[Single] Tomiko Van - Flower

Flower is Tomiko Van's debut single. The single peaked at #10 in Oricon Weeky Chart by selling 18,802 copies total. It was released at June 7, 2006. The a-side song "Flower" was used as the TBS Drama Oishii PROPOSAL theme song, and a piano version of the song was used for the sound track of the drama. The b-side "Brave" was used as the ending theme song for Playstation 2 game "Sengoku Basara 2".

Flower is quite reminecent to the songs that she sung as Do As Infinity's vocalist. This is an upbeat summer pop-rock song. This song starts in a real promising way, but when it comes to chorus, it's just break everything apart. The arrangement of chorus doesn't lift the pace of the song, even lowering the excellent verse. As a veteran in music industry, i don't have much to say about her unique vocal; it's as good as she usually did. Anyway, i'll only say this is a fairly good song.
Arrangement: B- | Music: B | Vocal: A-

Banchan really saves the best for last, Brave, is an amazing b-side. It still follow the same style with the previous track, but much, much better. It has an amazing arrangement. The piano, percussion, flute, guitar, with additional synthesized strings and pop touch were fused together to make this gem. This song has a breathtaking climax, especially when the bridge comes. For her vocal, it's just in a right song. This song really suit her vocal. Not to mention, she also wrote the lyrics of this song, like she did in under the moon. This is my favorite song in her solo career.
Arrangement: A+ | Music: A+ | Vocal: A

Favourite Song: Brave
Conclusion:
After that disbandment, Banchan comes back with this solid single (i mean the b-side, actually). As for Flower, she should be selective on choosing the song or the arranger. I really hope that she can release singles that has the quality of Brave, because that song kicked off her old works with DAI (not all, just partially). Very good job, Banchan!

Overall, i give the score [92/A-] for this debut single.