I’m still here, frozen alone.
Beginning with bittersweet tones, Re:O‘s 10th single Reverie signals the dawn of a new era for Re:O. Reverie portrays the story of missing someone you shared every moment after they are gone. Those who once spent time with us eventually disappear from your sight as time goes by, like snow falling on your hand, without a trace. The fragile snow, even when it piles up, will eventually melt away. In the same way, human connections are breakable and bound to fade.
Nonetheless, the memories of those we hold close remain eternal. Walking down this snowy path, glancing at the snow-covered buildings, such ordinary days bring back nostalgic memories of the times spent with you, and this song carries one wish: “May you always stay well.” Reverie is not about loss, it’s about reminiscing about those we encountered in our life, the special moments shared and the hope that not only could a friendship or relationship reignite but also the hope that those that we shared these memories with are safe, well and thriving.
Reverie is the first song written fully in Japanese since 2021. The track focuses on the relationship between the guitars and synths working with each other, to create an atmosphere of powerful, raw energy yet a mysterious, cold, distant but yet familiar and comforting overtones with the synths. Raw guitar riffs intertwine with gentle bells dancing like falling snow, highlighting Rio’s soft and tenderly persuasive voice captivating us, while the synths and guitars create a spacious, expansive sound. The melodies, both serene and powerful, are brought to life and flawlessly compliment the music by Rio’s soft, tender but yet powerful voice.
Reverie review by Just Panda
With that dark synth sound we know well from Re:O, the track starts with light but purposeful keyboards followed by some decent riffage that drives into the first verse, delicate tones and vocals from Rio sit aloft the guitars. The low register just as confident as the upper, you can feel Rios presence as she moves through the verse.
Theres a subtle hold back before the build up into the chorus, uplifting chord progression from the guitars are enjoyable and encase the vocals perfectly. The musicality captures the lyrics ‘Sail with the breeze, Snow falling down, Weaving, The dream you were in’, you can feel the chill.
The pace picks up as we move into the second verse, the drums leading with riffs on on the offbeat dark and heavy. Its a great feeling when you can hear a band fully in sync, each member having there place to shine whilst the others support.
I love the electronica touches that lighten the mood, they have that 1980s synth pop energy, subtle but deliberate. The heavy half time riffage before we enter the final chorus was welcomed, the band certainly know how to bring the heaviness but not allow it to take over.
The band really have grown together musically over the past few releases, and Reverie is certainly a top track for me. The chorus was uplifting, almost euphoric, and it works so well with Rios vocals. And the vocals in Japanese really brought the song into its own, I hope they write more tracks in Japanese.
For me this is a solid top tier track from the band, who are clearly growing in confidence musically, and will be a great addition to their live set, fans of the band will no doubt embrace it.
Reverie is available now.
Song Credits:
Composition: Re:O- Rio Suyama, James Wright, James ‘J’ Stevens, Alex Carli
Lyrics: Rio Suyama & James Wright
Produced by: Rio Suyama & Simon Jackson
Vocals: Rio Suyama
Guitar:Alex Carli
Bass: James Wright
Drums: James ‘J’ Stevens
Artwork Credits :Rio Suyama
Lyrics
Reverie
[Verse 1]
月が照らす
The moon shines bright on
白い街並み
A cityscape of snow
かすかに聞こえる
I can faintly hear,
君の声
Your voice
遠き日の記憶
Our distant memories,
まぶたに浮かぶ
Floating in my mind
(Chorus)
風に乗って
Sail with the breeze,
舞い落ちる雪が
Snow falling down,
紡いでいく
Weaving
君がいた夢を
The dream you were in
[Verse 2]
頰をかすめた
Blowing on my cheek,
凍えた風は
A frozen glazing wind
名残惜しい
Leaving
香りを残す
A bittersweet scent
静寂のささやき
My silent whispers
君を呼びかける
Calling for you
僕がずっと
I will always
守り抜くから
Support you
(Chorus)
風に乗って
Sail with the breeze,
Reverie Official Lyrics.docx
Beyond Senpai 