RIKU - This is me 〜約束の詩〜

A restrained solo statement shaped by vulnerability, control, and emotional precision

November 21, 2025

Reviewed by Vera Von Monika

With his 2025 digital single “This is me 〜約束の詩〜” RIKU - best known as a vocalist of THE RAMPAGE from EXILE TRIBE - expands his artistic identity through a work that is both personal and perceptively mature. The release marks a clear step into introspective solo expression, preserving the emotional resonance familiar to listeners of THE RAMPAGE while establishing a distinct, self-contained artistic voice.

From the opening moments, the song unfolds as a deliberate declaration of self. The title, translating to “This Is Me ~A Song of Promise~,” frames the track as an inward journey rather than a performative statement. RIKU’s delivery is measured and deeply intimate, avoiding spectacle in favour of emotional control. His vocal presence reflects an artist shaped by experience - confident, composed, and quietly assured.

The production favours balance over excess. Ambient textures and restrained instrumentation support rather than compete with the vocal line, allowing nuance to function as emotional depth. This careful restraint gives weight to the song’s central themes of promise, memory, and self-affirmation, reinforcing its reflective tone without drifting into sentimentality.

Vocally, RIKU demonstrates precision and maturity. His phrasing is intentional, revealing a clear understanding of when to let silence speak and when to shape emotion through subtle modulation. Rather than relying on vocal power, he prioritizes clarity and presence, drawing the listener inward and sustaining engagement through control rather than force.

“This is me 〜約束の詩〜” does not position itself as a departure from RIKU’s work within THE RAMPAGE, but as a parallel articulation - one that stands confidently on its own terms. Its strength lies not in immediate hooks, but in its lingering emotional resonance, inviting repeated listening rather than instant consumption.

In a musical landscape often driven by trend responsiveness, RIKU’s solo single opts for introspective poise. It communicates not only vocal ability, but artistic intent, signalling a maturity that suggests this release is not an isolated experiment, but a meaningful extension of his evolving musical identity.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) — intimate, restrained, and artistically cohesive. A solo statement defined by emotional clarity rather than spectacle.