About 3 weeks ago before my exams ended, I ordered Girugamesh's CRAZY CRAZY CRAZY DVD from CDJapan for my birthday [sweet sixteen =D]. As my holidays were only 3 weeks long, I was really anxious for it to arrive and visited the post box more than was necessary. XD Fed up with the disappointment of opening an empty post box, I finally decided to call the tracking number I was given when I last went to visit on Saturday and oh the irony, it arrived that day but after I had checked. So I happily went to the post office today with the reference code only to find there was a long line that practically lead out the door. I was little phased at how long the queue was but I don't really mind waiting in lines so the 15-20 minute wait wasn't really so bad.
It was what came after that that ticked me off. I told the postal lady that I'd come to collect a package and gave her the reference number and saw her disappear into the parcels room. Several minutes later I saw her emmerge empty-handed and begin wondering round the back-area looking under files and stacks of other stuff before she disappeared out of my line of sight. At this point, I thought, "Oh my gosh...they've lost my package! >_<" For some obscure reason, she was gone an over the time you'd normally give someone to look for a parcel and I'd been stuck at the post office for almost 40 minutes. Finally she came back but then told me that I needed to get the actual slip from my post box which is several floors down. -_-; After a brief panic that the box keys were left at home when they weren't, I got the slip and went back up to the post office....only to be met by another out-the-door queue! DX
...Eventually...I got my package and once I had it in my hands, all my annoyance disappeared and I was really excited when I got home and opened it! =D
When I saw the, "Are you crazy?" sticker I couldn't help but laugh since it really seems like something the guys of Giru would think of putting in but also because of all that I'd been through to acquire the DVD! XD [Seriously, I've never had so much trouble trying to get a package from the post office...afterwards, my mom told me to never order anything online again. XD]
One thing that struck me as strange about the DVD was that while the sticker, DVD cover and DVDs all have the logo featured on the MUSIC album, the spine has their old regular logo. I suppose the use of the new logo is to show a link with the MUSIC album.
The DVD features two discs: the first is the concert DVD with super-cute, anime-styled character designs of the band members looking sullen and the second is footage documenting the nationwide tour as indicated by the yellow design of Japan. ^_^
I've already watched the DVD once and am happy to say I'm quite satisfied with my purchase despite all the craziness involved. ;3
After almost a year-and-4-months of on and off painting, I finally finished my first canvas piece!!!! Ladies and gentlemen, I give you vocalist Ruki from the GazettE as seen in the COCKROACH PV! (*＾▽＾)／
- Time: Unknown
- Medium: Oil paints on canvas, blue bejeweled gem, pointed studs
- Reference: Ruki - The Mad Hatt
Overall, I'm really happy with the way it turned out since I was stressing a little. Having painted the suit and hat first, I was afraid I'd mess up my painting when doing the face and hair but that seemed to turn out alright...although both could do with a little more work
At first, I wasn't sure whether I was going to use the blue sequined gems I had for the eyes or the pointed studs for the jacket but once I stuck the gems down I thought I might as well finish my painting to the last very detail and so used the studs. I didn't want to cut into my canvas to screw them in in case I made a mistake so I glued them on instead. Haha, I had so much fun putting in these details! I think they really tie the painting together! (^.^)
I'm really satisfied with this painting and will be more than happy to have Ruki hanging on my wall ♥! :3
P.S Everyone refers to the subject matter as a "she" whilst I automatically say "he". XD
I bought a new pair of headphones...（＾▽ ＾）
I've been wanting to buy a pair like this for ages and today I finally gave in and bought myself a pair! They are iFrogz' Ear Pollution Nerve Pipe headphones aka. the cheaper alternative to Skull Candy headphones. XD They come in a number of different colours with various designs but in the end the two that caught my eye were a red pair with black widow spiders and a pink pair with a flowers. I'm so ambivalent! XD And so deciding to go with something different for a change [usually I wouldn't buy something like this... a bit too girly for my tastes...], I bought the latter. XD
So far they've been pretty good: comfortable, adjustable, fold-up-able with relatively good sound quality. This is the first time I've had a full headset with cushioned earphones and I must say they're a different listening experience to the in-ear phones I usually use. With in-ear's all outside noise is blocked out; the music is louder, more direct and sharper whilst the cushioned headphones allow for a least-likely-to-make-you-deaf more unobtrusive listening experience. The only problem is that if you'd really like to pick up those small nifty things in a song, the volume needs to be turned up a considerable amount and thus, the music leaks. I can only imagine the looks I'd get from leaking Japanese music... not to mention I doubt people want to hear me listening to DIR EN GREY'S Obscure. DX
...Haha, other than that, I'm really glad I bought them! （＾ ＾)
Kokuritsu Yoyogi Kyougi-jou Dai-ichi Taiiku-kan, or Yoyoygi Hall for short. Traditionally used for sports events like baseball, this absolutely giant stadium has a frontal seating capacity of 13 754 people.
