Rozen Maiden is an odd franchise, one that veers somewhat uncomfortably between silliness, surreality and deadly seriousness. Despite being about (literal) living dolls, it generally managed to avoid overt creepiness, instead weaving an intriguing story of identity, loss and companionship. Also talking dog detectives and rampaging hoovers. The two shows (the original Rozen Maiden and its somewhat pretentiously titled sequel Träumend) also had weird musical tastes, most notably in employing the synth-pop driven Ali Project for their openings (you may also remember them from the original Code Geass ED).
It’s the second ED I want to talk about here though, ‘Hikari no Rasenritsu’ (lit. ‘Spiral Melody of Light’), a beautiful, soft track given a unique tone by the extensive use of harpsichord in the background, something appropriate for the baroque tone the series often went for. It’s exactly the kind of song I love, quiet and gentle before an almighty launch into the chorus, and then a scale back down to quiet for the end. Accompanying the unmistakable twang of the harpsichord are a terrific string arrangement and kukui’s delicate, almost pleading voice. Visually it’s pretty run of the mill, but there’s a gorgeous moment timed perfectly with the music as the ground tears up and transforms to rose petals that blow back across the screen. It’s a song which captures the sadder, more melancholic tone which often permeated Träumend, and one which reminds me of the surprising strength of feeling which went into the show. Despite the fact that Rozen Maiden hasn’t been onscreen for almost seven years, I hold out hope one day the Alice Game will be completed.
The Glorio Blog 