SixTONES has released their new single "Barrier" on March 21, 2025. The title track serves as the theme song for the movie "Okoso to Banken-kun," which stars Jesse. This latest offering features a unique mix of sound and sentiment encapsulated in a danceable rock format that embodies the band’s signature style.
The track "Barrier" narrates the love story between two characters: Isaki Senagaki, the granddaughter of a yakuza, who tries to live a typical student life, and her bodyguard, Keiya Uto, who enrolls at her school under false pretenses to protect her. The movie, described as a romantic comedy, sets the stage for a catchy tune that reflects deep themes of protection and devotion, charismatic elements that are a staple in SixTONES' music.
Written and composed by Zembnal, who has previously collaborated with SixTONES on songs like “Kimi ga Inai” and “GONG,” the lyrics carry a poignant message about safeguarding a loved one against all odds. Lines such as “No one can touch you” and “I won’t let you be taken away” highlight a protective mindset, cleverly captured within an upbeat and vibrant band sound.
In recent live tours, SixTONES has seamlessly incorporated live band performances, showcasing their expertise in mixing various genres. The ability to present mix-genre rock has transformed into one of their signature traits, where their energetic delivery ensures that the emotional weight of the lyrics does not weigh down the upbeat tempo.
In "Barrier," they sing, “Even the anxiety that weighs heavily in your chest, I’ll hold it and wrap it all up,” which resonates with a desire to embrace and safeguard their partner's true self. Reflecting on their earlier track “Good Luck!” released in November 2022, which encouraged listeners to embrace their authentic selves, the continuity in their message remains strong. The accompanying music video presents the band performing in sleek, dark suits indoors, juxtaposed with them in casual attire while executing spontaneous dance moves in the streets — a visual representation of the strength found in vulnerability.
Furthermore, the coupling song featured in the limited first edition is titled “ABRACADABRA.” The song is an exhilarating EDM tune that opens with, “Shaking floor, gimme your shout, crazy about party vibes.” While the track is undoubtedly aimed to energize crowds at live performances, it also rewards attentive listeners with intricate audio dynamics where whispering vocals alternate from left to right, creating a captivating listening experience.
The standard edition of the single includes two new songs: “Snooze” and “Houkai Zenya,” alongside remixes of prior hits “GONG” and “Koko ni Kaettekite.” “Snooze” crafts a dreamy portrayal of a lazy weekend with a partner, sung with a tranquil warmth by all six members. The seamless transitions between their vocals manifest a collective sense of peace that transports listeners to a serene state.
The other new track, “Houkai Zenya,” dives deep into themes of impending separation, articulated through an R&B influence. The quality of this song is attributed to the artistry of Idom, a rising musician whose storied past includes a pause in pursuing a design career in Italy due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to an unexpected journey into music production. His rich, emotive voice complements the song’s themes, allowing SixTONES to showcase a different, more sophisticated vocal style that resonates with the narrative of impending loss.
Further enhancing their usual repertoire, the remixes included in the standard edition also invoke a sense of nostalgia. The remix of “GONG,” crafted by Kazuki Arai of King Gnu, retains the song’s robust energy while infusing it with subtle digital nuances that enhance its freshness. This remix reinvents the original, providing fans with an evolution of sound that maintains its essence while inviting a contemporary twist.
On the other hand, the remix of “Koko ni Kaettekite,” introduces a more rapid tempo while still preserving the sentimentality that defined the original. The array of styles across the single reflects various nuances of love and relationships, from the strong conviction expressed in “Barrier” to the gentle intimacy of “Snooze” and the heartfelt lamentation in “Houkai Zenya.”
In “Barrier,” the use of varying pronouns — “you” in “Barrier,” “kimi” in “Snooze,” and “anata” in “Houkai Zenya” — showcases the adaptability and range of the members both as artists and actors. This versatility is indicative of SixTONES' continued growth in their artistry even five years after their debut, surprising fans with their ability to consistently create diverse music alongside collaborations with various talented musicians.
Ultimately, with this release, SixTONES has solidified their status as a group that appeals not just for their musical talent but also for their multifaceted expressions as performers. Their journey as artists remains promising, with each new project bringing fresh dimensions to their evolving sound. This single stands as a provocative glimpse into an artistry that commands attention and respect in today’s music landscape.