The GazettE sold it out two nights in a row.
Looking at the fascinating almost cult-like synchronisation of nearly 14 000 audience members all doing the same movements to the music, it's easy to see how the GazettE's popularity has skyrocketed in the last few years. Their first breakthrough performance with their "Nameless Liberty Six Guns" tour final in 2006 - from that time, they have been selling out even bigger venues like Yokohama Arena...and now, Yoyogi Hall.
The date is 20 April 2008, and it's the second time I see the GazettE live in as many days. During the short walk from Shinjuku station to the infamous Yoyogi Hall, hundreds, if not thousands of cosplayers and fans clad in the GazettE tour T-shirts crowd the narrow streets.
"STACKED RUBBISH [Pulse Wriggling to Black]" has been the GazettE's largest and longest tour to date, split up into four legs (including one leg in Europe) and stretching over a mind-boggling 9 months. It's been a long road for them, but all the previous shows seem to have been leading up to just one thing: the two finals at Yoyogi Hall.
After what seems like hours, the doors open and we finally shuffle into the hall. The light dies down. At the show the night before, as with all the other shows I have seen, all five members chanted, "HEY JESUS" in their controveresial opening SE, "Art Drawn by Vomit". But on this night, a giant screen is unveiled, playing a short movie done by the members. It shows them arriving at the venue in a Hummer, and entering Yoyogi by a back doorway. In the movie, they reach the end of the hall and open the stage doors, and then the light go on in the all and the GazettE are really entering on stage. The crowd goes absolutely feral, and music finally explodes through the speakers. The new SE, "[R.C.E]" starts playing. One by one, the members walk on stage, and the roar of almost 14 000 people screaming their names almost literally lifts the roof.
The best way to describe the GazettE live would be "power". Unlimited power, energy, and a wealth of emotion, rhythm and blurred colour. It's more than 3 hours of non-stop force, louder than anything you've ever heard and more fierce and violent than any other Visual Kei show you will see in Japan.From songs like the jazzy "SWALLOWTAIL ON THE DEATH VALLEY", where the furitsuke (synchronised hand movements done in time to the music) is controlled, to uninhibited numbers like "CIRCLE OF SWINDLER", which can be best described as 3 solid minutes of some the most violent moshing ever experienced, the crowd certainly knows how to have a good time, and the band knows exactly how to rile them.In fact, after some of the more aggressive tracks, the officials have trouble taming the crowd back into some semblance of order.
Ruki, on vocals, has no trouble bringing a slow, melodic song crashing into a screaming and thrashing blaze of disorder.His lyrics challenge the rules of society and protest fiercely against conformity. He believes wholly in what he sgings, and this reflects nowhere better than in the mass of people before him, hanging onto his every word.
During the ballad,
Guren (紅蓮),
Aoi plays a double-neck guitar, although both he and Uruha have no trouble switching from acoustic to electric in the blink of an eye, and frequently do for songs like "Filth in the Beauty."I am constantly amazed by the sheer amount of energy that Kai pour into his drumming. Power and vigour flow from him effortlessly without pause for almost 3 non-stop hours of muscle-wrenching play, and at the end of it he still manages to jog off stage with a smile and a wave.
