It took some time, but Saucy Dog finally found its voice on 2019’s Blue Period. Vocalist-guitarist Shinya Ishihara formed the outfit in Osaka in 2013, but his original bandmates split soon after, leaving him to assemble a new lineup with a new identity. After becoming a trio with bassist Akizawa Kazuki and drummer Seto Yuika, Saucy Dog spent its first two mini-albums working out its sound. It landed on a mix of midtempo J-rock and speedier cuts approaching pop-punk. With its third studio effort, Saucy Dog aimed to enliven its growing fanbase. To that end, Blue Period plays faster than the trio’s previous records. Songs such as “Suzume No Akubi” and “Tough,” powered by guitar strums and a steady beat courtesy of Yuika, are enervating as they zip ahead to shout-along choruses. Even when Saucy Dog tries to chill on closer “Tsuki Ni Sumu Kimi,” the trio can’t help but rev up one last time. It’s an apt setting for Ishihara’s detail-rich songs that—even when focused on everyday bummers and romantic breakups—offer optimism. An artistic breakthrough for the singer comes on “Ghostbuster,” a driving song about the hold anxiety can take over one’s life. Yet, thanks to the music and Ishihara’s impassioned vocal delivery, it becomes an upbeat declaration of just going after what one wants despite the debilitating doubts. Blue Period marks the moment that Saucy Dog chose hope.