"abingdon boys school" is a band that seamlessly blends hard rock with pop-punk, and these two songs demonstrate their diversity. The first is the title track for the single, which is featured in the end credits of the game "Folklore" (FolksSoul in Japan). The latter, a simple b-side, is a surprisingly good track that deserves its own analysis. Let's talk.

"Nephilim" honestly sounds like something straight from JAM Project. Big production value, climactic build from the start of the song, and in your face vocals. One male vocalist sings like ... six harmonic parts ... and the result is mind-blowing. The verses are simple and small, in comparison to the loud chorus. The concept of using many instruments sparingly to weave a sort of complicated pattern of electric instruments is something we've been hearing on the radio since the days of Evanescence, but that doesn't mean it can't be appreciated here.

"LOST REASON" has a couple things I really like about it. First of all, it has decent lyrics, which are written and performed in English. Second, while it's not featured on any game, it would have done very well on a certain guitar-centric rhythm game that's quite popular in America. Seriously, the guitar part to this song is fantastic. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the vocals, which come off as weak and a little too "boyish" (pun intended!).

I normally don't condone the purchase of singles, but this one might be a good one to hold onto. Personally, I like both of these songs a good bit. I don't know how "Nephilim" was chosen to be the ending song for Folklore, as it doesn't entirely fit the game's atmosphere. But I'm pleased that the US version of Folklore didn't have this J-rock song removed, and I was fascinated enough with the track to hunt down the single. If you're as curious as I was, pick up this single before it goes out of print.

Reviewed by: Patrick Gann