Bringing together the essence of the band and supporting them in all the songs is Reita on bass. He might like to stay in the background, being rather shy and withdrawn, but without his driving rhythm, the band's songs would not sound the same. During his and Kai's rhythm section, "Ride with the ROCKERS", he takes the spotlight, revealing just what a talented bassist he really is, and interacts with the crowd by having us all yell and clap to the fast rhythm set by the straightforward, unadorned sounds of bass and drums.
At the end of the show, I am left breathless and aching, but feeling so pumped up with energy that I could run a mile. It was an unforgettable experience that I would definitely not mind repeating in the very near future.
The limited edition DVD of the finals went on sale on 6 August 2008 and contains 3 discs of uncut footage from both shows. This collector's item will put you back ¥ 9300 (about R700) excluding shipping, but talking from the experience of having been at to both shows personally, it is well worth it!
From Otaku Magazine Issue 19 Oct-Nov 2008
Damn. I wish I'd been there and had R700 to spend on the DVD...
Recommended reading. I encountered this blog through Rockerica’s excellent J-rock music reviews community and found myself immediately charmed by it. The writing strikes the balance I like best - personable and chatty and clever, but with a strong eye for critical details and firm judgments. It’s fun to read, informative (well, for a non-Jrock fan like myself at least), and thoughtful. I especially enjoyed this review of alice nine.’s RAINBOWS PV(アリス九號.) and this review of D’espairsRay’s KAMIKAZE.
From: International Wota 24/08/08
OH. MY. GOSH. (≧▽≦)
...I can't believe this! I feel like my heart is about to explode out of my chest! To be recommended and given recognition...it's just so great and I feel like it's a real achievement on my part as a writer especially since Asphyxia hasn't even been running for a year yet. I'm really glad to see this blog has reached people from beyond Vox and even better, someone who isn't a J-rock fan. And that's all I could ever wish for.
It's interesting to read someone else's take on my writing - offering a completely objective, non-biased view. I have to say, I'd never have expected my writing to be described in such a way but I guess that's because I basically narrate my thoughts while I write. It explains all the smileys, square brackets and stike outs in my posts XD...oh, the irony. I've always thought this was a little informal and perhaps a tad inappropriate but I guess not.
[Also with reference to the above] As of late, I've felt like the standard of my reviews and posts in general have slowly been dropping into a deep abyss of below average, badly edited writing and irrelevantness which I think may be due to this urgent need I have to update and write things in specified and closed time frame. Like, "Today's Friday. I only have tonight to write because tomorrow I have to do homework and won't have time." I rush myself and I feel like I have to churn out a review as soon as something is released. I look back on the reviews mentioned above and see that if I take my time and work at my own pace, I'll be able to convey my thoughts and feelings in the best way possible.
It's funny how this popped up at exactly the time I was feeling this but it's motivation in buckets and buckets. I will restore this blog to its former glory.
Oh and funnily enough, I found this through a Google search of "J-rock blogs". XD
- Japan - 08/02/2006
- Europe - 30/05/2006
- THE END
- Nausea & Shudder
- Bath Room
- Maggots
- Namaatatakai Ame to Zaratsuita Jyounetsu (生暖かい雨とざらついた情熱)
- D.L.N
- SHADOW VI II I [PV]
- Baretta (バレッタ)
- Cassis [PV]
- SILLY GOD DISCO [PV]
- DISCHARGE
- Taion (体温) [PV]
Yes, NIL was released 2 years ago but the reason why I'm reviewing it now is because I've heard many things of this album...mostly of it's sheer brilliance and how STACKED RUBBISH was an epic failure in comparison. Also, I have the Disorder and STACKED RUBBISH albums and everything else inbetween but the whole of NIL has always been elusive. Besides, I wanted to own something by the Gazeguys and support them in their wonderful music-making. (^_^)
1. THE END: Is your typical Gazetto opening album song...think Disorder's "Intro" and STACKED RUBBISH'S "ART DRAWN BY VOMIT" with the rap/hip-hop thing going on. Except, unlike the two aforementioned tracks, it's decent to listen to
2. Nausea and Shudder: ...I can't describe the kind of sound this song has but it's taken everything from the GazettE that I've ever known and stuck it into one making for one heck of a song and roller coaster ride. It's got chaos, impulse and just a touch of violence but at the same time there are parts of the song that are solid, controlled and emotional. Besides this, it also shows off Ruki's many vocal styles ranging from the roughness that you hear from Maggots to the beautiful and calming you hear from Cassis and even some slight voice processing. Blend the Cassis vocals (which are perfectly pitched); the processed voice inbetween; the lyrics "In deep slowly sky" and you get my favourite, heart-wrenching moment of the song. Really, Nausea and Shudder is the embodiment of the GazettE and listening to it just makes me wanna cry for every moment of musical genius they've had in the many songs they've made.
