8 posts from October 2009

I'm in the middle of my busiest weekend of the entire semester right now (two papers and a proposal due on Monday! >_< ugh) so I'm not going to be around for a while, but I just couldn't resist sharing this image!  Man, I love Yoshiki...he's such an adorably dorky and funny person.

Also, the pv preview for DELUHI'S 'REVOLVER BLAST' off their upcoming mini-album is out!  It's hard to comment on the song from such a short clip, but the members have interesting new looks...Juri and Aggy look very different with the change in hairstyle, but overall they seem to have gone a little simpler and less elaborate with mostly monochrome outfits this time around.  I look forward to hearing what styles they've put into the mini-album as well as if they'll stick with this toned down appearance or move back to their previous, more flamboyant fashion at some point. 

So I've been watching the V-Rock Festival footage and happened to see ViViD's set and interview.  I haven't really been keeping up with them since I'm not a huge fan of any of the indie PSC bands and they didn't spark my interest from the early material I saw and listened to.  I think it's a bit strange and like a reversal of the normal order of how things go that because these bands are on the label they're able to play Budoukan and Makuhari Messe just half a year after they formed in ViViD's case, and although I'm sure it's super exciting for the band members, it sort of undermines the classic dream of working hard to get to Budoukan and all that...hell, at the PSC anniversary live they even had the indie bands perform to playback, which is not what I'd consider really playing at the venue.  If it were me I'd find that somehow disappointing...it's like you didn't make it there by your own effort and merit, you know?  Which I suppose is true and I think the bands realize that...for example ViViD said how it was amazing that they had the opportunity to play at the festival so soon after formation and how grateful they were to their senpai and fans.  It's certainly good for the band, but in terms of how PSC runs it's indie division and how these young bands are getting discovered, put out there, and maturing is interesting to watch.

But anyway, aside from that issue, I got to learn a bit more about ViViD from their interview and found it amusing that Shin the vocalist started a visual kei band because of the GazettE....he's apparently a big fan (and it totally shows...even on his online profile XD).  It's cute really and yet so weird because there's this whole generation of very young bands appearing now that got into music because of bands from the GazettE's generation.  For someone like me who grew up with bands like Dir en grey, Kagrra,, Pierrot, and Plastic Tree, then watched as bands like Alice Nine, the GazettE, and girugamesh grew and became major players in the scene right now it's strange to realize that a whole new generation is forming already.  It's also personally a bit disturbing cause these guys are like, the same age or younger than I am!  It makes me feel so OLD! ^_^;;

Getting back to the point, since they've now popped back up on my radar I checked out ViViD's latest single, '69-II'.  It's kind of generic and I can't help but feel that everything about their look is somehow recycled material from other PSC bands.  The song itself is fairly good but lacks a unique spark, I think.  You can definitely hear that most of the members are fans of abingdon boys school, it has a similar "rock with popular appeal" sound going on and Shin's singing has a strong, smooth quality that's reminiscent of Nishikawa's.  I'd say it's all in all a good effort.  They're still just starting out so once they find themselves and their own creative niche I think they could make some cool material.

Heheh, oh girugamesh...they're such complete dorks.  Also, it's a bit disturbing when they try to act all kawaii in the beginning of the comment. ^^;  I love Satoshi's story about how in the relay race in the third year of middle school he fell and took down like three other people with him, totally ruining the event...lol.  Then he gets punched by Nii for saying that even his face is bad at sports. XD  Oh, and their stupid, random "YEEEEAAAH!" \m/ gestures all the time.  Aah, but I am looking forward to their new album this November, which they talk about here but still haven't given a title for.  And I have to say, I would be in full support of a "visual kei sports day" like they mention here...someone should totally arrange that, it'd be hilarious!

