LOKA is a Tokyo based alternative Hard Rock Band consiting of singer Kihiro, drummer KEN’ICHI, bassist Katsumi and guitarist SIN. Their music is not typical J-Rock at all, but rather inspired by American Hard Rock which is why most of their lyrics are in English. Their sound is a crossover of Hip Hop, Metal and Rock, combined with many electronic influences, which they present on their new album CRISS x CROSS. In autunm the four musicians will tour Europe for the first time and play 5 shows in Germany. CRISS x CROSS is a mixtures of songs previously released on their debut EP 01 -zero one- and their album EnFLAME and is therefore a perfect introduction to LOKA’s unique sounds and great to get in the right mood for the upcoming concerts! Starting with guitar sounds that are bursting with energy, the song EVERYBODY ROCK’nROLL kicks off the album and shows the ideal mix of different genres which makes LOKA’s sound so very special. The song opens with cool rap parts during the verse while the chorus invites to sing along with Kihiro- long story short: a perfect beginning for the upcoming 47- minute long party. CLUB ROCK SHIT shows just as much energy and adds further electronic elements such as vocoder and synthesizer sounds to the prevalent Hip Hop and Rock influences. Combined with Kihiro’s growling vocals, CLUB ROCK SHIT reminds me of Linkin Park and Limp Bizkit. An instrumental guitar and synthesizer intro sets in and while YELLOW CHERRY seems to be a little more quiet in the beginning, Kihiro’s strong, almost screaming rap parts proved me differently. But apart from a very melodic chorus is YELLOW CHERRY fairly similar to the previous tracks. The next song OBLIVION HEART shows LOKA’s calmer and more melodic side. With various electronic elements and entirely without any rap parts but more growling is it a pleasant surprise and adds to the variety of CRISS x CROSS. The same atonishement holds true for LEFT OF ME, which starts with very quiet guitar sounds. But once the drums, bass guitar and vocals kick in, the song is dominated by deep growls and hard sounds. The chorus is yet again harmonic and much more quiet and exactly this contrast doesn’t only show LOKA’s diversity but especially the wide range of Kihiro’s voice. SLICK is together with EVERYBODY ROCK’n’ROLL and NAKED TO MY SOUL one of the songs with music video clip and again starts off with synthesizer sounds, dynamic guitar riffs and rhythmic beats. The song’s catchy melody is already now stuck in my head, a feeling which only becomes more powerful the closer I get to the chorus. By now all I want to do is dance to the music and follow the beat. With MAKE IT THROUGH, LOKA give it their everything for the last time on CRISS x CROSS. This 5:04 minute track kicks off in four- four time and with lively guitar sounds. After some powerful lines from Kihiro with a lightly distorted voice, his singing becomes softer towards the chorus and is finally a lot gentler and more melodic. But just like LEFT OF ME , MAKE IT THROUGH is one of those quiet songs that doesn’t lose any of its energy because despite Kihiro’s voice getting softer and mastering some beautiful high notes, the guitar and bassguitar keep their pace and slow down only at the ending- but not without a last guitar solo. The two closing tracks of the album are both quiet and mainly accoustic. The first song is an accoustic version of ALIVE and the band manages to change the previously dynamic atmosphere of the song to a very relaxed and laid- back one. It also contains the biggest rap part of the entire album since only the chorus is sung by Kihiro. DON’T EVER LEAVE ME OUT completes the already quiet atmosphere and is therefore an ideal ending for a fast and loud album like CRISS x CROSS. The fact that Kihiro doesn’t seem to strike all of the higher notes is rather irrelevant because the rest of the song is just perfect: beautiful guitar sounds heavenly harmonising with Kihiro’s voice. Proof for LOKA’s ability to win us over with not only powerful but also tender songs. Although CRISS x CROSS seems to be a little monotonous in the beginning, it proves to be just the opposite: the band displays a huge variety of musical skills and lots of talent. The album is destined to win the listener over step by step and after 47 minutes it definitely managed to conquer my heart!