3. Bath Room: Cliched as it may be, the song starts off with the sound of dripping water which is very atmospheric and for me, somehow manages to put the whole song into perspective. Mildly tempo-ed and almost ballad-like, the guitars are the highlight of Bath Room. The opening guitar riff is awesome. listen carefully and you'll hear a lot of different guitar work going on in each earphone for the verses. The chorus proves that even back in 2006 Gazetto were using female vocals but unlike STACKED RUBBISH, they weren't overdone and actually added to the emotional aspect of the song. Sentimental, regretful, beautiful - it's like walking in dream.
4. Maggots: Serves as a wake-up call after Nausea and Shudder and Bath Room, literally screaming in your face. It's GazettE violence at it's best with heavy, relentless guitar; harsh vocals that'll make your ears bleed and an interlude with incoherent mumbling that will seriously make you question the guys' sanity when they wrote this song. Anarchy and deafness, reign!
5.Namaatatakai Ame to Zaratsuita Jyounetsu (生暖かい雨とざらついた情熱): Is a jazzy piece that has a very cool bass line and guitar solo. Nothing too exceptional about this song but the acoustic guitar interlude is fresh, fun and funky which makes this song just a little bit more memorable.
6. D.L.N: What I'd say is one of the more memorable songs from slower songs GazettE have produced, it opens with guitar that's clear, beautiful and every note shining reminding me of the guitar used in Guren [or rather Guren's guitar work was inspired by D.L.N?]. Along with Ruki's steady vocals in the chorus, is a choir of children with angelic voices creating an effect that's heavenly peaceful. Coming to accompany all this is light piano that just pulls you into the song. D.L.N simply radiates with light.
7. SHADOW VI II I: Is a rock song packed full of energy and while it seemingly sounds the same throughout, there's a lot of subtle sounds that are added in and changed [including some awesome bass solos] that you just have to appreciate. A surprise and nice change of pace of the song is when Ruki starts singing a soprano rendition over acoustic guitar that's played by Aoi. Overall, it's an energetic song with a good feel that's one of the GazettE's easier listenings.
8. Baretta (バレッタ): Has a start reminding me of D.L.N with its soft guitars and gentle singing before launching into a section where Ruki's voice deepens [I'm sure some effect has been used here too] and the guitars begin to pick up speed - it's my favourite part of the song. The songs slows once again but at the chorus picks up speed to sound rock-like which significantly distinguishes it from D.L.N. And from here, the song doesn't drop in tempo. At 3:06 there's a brief moment for Kai to show off his drumming which is delightful to listen to because he so rarely gets a chance to exhibit his skills and soon Aoi and Uruha steal the show with an awesome guitar solo. There's also some great bass work from Reita that I couldn't help but caught up in.
9. Cassis: ...what to say, what to say? It's almost every Gazetto fan's favourite and not only famous for it's *cough* English lyrics of "I will walk together, the future not promised" but also as a beautiful romantic song. And it's so popular in Japan that it's been used as the opening of well-known television show, Rank Ôkoku. Despite me hearing all this, it was one of the last songs I downloaded from NIL and listened to it only much later on discovering the band. The intro is that of beautiful
The PV is a must-watch with Ruki dressed in his black feather boa, Uruha in purple
Definitely one of my favourites in terms of PV and song and from NIL. It's one of the most original songs I've heard from the GazettE.