I also found it amusing that in the latest Neo Genesis interview with the GazettE, Aoi kind of indirectly complained that he doesn't really do much in the new song "Before I Decay", since it's mostly Uruha playing the melodious parts and by the nature of the song's composition he just happened to end up doing rather basic stuff. ^^;  Man, it's always funny and sorta cute to see how he's constantly comparing himself and Uruha...it's like he's doesn't even realize he's doing it sometimes, and he manages to bring him up in like every other interview, even the personal ones!  (It's probably partly because he's a workaholic and almost never stops thinking about making music.)  But as their musical style has changed and become more technical the dynamics between them as guitarists seems to have changed as well and it's pretty interesting to see what they think about it.

girugämesh show a striking, different side of themselves with their new single 'crying rain' that was released October 7th.  You can feel it and see it clearly in the PV as well.  Their music has so far been dominated by aggressive, hard songs that usually have quite intense anger or bitterness behind them, though they also have a small collection of slower, more sentimental works such as "Kowarete iku Sekai" and "Ishutaru".  The emotional distinction between them and "crying rain" is a sense of real weakness and vulnerability, a sensitivity and personal sadness that hasn't really been expressed by girugämesh in this way before.  They've always been more about having a rocking good time or releasing more violent emotions, so it's nice to see them branching out and trying new things. 

Musically "crying rain" continues to expand on their recent composing style but at a slower pace, with some turntable scratching thrown in there and a substantial solo from Nii.  It also has female backing vocals but they're done in a fairly unobtrusive, tasteful way that supports Satoshi without being distracting.  I was immediately drawn in by the chorus...I think it's got great rhythm to it and the lyrics are catchy as well.  Maybe I'm just a sucker for Satoshi singing slower songs, because all their previous ones are among my favourites.  I think Satoshi has excellent range in that way...his voice is emotionally powerful but expressive in many ways, not just through growling and shouting, and he can handle softer feelings with equal ease.

The interestingly titled coupling track "S.T.F.U" is more standard girugämesh fare, and nothing too exciting in my opinion, but a fun listen nevertheless.  Its upbeat quality follows the mellow, sad title track nicely to end the single on a more positive, high-energy note.  Overall the sound of the single isn't revolutionary, but "crying rain" is definitely a solid, gripping song that contributes something fresh within girugämesh's discography.  I also liked that in the PV Satoshi shows a new side of himself by singing while soaked by the rain...it's a rather refreshing and endearing image to see him that way instead of energetically jumping around or screaming harshly. ^_^

Well, the day is finally here...the GazettE's new single 'Before I Decay' is out!  It's done quite well on the Oricon charts and is being used as the theme song for the movie Wild Speed MAX (aka. Fast and Furious 4), but there does seem to be some sense of dissatisfaction floating around with regards to this release.  Personally, I don't think it's among the GazettE's best work, and it does leave one with a sense of lack after listening.  I wouldn't immediately interpret a song being used in a movie as having a negative impact on their work since other beautiful songs like "Chizuru" have been used in films, but this time around seems somewhat different in that they definitely stated that they just barely finished production in time for the song to come out on time, the lyrics appear more clearly geared toward the film, as does the composition.  It's hard to know what the timing and relationship between the writing of the song and decision to use it for the film was, but even if the instrumental parts were mostly done previously, the result is that it doesn't quite stand up to the creative standard of their other releases. 

"Before I Decay" sounds a bit rehashed in that the guitar riffs are fairly reminiscent of "LEECH" and "A MOTH UNDER THE SKIN", plus there's a noticeable parallel to "Toguro" just past the 1:54 mark.  It does have its addictive hooks in the powerful intro and outro parts, and they are excellent, as is Uruha's tapping in the second half, but it still gives off a weaker impression than I would have hoped.  Reading how the guys initially described this single, I though it would be far more aggressive and heavy, and although it has screams, punch, and speed, there's none of the mean edge or stinging impact that some of their other songs like "OGRE", "MAGGOTS", or "HYENA" had.  The difference is that "Before" is more polished and not as gritty, which is somewhat due to the style they've been doing recently and what they were aiming for here, but nevertheless despite its aggressiveness, I feel like it doesn't go further in any new direction either way. 

