Smile! :D

グラミー賞ノミネート経験を持つ天才プロデューサー=ポーター・ロビンソン。唯一無二の世界観で音楽愛に溢れた最新AL『SMILE! :D』
フルバンドセットでの世界ツアーと来日公演も決定!

2014年にデビューアルバム『ワールズ』をリリースし、その後独自の世界観と音楽性を構築してきたアーティスト、ポーター・ロビンソン。サイドプロジェクト＜Virtual Self＞でグラミー賞ノミネート経験を持ち、2023年の来日公演が全会場ソールドアウトとなったことも記憶に新しい彼が、最新作『SMILE! :D』をリリースする。
自身のキャリアの中で「最も楽しく、最も傷心しているアルバムかもしれない」と語られた本作は、アルバムを通じてダンス・ミュージック、ポップ・ロック、アニメソング等様々な要素がクロスオーバーし、ポーター・ロビンソンの唯一無二の音楽性や世界観が表現された意欲作だ。
来日公演の予習だけでなく、DJという肩書きからプロデューサー、SSW、そしてマルチ・アーティストへと音楽性の幅を広げてきたポーター・ロビンソンの音楽への愛を『SMILE! :D』を聴きながら感じ取ってみてほしい。

After Porter Robinson released his 2014 debut full-length, he struggled with depression and writers block, and he explored these themes on his second album, Nurture, which finally arrived in 2021. For his next record, he wanted to make something completely fun, lighthearted, and celebratory, recapturing the spirit of the early singles which made him a superstar in the EDM world. The albums title, SMILE! :D, and its glassy-eyed anime cover art reflect these intentions, but the songs themselves continue to probe personal subjects, often relating to fame and the pressures of celebrity culture. SMILE! :D kicks off with some of the catchiest pop tunes Robinson has written, fusing chiptune/bitpop synth melodies with emo-pop vocals, and even indulging in some goofy, often self-deprecating humor. On "Knock Yourself Out XD," he jokes that he wouldnt know how to brush his teeth without consulting his team, as the songs sunny, guitar-driven melody eventually gives way to a drumnbass-influenced coda. "Cheerleader" has Phoenix-like indie pop verses and a soaring, anthemic chorus spiked with punchy breakbeats, while Robinson reflects on the complex relationship between musicians and their obsessive fans. "Russian Roulette" counters pogoing rhythms and peppy synth hooks with lyrics about perpetual self-doubt, but after an extended breakdown, the song reaches its life-affirming climax as the beat slams back. Unfortunately, the rest of the album doesnt leave as much of an impact as its first few tracks. Lyrically, other songs provide interesting insight on the trappings of fame, but they arent backed up with memorable hooks. Slower, less electronic-sounding songs like "Easier to Love You" and "Everything to Me" are undoubtedly sincere, but theyre so musically indistinctive that its hard to connect with what the lyrics are trying to say. "Is There Really No Happiness?" infuses a bit more energy along with its wistfully nostalgic lyrics, but its still not on the level of the albums highlights. SMILE! :D was clearly created with the intention of dealing with sharply conflicting emotions, but it still ends up being more uneven than expected, and its just not as successful as Nurture. ~ Paul Simpson

マット・ゾーとの"Easy"で世に出た印象が強いせいか、EDM界隈で語られることが多い彼だが、マデオンとの"Shelter"や前作におけるメロディアスなエレクトロ路線が本来の主戦場で、その路線を推し進めて完成させた3年ぶり3作目。ナードな音遊びが彼らしいオープニング曲、ポップネスを爆発させる"Cheerleader"Russian Roulette"と期待を裏切らないトラックが続き、アコギを手にした"Year Of The Cup"や"Everything To Me"などは意外にもハマっている。芯の太いメロディーがあれば、アレンジやジャンルはどうだっていい、そう思わせてくれる美しい作品だ。
bounce (C)野村有正