11. DISCHARGE: From jazzy disco to head-banging metal, DISCHARGE delivers an even bigger dose of violence than that of Maggots' madness. The head-banging favourite of all the GazettE's song [think mass synchronized head-banging at lives], it's raw energy and power that doesn't stop but for an interlude of rough choral shouts. Needless to say, the lyrics are completely undistinguishable but I swear I heard, "...fucking Japanese!" somewhere amongst all that chaos. You can't look this up in the lyrics booklet as the DISCHARGE lyrics have ever so artistically been scribbled over. Lyrics aside, DISCHARGE is just the thing for releasing pent up emotions of anger.
12.Taion (体温): Meaning 'Body Temperature', is a tribute to *WARNING Mature content: Junko Furuta*...Every aspect of the song: the haunting opening guitars; the heavy chorus; Ruki's falsely lulling vocals; the desperate sound of the guitar solo; the evocative lyrics of "And violence rapes me", the concept of the PV...all bleed with raw emotion. The amount of feeling...it's incredible and indescribable. Arguably one the most amazing songs the GazettE has ever made, Taion is the perfect ending to the album.
Truly, NIL was the GazettE at the pinnacle of their musical career and just about every song on the album is memorable and unique. Songs like D.L.N and Nausea and Shudder have presented the freshest and most original sounds I've heard from the band. The album showcases the GazettE's versatile sound and talent with the heaviest the band's gone in Maggots and DISCHARGE; the much loved hits of Cassis, SHADOW VI II I and SILLY GOD DISCO; ballad-like tracks of Bath Room and D.L.N and the moving Taion.
I love NIL - most of my all-time favourite songs from the GazettE are found on this album and it has really left an impression on me. The album makes a statement and offering the GazettE at their finest musical moments without being pretentious
Rating: ♫♫♫♫♫ - 5 music notes out of 5
Scheduled Release: PV Release: 12/10/2008
- Japan: 05/11/2008
- Europe: 07/11/2008
- Disc scratching
- Satoshi dancing
- Satoshi rapping
- Slow mo mic-swinging and head-banging
- Fluffeh hair
There's been much talk about Break Down as a song but since this is a PV review I will save my comments on that for when the album is released.
So as for the above, there's actually not much to say. It's your typical Girugamesh PV with the fast and chaotic camera shots of the band performing; harsh background lighting and the guys darkly styled, partially hiding in the shadows [Think Vermilion and Owari to Mirai (終わりと未来)]. Damn, you can hardly see a thing. But while I'm addicted to watching the Owari to Mirai PV, Break Down doesn't seem to have the same hold on me.
For me, Break Down is more...amusing, entertainment-wise. I dunno why but I love watching Satoshi perform...he has so much energy and in Break Down he puts it all to good use with lots of movement and hand gestures [especially when he raps]. Ah, wait...it's a fangirl notion: he looks, just a little bit, dorky when he jumps around and dances. XD
Another reason is that the "break down" of the song
Surprisingly Giru redeem themselves. Satoshi pierces Girugamesh's comedy moment with some stronger rapping before going into a wonderfully fierce scream.
...Wait...was Shuu even in this PV [and playing a 5-string bass]?
Well, at least this PV allows the guys to show off their new "Girugamesh" labeled clothing...makes for good advertising of merchandise.
Rating: ♫♫♫♫ - 4 music notes out of 5
Other Reviews:
- @アンドロメタモルフォーゼ <-- Recommended!
- @4am
20070513 Shibuya-AX Japan
Release Date: 05/09/2007
Length: Approx. 118 minutes
- DAMNED
- Angeldust
- MIЯROR
- in vain
- SIXty∞NINe
- PIG
- Lost Scene
- Closer to ideal
- TRICKSTər
- SCREEN
- Squall
- Kogoeru Yoru ni Saita Hana (凍える夜に咲いた花)
- Reddish -DIVA ver.-
- DESERT
- Hollow
- Fuyuu shita Risou 「浮遊した理想」
- Kaleidoscope
Encore 1:
- BORN
- Forbidden
- #14
- facism ファシズム
- murder freaks
1. TATOEBA KIMI...GA...SHINDA...RA (タトエバ」キミ...ガ...シンダ...ラ)
So one Friday night, I took over the downstairs of my house and after having warned my family of the little rock concert I was conducting in the lounge, was free to turn the volume up for maximum enjoyment.
