Benzene Series
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The Benzene Series (ベンゼン＼(^o^)／シリーズ) is a group of songs sung mainly by Kagamine Rin/Len composed by Owata-P. It currently consist of five songs, each titles with chemical names references, and presumably ongoing. Two of the songs from the series (Paradichlorobenzene and Antichlorobenzene) became some of Owata-P's most notable works.
Starting from "Paradichlorobenzene", the songs in the series were always uploaded at the exact same time and date for each year; which is on September 19 at 03:55 AM. It is consistent for three years straight (2009, 2010, and 2011). There are also several other patterns to it.
Interpretations can be discussed on the Benzene＼(^o^)／ Series Discussion forum.
Background
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The "Benzene" series is a series of abstract songs with chemical substances (particularly aromatic compounds derived from Benzene) as their titles. Overall the most notable songs from the series is "Paradichlorobenzene" (over 2 million views) and "Antichlorobenzene" (over 1 million views).
Interpretations are clearly opened for this series, for it could be interpreted in many different ways. Not until Toluene that there is actually a "meaning" (which backslash both Paradichlorobenzene and Antichlorobenzene which said there IS no meaning).
However, Owata-P posted some comments on his blog that the lyrics carry the hidden messages and meanings, and announced there are many clues in the video. He has not elaborated what they really are yet, just saying that interpretations can differ in individuals. [1] Same goes to this page, which holds no fix or correct interpretation, only analyzing.
Facts / PatternEdit
- All the songs have questioned "is there a meaning to this song" at least once. Benzene and Nitrobenzene said there is no meaning to the song, Paradichlorobzene said the meaning to this song is Benzene, Antichlorobenzene said nothing, and Toluene said the meaning to the song, exist.
- It's uploaded yearly, though as of Paradichlorobenzene, it's uploaded at the same year / month / date / hour / second.
- All the songs, with the exception of Antichlorobenzene, are chemicals.
- Everything (Nitrobenzene, Toluene, and Paradichlorobenzene), aside from Antichlorobenzene (for it's not a compound what so ever), is derived from Benzene. In other words, none of the compounds can be made without Benzene, everything connects with Benzene. And so, all of the compounds have at least an atom of hydrogen of carbon.
- Nitrobenzene is made from a large amount of Benzene, precursor to aniline.
- Paradichlorobenzene is formed using the chloronation of Benzene using ferric chloride as a catalyst in the formula.
- Toluene is formed from the reaction of Benzene with methyl cloride, with the help of anhydrous aluminium chloride. Though there are various ways on producing Toluene, Benzene is one of them
- Everything (Benzene, Nitrobenzene, Paradichlorobenzene, and Antichlorobenzene) aside from Toluene, has a reference / similar melody to it's previous songs. (For example, in the beginning of Antichlorobenzene, the melody of Paradichlorobenzene can be heard)
- The uses of each chemicals (aside from Antichlorobenzene; for it's not a compound whatsoever) varies from one another.
- Benzene is mainly used in making other chemical compounds, such as, as mentioned before, Paradichlorobenzene, Toluene, or Nitrobenzene (and many others)
- Nitrobenzene is used in the production of aniline, which leads to pesticides, dyes, explosives, etc.
- Paradichlorobenzene is used to control moths, moulds, and mildrew; and is also used as a disinfectant.
- Toluene is said to be a common solvent, thus being able to dissolve easily with paints, or silicon sealants.
- It's unsure whether this series has a moving / unmoving plot or timeline.
- There are many "chemical" references in the videos by Mieno-hito and Agatha (though mainly Mieno-hito). For example, the flying words here and there throughout Paradichlorobenzene, Antichlorobenzene, or Toluene represents atoms.
- If Antichlorobenzene can be said as the "opposite" of Paradichlorobenzene, and Paradichlorobenzene's chemical structure is the opposite of Benzene, it basically means, Antichlorobenzene may be Benzene itself.
