the elegance of a string orchestra in the verses really helps bring the dramaticism to the band’s vocals as well as ‘I’ll be there’s lyrical matter. “Until we reclaim the future we chose” outlines the band’s drive for themselves and their fans to keep on reaching for their goals and following their dreams in order to ensure a better future, and life overall. The group reaffirm this sentiment throughout the song, utilising the pre-chorus to reflect their unwavering desire to stick with their fans through all of the life’s highs and lows (“I’ll be there, I’ll be there just for you”).

The chorus is as stirring as you would expect from any MWAM song; strengthened by those truly goosebump-worthy harmonies that result from the glorious union of Johnny’s soothingly crisp tone and Tanaka’s rich dulcet vocals. The lyrics themselves are motivating and touching in equal measure (“Whatever comes I know that I can carry on”) and carry with them a fiery willpower and love for life that the band instil within much of their musical catalogue.

The stimulating beat set by drummer Spear Rib in the second verse seems to throw the rest of the band into overdrive; the guitar accompaniment becoming choppier in accordance with the gradually rising fever of excitement that keeps building through the song. Again, the lyrics outline the importance of believing in oneself and one’s inner strength (“Shine brighter than anyone, even if everyone says it’s in vain”), as well as keeping a bright outlook for the future.

The band’s sound is further intensified by the addition of member DJ Santa Monica, who utilises various scratching techniques to bring a unique dynamism to the group’s already bold music style, as well as contributing an addictive spark of dance-pop to MWAM’s signature hard rock that really sells themselves to fans across the globe, no matter the language barrier.

Score/Outstanding: ‘I’ll be there’ serves as just another reminder of how the Japanese band have won over crowds around the world by offering powerful, fist-pumping rock tracks that still express moving sentiments about the journey of life. Whether fans will hear this song during another sold-out arena tour in Japan or wider Asia, or a more intimate venue internationally, the band’s unmistakable passion for music will shine through in this song of love, life and unwavering determination.

[We rank singles, EPs, and albums on a scale of Poor, Mediocre, Good, Excellent, and Outstanding]

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