Sketchbook ~full color’S~ Soundtrack – Sound Sketch Book – Review

Tracklist:

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Review: Bigger isn’t necessarily better. In the midst of a month dedicated to a composer who takes everything to the extreme, this review focuses on an entirely different approach. Ken Muramatsu does not sit down and write the music for Sketchbook ~full color’S~ inspired by the movements of the planets, the human condition, or god knows what else. That’s just not the way he swings.

He does, however, infuse Sketchbook’s tracks with a laid back and jazzy style that’s just as enjoyable in its own right. “Hitomishiri Na Mama de” is an iconic example of his music. Instead of more ostensible trumpets and saxophones, Muramatsu favors quieter instruments, most notably the piano. The melody, while slow, isn’t boring or bland. What we get is a nonchalant and catchy piece that doesn’t demand recognition and yet isn’t difficult to pay attention to – perhaps an apt summary of almost any Muramatsu work. His style slowly and smoothly draws one into the mood, a quality which makes it so appropriate for a slice-of-life series.

Hitomishiri Na Mama de

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True to his aforementioned style, even the more upbeat tracks in Sketchbook don’t digress from the leisurely pace set in “Hitomishiri Na Mama de.” “Speed 2,” despite its name, isn’t rushed in the slightest. After the catchy opening rhythm, it’s reminiscent of the times spent unhurriedly hanging around and chatting with friends with nowhere specific to go and nothing pressing to do. “Kibou no Hesaki” also has a lively theme that induces a cheerful attitude. The characters in Sketchbook could be eating lunch, painting, or attending school, but they’re guaranteed to be doing it in a good mood.

Speed 2

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Kibou no Hesaki

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But a slice of life about a group of girls only sketching giddily 24/7 would make for a boring show and repetitive music. Fortunately, Sketchbook delves more into the friendships and interactions between the eccentric cast, and Muramatsu gives us a smattering of tracks appropriately nuanced to reflect that. There is a feeling of hesitancy in the light and staccato notes in “Maigo Koneko.” The almost bashful atmosphere the piece creates recalls the painfully shy main character, Sora, and her timid communications (if they can even be called that) with her peers. “Ochoushimono no Uta” and its energetic recorder in draws the focus away from Sora’s retiring nature and concentrates on the animated antics of the enthusiastic members of the art club while they enjoy their afternoons together.

Maigo Koneko

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Nevertheless, as with all slice-of-life shows, there’s some bittersweet feeling as the good times come to an end. “Bokura no Bouken~ Kaermichi” is one of several piano solo renditions of themes presented in the album. In its melancholy melody, one hears the wistful feelings of nostalgia and the wishes to relive fond memories once again. Unfortunately, time can’t be rewound, but the bonds forged and the lessons learned remain, regardless.

Bokura no Bouken~ Kaermichi

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As I’ve said before, the relaxing vibes of this soundtrack don’t evoke images or feelings of epic proportions, but that’s exactly what makes it so pleasant and fitting for a slice of life show. Sketchbook ~full color’S~ isn’t my favorite Muramatsu score, but that doesn’t make it any less enjoyable.

Rating: Very Good