The SongsEdit
ベンゼン【癒し系洗脳ソング】 / Benzen【Iyashi Sennou Songu】 ( Benzene 【 Therapeutic brainwashing song】)Edit
Owata-P's ExplanationEdit
| Benzene (C6H6) is the most basic type of aromatic hydrocarbon. Some field specialists may call it "benzol" instead, with a more German flavor.
"Benzine" and "benzene" are homophones, but they represent completely different substances. As a functional group, benzene is called a "phenyl group". Phenyl groups are usually abbreviated as "Ph". An aromatic hydrocarbon functional group is called an "aryl group", both the phenyl group and the naphthalene group belong to the aryl group. In benzene, six carbon atoms are arranged in a tortoise shell shape (hexagon),
and each carbon takes on sp2 hybridization for its electron orbitals. In resonance, benzene's carbon atoms appear to alternate between double and single bonds, but in reality, the π electrons are delocalized and do not belong to any specific bond. Moreover, all bonds in a benzene molecule are equivalent and do not vary according to resonance. To emphasize the delocalization of the electrons, it's often to draw a benzene ring as a hexagon with a circle enclosed inside. Benzene is a basic substance in the chemical industry represented by petrochemistry, and the following four chemicals, similar in structure and properties, benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene, are often called by their initial letters "BTEX". ..is what they say, but this explanation has absolutely nothing to do with this video. Now then, shall we move on to the actual song? |
Song InterpretationEdit
ベンゼン (Benzene)
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| The song started with an explanation on "Benzene" (C6H6). It explains the forms of Benzenes, how they are formed, the chemicals, and also other examples of chemicals which are similar to Benzene "toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene". Do they have anything to do with the series? Toluene turns out to be the fifth song to it. Though by the end of the explanation, the long explanation had nothing to do with the video.
As commented by both Paradichlorobenzene and Antichlorobenzene, "the two songs" (which may refer to Benzene and Nitrobenzene) has no meaning. Though Toluene said that there may be a meaning to it. Nonetheless at first sight, it doesn't seem like there's a meaning to the song at all. "Zun dara mochi, iso gin chaku, benzene. ヽ(゜゜)ノ Benzene! ♪ " is repeated throughout the song, with the only valid sentences saying "there is no meaning to this verse". Note; "Therapeutic" is a medical side effect, which is good for said patient. In this case, it may mean that "brainwashing" had a "good" or beneficial side effect. This probably applies to the other brainwashing songs. One of the tags in Nico Nico Douga said "the people who laugh from Paradichlorobenzene and Antichlorobenzene". In both songs it's written there are those who "laugh", this song, Benzene, may be the song the "people" laugh at. In Nico Nico Douga, many "hahaha / LOL / wwww" comments are posted in Benzene. In fact, the amount of comments are far, far, greater in amount than the mylist (30,000 comments with only 6,000 mylist). | |||||||||||||||||
ニトロベンゼン【民族系洗脳ソング】 / Nitorobenzen【Minzoku Sennou Songu】 (Nitrobenzene 【Ethnic brainwashing song】)Edit
Owata-P's ExplanationEdit
| Nitrobenzene. An organic compound with the chemical formula C6H5NO2, it has the structure of a benzene ring with an additional nitro group. Also known as nitrobenzol or oil of mirbane, and with a sweet taste, it's a yellow oil-like substance. It's toxic and almost insoluble in water. It has a fragrance similar to almond jelly, or rotten peach. It's mainly used to produce aniline or its precursors, for example, methylenediphenyl diisocyanate, to be used in the production of rubber, insecticide, or pesticide. It's also used in shoe and floor polishes, leather dressings, paint solvents, and other materials to mask unpleasant odors. In chemical reactions, nitrobenzene is used as a meta-deactivator. Redistilled, as oil of mirbane, nitrobenzene has been used as an inexpensive perfume for soaps. A significant merchant market for nitrobenzene is its use in the production of the analgesic paracetamol (a.k.a acetaminophen). Nitrobenzene is also used in Kerr cells, as it has an unusually large