The first thing I noticed about the DVD was the sound quality. Shibuya-AX has great acoustics and I say this as it seems like they kept the original sound from the live, indicated by the slightly echoing quality the sound has and in the way the guitars are toned down with vocals and drums more prominent in the songs. I'm glad they didn't fix it up as it really makes you feel like you're right there being moshed to death with the crowd. Not only does the sound transport you to the live but also captures the energy of the band and even listening to it without visuals has you feeling pumped and ready to bang...it would make a damn fantastic live recording CD. XD
There's not much MCing between songs and it seems like the longer sections where HIZUMI spoke where cut - obviously, though not abruptly, in some cases. However, this allows for almost 2 hours of non-stop, power housed rocking.I've heard D'espairsRay get up to some mischief at theirlives, not to mention they have some really interesting and intelligent discussions
Again on editing, something particularly useful is that the song titles come up on screen just as they are about to be played...even though HIZUMI does announce some of the songs...but just in case you missed it
Quite literally, a spiral staircase was constructed for the live, serving as a simple but highly effective backdrop to the band. It's rigged with lights and occasionally illuminates making for a spectacular sight.
Generally there's not much movement amongst the stage from the band.
Rarely does anyone interact with any
other member and it seems like each performer has their own portion
of the stage designated for only them to move in: Karyu
constantly has his foot on the amp, head-banging to the right; ZERO's
pulling some twisters to the left while HIZUMI jumps about
centre stage and TSUKASA...he's the drummer. ().o It's filmed very much to suit this and a lot of the
focus is on individual members rather than the whole band. However,
despite this separateness, D'espairsRay still very much are one and their performance is far from boring.
The majority of songs are off their
Mirror album (released earlier in 2007), promising a power-packed performance which is exactly
what D'espairsRay deliver. Kickstarting the show is DAMNED,
thundering in like nothing you've heard before with TSUKASA
pounding away on drums. Despite all this, HIZUMI
manages to remain still, concentrating and compressing the energy
from the deep booming during the verses into slow and controled hand
gestures, before letting it all loose during the chorus using nothing
but his voice. It's incredible.
As I said before, due to the live sound quality of the DVD, bass and guitar aren't as distinctive or clear as the drums and vocals but during in vain ZERO and Karyu really stand out. Not to mention Karyu does this neat trick where he tilts his guitar right over...
After TRICKSTəR comes the, so to speak, “interlude” with
lighter songs of SCREEN, Squall and Kogoeru Yoru Ni Saita Hana marked
with HIZUMI removing his pimping fur-lined jacket much to the joy of fangirls.
The live is slowed down, giving the audience a chance to take a
breather from all the crazy rocking and admire HIZUMI's nice body.
HIZUMI is absolutely mesmerizing in SCREEN and it's not because he's shirtless. At the beginning of the song, his voice is soft; a gentle whisper strung with pain before bursting through the haunting moment with powerful vocals filled with sorrow. From here on, every line is sung with all his heart, his passionate vocals drawing you in. I've always found SCREEN to be a beautiful track particularly because of HIZUMI's vocals which are so rich in emotion but in this performance it's even more powerfully moving.
Squall brightens the mood significantly and the whole band can be seen giving it their all at the climax of the song while Kogoeru Yoru Ni Saita Hana subtly eases everyone back into the rock side of things, the audience singing to the band when all but the drums falls silent. Then it's back to the madhouse with the loud and outrageous Reddish -DIVA ver.-, the lighting as trashy as the song itself and everyone really starts getting into the swing of things.
