Every time I think Yoko Kanno can't impress me any more, I come across a new album. The first Brain Powerd OST was one of those albums. The CD has mostly classical songs with some nice vocal arrangements as well. There are even a couple semi-techno tracks. The mix of music makes for a really great CD to listen to from start to finish. There aren't too many tracks you will want to skip over. This is probably some of Yoko Kanno's lesser-known work, but it is definitely some of her best.

The album starts out with the rousing Power of Light, which showcases a wide range of instruments from piano to guitar. It could almost be called a fast paced ballad. Followed up by Ark, which is quite a bit slower than the previous song but still keeps a fast tempo. Ark sounds more like a Celtic tune than what you'd expect from an anime soundtrack. Bagpipes are quite prevalent throughout the piece. Deep Trench is an eclectic mix of sounds that convey a sense of danger quite convincingly.

Sonne takes a dramatic turn from the high energy pieces that dominate the early portion of the CD. Sonne is a strong vocal piece that features a soloist and reminds me of some church songs I heard in my youth. Following along in the softer trend is My Little Pony which features some absolutely beautiful piano and clarinet work. Two songs, which are much faster and louder, follow this lighthearted, cheery song. They're called Run and Chemical Dance, but neither are really worth noting.

We then come to Butterfly, which has another beautiful vocal part. The amazing voice combined with the choice of instruments meld together to create one of my favorite songs on the album.

Skipping over the next few tracks you will come to a song I like to call Flow. I call it Flow because that's what they call it on the CD. The song could literally be sung in a jazz club. With dominating saxophones and sultry vocals, you can almost hear the low murmur of people and the smoke of a jazz bar.

Transmission is a waltz that is really well composed. The strong beat and violin interjecting make it another example of Yoko goodness. Music Box is next in line and the title pretty much explains it. It sounds like a music box. There isn't much more to say. If you like music boxes, this one is for you. I'll skip over Bridge, since it didn't really do much for me, and get to Ephemera. Ephemera is an incredible song. It has two distinctly different sounds flowing together to create my favorite song on the album. One is techno and the other a choir. Not two sounds you would think would be good together, but they work. It's by and far my favorite on the album which is saying quite a bit to be marked over some of the other tracks on the album.

Field of Love is the last vocal on the CD and is another absolutely fabulous composition. The vocals are incredibly powerful and stunningly clear. When the drums start coming to accompany the singer, I can't think of a more moving moment in any song from my memory. The last song is On the Earth, a soft, quiet piece of music. It makes a nice end to the album with its soft melody and quiet tone.

Vision of Escaflowne is considered by many to be Yoko Kanno's finest work. With songs like Yakusoku wa Iranai I understand why. I think that her work in Brain Powerd could very well contend for that title if it was better known. If you like Escaflowne's music, then you will like what Brain Powerd has to offer in that area. This CD should be a part of everyone's collection.