Etsuko Yakushimaru - Venus to Jesus (Arawaka Under the Bridge OP)

I first pricked up my ears at Etsuko Yakushimaru's wonder voice and musical sensibilities thanks to providing the opening theme of Natsu no Arashi! Akinai-chuu, Oyasumi Paradox. That said, it took me a while to join the dots and realise that the same female artist is also responsible for the opening of Arakawa Under the Bridge to boot.


Similarly, it also took me a fair few listens before my disinterest in Venus to Jesus turned into realisation of just how catchy and oddly lovable this tune is - Not only do its slightly odd-ball sensibilities fit perfectly with the series it represents (and the even more oddball animation for the opening), but that unique voice and delivery adds a certain something to the mixture that can't really be explained in words. Indeed, it's almost a perfect fit for an singer that tried very hard to hide her face from the public view to open for an anime that's all about hiding parts of yourself away for whatever reason.

Anyhow, even in its fully-fledged form, Venus to Jesus is irresistible in its child-like beauty, with its innocently delivered yet quietly demanding lyrics sitting nicely alongside the guitar-based and more orchestral elements of the track. Like it or not, chances are you'll find yourself humming the tune along to yourself at random points during the day if you're anything like me.

Thankfully, that aforementioned irresistible voice also does the business for track two on the single, Mister Myth Maker, in a quieter, largely minimalist but more urgently delivered track. It doesn't catch the eye (or rather the ear) quite like the title track, but it's an accomplished piece in its own right that sits quite happily alongside it.

Finally, the single is rounded off with a more electronically-oriented number, nekomeshi, which to be quite honest is rather adorable... Who knew a track that uses "nyan" sounds so frequently could be so cute? Well, okay, everyone perhaps, but even if you're immune to Venus to Jesus forcibly entering your brain at random, then there's little chance that you'll be able to fend off nekomeshi as it burrows into your head and pumps out its simple beats and lyrics. If catchiness is a sign of good music, then this single has it by the truck-load.