Kerr constant. Acute symptoms from nitrobenzene either inhaled as a vapor or absorbed through the skin include methemoglobinemia, fatigue, dizziness, headache, and nausea. Chronically, it causes liver damage. It's suspected to cause cancer, as demonstrated in animal experiments, but in humans its carcinogenic property has not yet been proven, so it is classified by the IARC as a Group 2B carcinogen, which is "possibly carcinogenic to humans". The NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level) dosage is estimated to be 1.2 mg/m3 (inhalation) or 0.36 mg/kg/day (oral intake). ...but, all that has nothing to do with this so whatsoever. Scat: A type of singing mainly used in jazz, utilizing meaningless syllables (e.g. "dabadaba", "dubidubi", etc.) to sing improvised melody (ad lib). This type of singing, or, rather than using a song, aims to utilize vocalization as a separate instrument. Jazz musician Louis Armstrong is known as the first person to use scat. In the middle of a recording, he forgot the lyrics, so he substituted real words with improvised words, which turned out well. The staff decided to use the "failed" version. This is how scat singing came into being. |
Song InterpretationEdit
ニトロベンゼン (Nitrobenzene)
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| Like the previous song, Benzene, Nitrobenzene (C6H5NO2) started with a long description of the chemical. Nitrobenzene is said to be a yellow oil-like substance, insoluble in water (the cat who drowned in the water?). It has various uses starting from the made of rubber, soap, and many more. When breathed, it may cause dizziness or nausea.
The song later talked about the order of sharps and flats, and also "scat". The method used in singing jazz as performed by Len there in the song. It is said that Louis Armstrong used the "method" scat, because he forgot the lyrics, and decided to improvise. Actual lyrics finally came saying, "does this song have a meaning?" the meaning is Nitrobenzene. And what IS nitrobenzene? Nitrobenzene was already explained in the beginning of the song. So, Owata-P's comment on "it has nothing to do with this" may be a trick. Also, a "scat". Why did that explanation appear? It may be a reference to the fact that "Len" forgets the lyrics to the song, and replaces it with Nitrobenzene. | |||||||||||||||||
パラジクロロベンゼン【破壊系洗脳ソング】 / Parajikurorobenzen 【Hakai-kei Sennou Songu】 (Paradichlorobenzene 【Destructive-type brainwashing song】)Edit
パラジクロロベンゼン (Paradichlorobenzene)
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| The song features an animated PV featuring both Len and Rin and computer graphics. The word "Paradichlorobenzene" is repeated constantly throughout the video. There are also frames that flash for less than a second that explain details of the chemical (C6H4Cl2, also known as 1,4-Dichlorobenzene or paradichlorobenzene). On the surface, it seems the word has little to do with the meaning of the song - in fact the lyrics tell that the song and the word have no meaning.
One of the interpretations is that Len sings of the tendency for artists whose works are rubbished insensitively or unregarded, and they become jealous of others' work, which they see as better or beloved. As a result, these artists will usually try to erupt in violence and rage against him/herself and others insensitively. Unlike the two previous songs, it doesn't start with a long explanation of chemicals. Instead, people's "thoughts". Owata-P in this case, may be represented as the cat. In Owata-P's community, twitter, official site, and even in videos, he's often depicted as a black haired boy/girl with cat ears and a tail. However that's just an interpretation. One of the lyrics written in Paradichlorobenzene said something, that connects all the four songs together:
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アンチクロロベンゼン【浄罪系洗脳ソング】 / Anchikurorobenzen 【Jouzai-kei Sennou Songu】 (Antichlorobenzene 【Sin-Cleansing brainwashing song】)Edit
アンチクロロベンゼン (Antichlorobenzene)
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| This song mainly talks about "Paradichlorobenzene", as a "reply" more than a "continuation" to a series (not that there is any moving plot whatsoever in this series). Owata-P said so in his video description of Antichlorobenzene, saying "This is my answer. And so, question".
