Chris Martin, a reporter for the famous British music magazine NME, was currently getting an earful from his editor-in-chief.
"Listen here, Martin. Enfants Terribles' new single just hit number one in America again. Their previous tracks are climbing back up the charts, too. Why aren't you writing an article about them? This isn't like you."
"I am writing it... haha..."
Chris Martin gave an awkward laugh at the editor's shouting.
It was true that his work pace had slowed down significantly lately. But he had an excuse. All of this was because of their new song, 'Basket Case,' which had absolutely detonated on the US Billboard charts.
Even now, while listening to the editor's rant, he had 'Basket Case' playing in one ear. For the past two weeks, he had been working while listening to nothing but Enfants Terribles.
For a music journalist, it was only natural for work efficiency to drop when the music was just too good.
"You used to be in the field too, Editor, so you should know. When a song is this good, I have to analyze it thoroughly so the article doesn't get torn apart. You saw how much heat the junior reporter got for that 'Heal the World' review last time."
"And it takes you two weeks? For an album with a running time of barely ten minutes?"
"You know 'Talk Tonight' and 'Half the World Away' are also absolute masterpieces."
Chris Martin rattled off his excuses one after another. They sounded like nonsense, but since even the B-sides of their single were of a quality that could be called masterpieces—offering a new direction for music—the editor had nothing left to say.
"Fine, I get it. Just go and get an interview with Enfants Terribles."
"What?? Me??"
"What's the problem? You said you received a letter from them and even have their phone number, right?"
It wasn't that Chris Martin lacked a connection with Enfants Terribles. He was the one who had written articles about them since their days in Japan, and because of that, he had even received a thank-you letter from the band.
To him, their 'Viva la Vida' was a masterpiece of the century. Once the distribution agreement with TV Tokyo ended and it was released globally, he was certain Enfants Terribles would conquer the Billboard charts once again.
'I still need to finish this review, though...'
He needed to wrap up his stagnant work quickly. He was the one who had first discovered them for the UK, and the British music scene tended to be heavily influenced by the opinions of critics. Naturally, the British public had high standards for music.
'Though at this point, everyone will listen to them even if I don't write anything.'
[Enfants Terribles' second single can only be described as a musical innovation. It is also an album that any fan of the band must hear.
The reason is that these rascals, who have consistently shouted only about life's optimism and self-affirmation, have brought forth an autobiographical track filled with self-reflection. Even while setting new trends, they are growing in this very moment.
In particular, Hide's 'Basket Case' goes beyond the autobiographical level to represent the anxiety of the younger generation regarding their future, born from the wealth gap following the wave of neoliberalism. What is surprising here is that despite the heavier theme, they haven't lost their specialty: a killer melody and a chorus that invites the public to participate.]
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.
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[This album allows us to glimpse the challenging spirit of Enfants Terribles as they strive to grow beyond simple delinquents and become the 'icons' of an era.]
"Enfants Terribles has definitely grown. The themes of their songs have become much heavier than before."
Chris Martin sipped the small amount of Americano left in his cup and submitted his article to the editor. As he did, he glanced at the reviews in other magazines hanging on the company newsstand—specifically, the articles written by journalists who had ignored him when he first posted about Enfants Terribles.
['Talk Tonight' and 'Half the World Away' can be called quintessentially British music!]
He burst out laughing after seeing the other reporters' work. Nationalistic pandering? Who still sells out for nationalism these days? The concept of 'quintessentially British music' was nothing more than a fiction.
"Anyway, I have to do an interview..."
The band was famous for avoiding interviews with the press. It was only natural, considering they were the types to beat up reporters whenever they had the chance.
"Just in case... I should send a letter..."
The reason he sent letters was that he was 'old school.' A letter could contain a person's sincerity that couldn't be captured in a text message. He knew he was being overly sentimental, but being sentimental wasn't a crime; in fact, he considered that trait an advantage for a music journalist.
[Dear Hide,
First, I want to sincerely congratulate you on reaching number one on the Billboard charts. Having watched you since your days in Japan, I feel overjoyed as if it were my own success.
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I have many questions regarding 'Basket Case,' particularly concerning the lyrics. I would like to request an interview regarding the background of this song and your state of mind while writing it.]
He sent the letter, but he didn't really expect a reply like he had in the past. They had become much bigger stars now.
[Dear Martin,
I've been enjoying your excellent reviews. We'll be heading to the UK soon, so let's meet then.]
Chris Martin's eyes widened as he saw the reply to his letter. The unbelievable had happened.
"Huh...? How did this actually work...?"
Besides, Enfants Terribles, who had been touring only in America, said they were coming to the UK. Ah... should he put in for his vacation days now?