Dxd allstars Staryu and Cartoon Ben are relatively known quantities. They have both been steadily releasing songs and building their respective fanbases. But what they’ve made here in “Alive” may be among their best work, as the fruits of their labor seem to be more than the sum of its parts.
Immediately, a bouncy, video game-esque soundscape appears. Crisp snares reminiscent of a wind-up marching band roll alongside frantic hi hats and claps. Staryu’s subdued singing style clears a path of melody atop a booming bass tone – and that’s all within the first 15 seconds.
Staryu’s vocals slot in perfectly with an urgent instrumental, as the listener is anchored to his reassuring words and inflection while flutes, percussion, and arpeggios swirl and shake around you to an almost dizzying effect. Beat breaks and huge crashes punctuate Staryu’s lines, adding impact at just the right moments. Staryu does work to contrast the hectic environment with his own calming style, but he also plays into it with a rapid-fire final verse to great success. This song is on the cusp of losing control, and it feels great.
The key to what makes this particular sonic offering so special lies within its pacing. Both Staryu and Cartoon Ben provide enough variety and surprise in their arrangements to keep the audience fully engaged for the entire duration of “Alive”. One moment you are flying alongside them both in the dense fabric of Staryu’s wild ride and the next; the song is over. This sensation of such an abrupt halt requires a replay.