It could be interpreted that Rin here, wants to be right, and keeps on calling everyone wrong. (A keyword from Paradichlorobenzene said "I am right, and you are wrong"). Having to have a large amount of hatred to a specific person, to the point where one gets so mad, Rin thrust the a cat to the pond. From this point, it's hard to tell which is evil, and which isn't. Antichlorobenzene speaks of "them" (Paradichlorobenzene) as evil, though Toluene speaks of "them" (Paradichlorobenzene AND Antichlorobenzene) as knowing nothing at all. The movie done by Mieno-hito, several of the lyrics or words are written upside down, it can be interpreted that it symbolizes that it's a complete opposite to "Paradichlorobenzene". Also, note that Antichlorobenzene is NOT a real compound or mixture or element; unlike the other songs in the series. | |||||||||||||||||
トルエン【謎解系洗脳ソング】 / Toruen【Nazotokikei Sennou Songu】 (Toluene 【Riddle-solving brainwashing song】)Edit
トルエン (Toluene)
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| The fifth song of the Benzene series, Toluene (C7H8). It seems that this song is an answer song to both Paradichlorobenzene and Antichlorobenzene (the lyrics, and also from the flashes of Paradichlorobenzene and Antichlorobenzene; Nitrobenzene and Benzene aren't there in the video). This is the first song to say "The meaning to this song... does exist". Most of the lyrics are bleeped out by asterisks, but the rest of the text is readable.
Specifically, the "bleeped out" lyrics are sung, but displayed as asterisks. According to Owata-P, the lyrics make up a code. All of them are coded except the last four lines: "Toluene is a song of riddle-solving/Wordplay of time-wasting/When all of the meaning is known/What sort of face would you like?" When it says it "has a meaning", does that mean, the long chemical theory description on Benzene and Nitrobenzene also has a meaning? Or does it mean, only the song Toluene has a meaning whilst everything else has no meaning? (Benzene, Nitrobenzene, Paradichlorobenzene, and Antichlorobenzene) | |||||||||||||||||
RX ベンゼン【幼女系洗脳ソング】 / RX Benzen 【Youjo Kei Sennsou Songu】 (RX Benzen 【Little Girl Brainwashing Song】)Edit
ベンゼン (Benzene)
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| The "sixth" song of the Benzene Series. RX Benzene is not exactly a "new" song; it is a cover of the song "Benzene", with the vocals being Yowane Haku and Akita Neru. At first, the cover / mix of RX Benzene was originally sung by the utaite "Ritsuka" and more can be read on Benzene's page.
Owata-P mentioned in his description that on the year 2012, he didn't want to do anything, and he knew the reason why he didn't want to do anything; as said in his description. Oddly the song in the video on NND is said to be uploaded on 5:55, in Owata-P's mylist however, it is said that it's uploaded on 3:55. Although the lyrics are somewhat the same to Benzene, the title of the song is different. For now it's unknown what RX stands for, but "Youjo Kei Sennsou Songu", is a different type of brainwashing song which somewhat makes this song independent and, in a way, different from Benzene, which is a therapeutic brainwashing song. The song started similarly like Benzene, where an explanation to what "Benzene" is displayed, and the song continues saying "it has no meaning", much like Benzene itself. | |||||||||||||||||
InterpretationsEdit
Moth ballsEdit
A rather famous interpretation to (specifically) Paradichlorobenzene within the fandom, is the fact that one of the uses of "Paradichlorobenzene" is to kill moth balls. Many have interpreted that moth balls may have a connection the composer mothy (a.k.a Akuno-P)
With this interpretation, it could even be said that Owata-P's role in the song is "Len's" role. While the "people who laugh" are the fans who is said to have compared the two producers.
GalleryEdit
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ReferencesEdit
- ↑ http://dic.nicovideo.jp/v/sm8269164 Nico Pedia "Paradichlorobenzene"
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