The same goes for "Mayakashi", which vaguely reminds me of various other songs the names of which I can't quite put my finger on at the moment, but again, it's nice but not especially spectacular.  I am curious who the main composer was though, since I'm torn between certain members trying to figure out who it was.  As for the PV for "Before", it's cut in a fast-paced, interesting way and once again it's kinda nice to see the band without any extras.  The members look great as always...very glamorous and sharp, matching the harsh flourescent lights and wet pavement of the set.  I'm also so glad there are no scenes from the movie worked into it, cause I'd really rather not have Vin Diesel popping up every few seconds and ruining the flow. ^^;

All things considered this is a rather harsh critique given that this release is so close after 'DIM' and one can't hope for innovation overnight, so it's not that "Before I Decay" isn't enjoyable or bad per se, it just ends up being "ok" when sized up by the standards the GazettE have set for themselves.  The band did say that they wanted simple speed not deep heaviness like 'DIM' for this song, and it doesn't seem like they're taking it too seriously in the sense of "this is our masterpiece!" so I don't think it's anything to get worked up over or lament as stagnation of their music or the representation of all that is bad about commercial appeal and mainstream intersection. 
Honestly, the fact that it's standard makes the song more accessible so it will attract people, which is exactly what you'd want in this situation where it's being paired with a very mainstream movie, whose viewers probably don't know the band and most likely won't be into really dark, heavy experimental music.  Therefore, for the fans it may not seem all too impressive in the context of their discography, but if it draws even a small amount of people to get interested in the band and check them out, that's a positive thing as well.  It's good to remember that realistically, music doesn't happen in a vacuum...if it's kept for too long in a self-contained bubble it doesn't leave room for growth.  (Like the band have said, they even worried if 'DIM' was too much for people to get into since they sorta went loose there and did whatever they felt like doing on it, so perhaps "Before I Decay" is its antithesis.)  I think they're actually using this opportunity rather well, because although yes, it isn't anything mind-blowing, it does retain the GazettE's style and displays some of their recent, usual composing and playing techniques.

*EDIT*: Looks like I spoke too soon, turns out they made a movie version of the PV too. (Which, btw, makes me wonder what ever happened to "Chizuru"'s regular PV...we're still waiting for them to release it!)  Anyway, the original is so much better...all the cg-filled car crashes and Vin Diesel busting people's windows in totally ruins the flow. >_<

Hahahaha, what IS this?!  It kinda freaks me out but amuses me at the same time...

Oh gosh, it just doesn't get better than this...gorgeous beyond words!  These guys are pure genius.  Seriously, if you haven't seen it yet, WATCH IT and go order a copy! ^_^  (It's available now at their online store.)  9GOATS are a very special band...I hope with all my heart that I'll have the opportunity to see them live again one day, they're simply breathtaking. <3

I really, really hate it when fire alarms unexpectedly go off late at night on cold, rainy days. -_-;  It's such a pain.  Anyway, it's kinda sad that I haven't been updating much lately since I'm buried in work and papers that need to be written.  (I'm halfway through one for my art and aesthetics class right now, actually...it's about a bugaku mask from Itsukushima.)  There are so many backed-up posts and things I've meant to talk about but just don't have time to sit down and write.  But well, as for some good news, I've pre-ordered a copy of the GazettE's new DVD!  I caved and went for the rather expensive limited edition...and express shipping, cause I'm an impatient person and won't be able to stand waiting an extra week. :3  I'm really looking forward to it, and I get the feeling this year's holiday break will be a good one. ^^

By the way, I just though I'd share a little excerpt from a recent interview with SUGIZO.  Every time I read one of his interviews I grow to respect him even more.  He's such an intriguing person and seems to have matured into a really positive, humble perspective on things (plus I love when the dorkiness of his spiritualist-hippie-activist side comes out, hahaha.)  But he really does say some nice, pretty deep things sometimes.  I admire the fact that he really wants to make a difference in the world and uses his music to achieve that.

"What is important is guiding the world to a better place, making it more beautiful. I know that I don't have that much power over things, but I know that I am better than nothing. So I do my thing through my music. It's not as though people would die without music. Food, clothing and shelter is another story, but people can still exist without art and music. But I think that without music, people's hearts would die. It is my goal to be able to help people's hearts as well as how they live in the real world." [whole article]