LIP CREAM – 罪 – SIN –

LIP CREAM’s final album, – SIN -. Originally released without a title, commonly referred to as “The Last Album”, features an unconventional structure where audio skit and songs alternate, created with an extremely serious concept that sets it apart from all previous releases.

The production of – SIN – was also entirely based on Minoru’s concept like with the CLOSE TO THE EDGE. However, the audio drama segment included in the original release was proposed by Minoru to the members in a rehearsal studio, where he shared his ideas. Upon hearing the apocalyptic themes, Pill volunteered to write the script himself. At this time, tensions between Minoru and Pill over the band’s direction, coupled with Pill’s negative vibes toward the members’ preferences, reached a boiling point. This stress manifested itself during their touring, pushing the emotions of the other members and staff to the brink, severely impacting the band’s ability to continue, ultimately leading to break up – the worst possible outcome.

It was a challenge to translate the audio skit parts into other languages, and while an English translation of the script was considered as an appendix, Minoru suggested during the remastering process that ‘we want listeners to hear the songs themselves,’ leading to the decision to cut all drama parts for this edition.

The tracks include – SIN – which also serves as the album title, featuring lyrics and sound filled with anger and despair that shake the listener’s spirit. Additionally, the overall concept of the album was rooted in Minoru’s apocalyptic theories at the time but tracks like ‘Guren’ composed by Pill and lyrics by JhaJha, showcase a collaborative effort among the members, which is particularly intriguing from a historical perspective of the band.

Furthermore, JhaJha’s artwork successfully captures Minoru’s concept, featuring illustrations that are simple yet deeply conflicted, with a black-and-white color scheme, and even the lyric cards are composed in black and white, effectively conveying the abstract visual aspects of the album’s message.

Though this album is widely regarded as their final work, it continues to deliver an enduring message to us even 30 years after its release.