Mr. Taku Iwasaki has really impressed me lately. I remember thinking - back when he did the Rurouni Kenshin OVAs - that his music was great for the atmosphere of the series but did not show much distinction as a standalone work. Since then, his work has steadily improved in its appeal to listeners of his albums, starting largely with Ima, Soko ni iru Boku (a.k.a. Now and Then, Here and There), and later including Witch Hunter Robin. His score to the Read or Die (R.O.D) TV series is perhaps his best showing yet, containing surprisingly few tracks that can't stand on their own. On top of that, this score has more emphasis on fun and excitement than his previous work.

(Note: The Japan version of this soundtrack is a single, 2-disc release. When brought to America, it was split into two single-disc releases. This review covers the first domestic release, which is effectively the first half of the Japan release.)

As this album opens, it's hard not to notice the bass. "R.O.D," the show's opening tune, has a lot of bass. The song is fast-paced and energetic, carried by trumpet and electric guitar. The melody really takes second seat to the bass line, whose presence not only dominates, but also defines this piece; it really gets your blood pumping. The album closes with a remix of this song that has quite a different feel to it. The remix tones down the bass and experiments with different percussion and voice effects - making it interesting to listen to, but not the adrenaline rush that the TV opener is.

Photo Op! The R.O.D theme song fits the Paper Sisters pretty well, even though it's straight out of the OVA series.

The "R.O.D Theme" is the main recurring theme of the album, having four variations. These songs are also fairly heavy on the bass. The first is the "You Must be Kidding, Miss Readman" version, a lazy song suitable to a Sunday afternoon nap. The melody is carried by trombone and tenor sax, which combine with the background to form a wave-like motion. (This song really does make you feel like you're on a rocking boat or raft.) The "After All, I Love Books" version is similar in its laziness, but replaces the back-and-forth motion with a more static beat - suitable for relaxing in a lounge as opposed to a pool raft.

The other two variations of the "R.O.D Theme" are fast-paced. The "Public Pressure" version is - as the title might suggest - a theme of danger. The main melody is carried by strings, with accents from the brass - but most of the energy in this song comes from the bass and electric guitar in the background. The "I ♥ Hong Kong" version is in most ways identical. The difference is that this version boasts a wild saxophone solo and is a bit longer.

The remaining tracks on the album can be filed into two categories: themes that are character-centric or otherwise personal, and the more impersonal "good vs. evil" themes. The personalized themes cover a variety of topics, from friendship and wellness to sadness and the weight of memories. These songs are dominated by piano, strings and woodwinds, and are the most emotionally involving tracks in the album. A special mention goes to "A Buddy," a pretty clarinet melody backed by piano and strings. It's a great characterization of a deeply-caring friendship - candid and warm. I actually didn't like the clarinetist's performance (technically apt but lacking in character), but this is still a lovely song. These personal themes are fairly reliant on the animation to gain their effect, because they are designed to cultivate an emotional attachment to the characters.

Evil's a comin'.... Much of the series' music is atmospheric.

The impersonal "good vs. evil" themes will likely be more appealing to the listener of the album, as they play to the senses and imagination of the listener. "Death in the Country" is a creepy piano and cello number, relying on accents and sound effects for its dungeon-like atmosphere. The "Read or Die Suite" characterizes the awakening of a dormant evil and the associated skirmishes between its minions and the forces of good. The next song ("A Feeling is Already War") follows from the Suite, the conflicts growing more intense than before. This group of songs reflects a sense of fear and hopelessness.

The follow-up group of songs, beginning with "Does a Sleeping Book have Dreams of Being Republished?" and "They Occasionally Come Home," plays out like an effort to combat evil by seeking the wisdom of ages. The transformation here is from the loss of hope to its subsequent renewal and growth. "A Shadow Goes" takes the idea full-circle, starting with a fragile flicker of resolve (as in a candle's flame) and slowly building the strength needed to turn the tables on the enemy, then backing down as a plateau is reached. The beginning and end of the song are carried by clarinet and strings, and the rest of the orchestra supports the rising action. This song is my personal favorite in the album.

This first soundtrack for R.O.D the TV certainly begs a purchase. It makes for an engaging listening experience, with enough of a variety and a good enough arrangement to stay fresh throughout. But perhaps more important is the fact that there's a lot of thrills to be had from this album. I like this new side of Mr. Iwasaki. As long as he keeps up the good orchestral work as well, I shall look forward to hearing more from him.