Artist

Every Little Thing

P

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

ELT was formed back in 1996. Their first single is a fairly hard-driving dance beat. But I'm not into dance so I practically ignored them. After a while, while having lunch with a college friend he brought up ELT and I decided to look into it. Went over to a mp3 site and downloaded some samples.

When I got to 出逢った頃のように, I was hooked. It's a moderate-paced song that's catchy and nicely arranged. A slower song like that will tend to highlight the singer's vocal talents, or lack of one.

But Kaori's voice is terrific. It's well-modulated, accurate, sounds sweet without being syrupy, capable of high-tone without screeching. Add to that a special timbre (bit husky) that hits the spot for me. When Igarashi found her while going through demo tapes looking for a vocalist he must have been thinking along the same line. She's been singing in a band since 15, so a certain level of proficiency is not unexpected. And with a little more practice on slow pieces it'll be perfect.

The force behind ELT is its producer, Igarashi. He wanted to start a band or a group, but can't do it along with only him and his keyboard. First he needed a singer so he sifted through demo tapes at Avex until he found Mochida. Then he contacted his fried Itou to see if he would add some unique electric guitar sounds to the music. ELT is born.

One other thing, although the first few singles have dance beats, Kaori herself does not dance. In fact, she doesn't move very much at all on stage. That may be one of the reasons they eased away from dance music.

I do regret not being able to do video captures of their earlier stuff, since the rental stores erased the TV shows a long time ago, but at least I got their promo video compilation. - Bo

3/26/1999: <8 Clips> and Time to Destination Tour are two video compilations. They're available in VHS, but if you're outside Japan you can also order the VCD version which is a much better buy. <8 Clips> is a must for any ELT fan. - Bo

Album collection

Everlasting

Here and everywhere: This is the gem on the album. Pace is slower than others on the album, but the use of synthesizers is great (the "itsumo..." part reminds me of Van Halen). This is the correct way to use a synth. And I feel it's way better than their so-called "super bootbeat mix".

Time to Destination

All along: Really nice song that adds to the value of this album. I really prefer their slower stuff. And this catchy, stylish piece reaffirms it.
出逢った頃のように: This is the one that made me a fan. Although the use of synthesizer was a bit annoying, the melody and Mochida-san's voice drowned it out. You'd find yourself being pulled up and up as she climbs the notes.
Time goes by: I feel this is their most stylish song to date. Vocally, Kaori is at her best. Not only do you get pulled up by her vocal, you'll also get pulled back down. This one will really pluck your heartstrings. I hope they can write more of this kind.

EveryBestSingle+3

FOREVER YOURS: I like this song. Paints a good image.
NECESSARY: This song lacks that 'hook' that grabs you. I can't get to like this one.
Someday, Someplace: Pretty good song too. The chorus part is quite catchy. Must be the backup vocals. But the way Kaori pronounces the ending o's has a nice ring to it.
Over and Over: Very nice ballad, but it's no Time goes by. Admittedly, Time goes by is pretty hard to top.

eternity

Video collection

Concert Tour '98 Time to Destination

<8 Clips>