HOLLOW is the 3rd last song of the main set list and it's here that the energy is really running high both from the D'espa and audience. All hell breaks loose. The opening guitar riff of the song has the crowd pumping their fists and shouting, "Hey! Hey! Hey!" and ZERO jumping around the stage and Karyu (now without his purple trench coat) briefly swaps sides with him. And then just as you expect the guitar solo to come in, the unexpected happens. Mid-performance the footage starts fuzzing like a disrupted transmission but rest assured [I was an idiot didn't read it until later] as the enclosed booklet tells you to note, this is all part of the producer's intention. One has to wonder what the guys are up to under all that static...>_>;
After a while, things return back to normal, picking up in the middle of one of choruses after which HOLLOW'S guitar solo comes in. The improvisation that the live has been so desperately been missing now comes into play. D'espairsRay continue to excite the audience, extending HOLLOW's charged guitar solo. Everyone on stage looks like they're having a good time with all their hand banging, ZERO and Karyu even having the chance to encourage the crowd by throwing their arms in the air. There's no doubt how the audience feel about this with their continual shouts.
Compared to their limited and stiff stage movement of before the guys are literally going crazy - Karyu and ZERO jumping around and spinning and even HIZUMI finding the time to head bang while walking round stage and telling everyone to keep it up. Eventually it becomes too much for Karyu to take and after a dramatic strum, he stumbles back like he's drunk before walking to the side of the stage where he holds on to the top of an amp and start's pelvic thrusting it.()_() He recovers from his orgasm energy high after a while but now it's HIZUMI'S turn to completely lose it.
During the live HIZUMI hardly head bangs but now he's buckled over at every chance he gets, his whole body heaving as he bangs like a maniac. And oh my gosh, there's even more movement from D'espa with HIZUMI, Karyu and ZERO completely swapping places and moving all over the stage - now everyone can enjoy what they each have to offer to the performance. Further more this movement sees some stage interaction between the guitarist and bassist *gasp*. Who are you people and what have you done with D'espairsRay!?! Karyu finally acknowledges that ZERO exists (and vice-versa) and that they're performing on the same stage, walking right up to ZERO as the bassist head bangs low down by Karyu's guitar. On seeing the guitarist, ZERO straightens up and...hits Karyu/Karyu's guitar...WTF!? In all honesty I have no idea what happens between them.
But yes, after this, everyone returns back to their designated places and the song starts moving forward again and ends with HIZUMI pointing a finger to his head as he sings HOLLOW's ending lyrics: "I want to see the blue sky,I put the trigger in my hand to my crazed brain." ...This pretty much describes the state of mind of D'espairsRay during the performance of this song. XD The guys really are high on the energy of the crowd, losing all their inhibitions but the sad thing is how it comes so late in the game. Nevertheless, I have never I seen such a psychotic and trashy performance! （゜▽゜）
Although the DVD booklet lists only 4 encore songs, there are in
fact 6, as listed above. Unfortunately
HIZUMI puts on a purple tour T-shirt for the encore and the
rest of the band follows suit in the second one. Karyu adds
his own personal touch by wearing a scarf. ^_^
To say Desupa saved the best for last would be a huge understatement - every encore performance has the band giving their all. The live becomes so much more personal and the guys are happy to indulge the audience. Karyu spits his guitar picks into the screaming crowd, soaking up all the attention while ZERO and HIZUMI shower fans with water from their water bottles.
The guys really loosen up and their enjoyment becomes clear on their faces. The second encore, #14, is a good example of this. #14 is not an actual song but rather TSUKASA and Karyu having a jam session during which ZERO and HIZUMI energise the audience. Karyu smiles as he starts plays a ripping riff and soon comes to look like he's having the time of his life.
In Facism there's a lot of audience/band interaction. At one point in the song, the crowd crouches down while HIZUMI addresses them and on his screaming word, spring up and start jumping up and down like crazy. There's also a very funny moment, when the bassist and vocalist pre-occupied, that Karyu takes a walk to TSUKASA and points directly at the camera behind the drummer. TSUKASA then turns around and looks oh so innocently at it; very much unlike the serious expression he usually has.
Murder Freaks comes as something similar to HOLLOW's
performance and during this song D'espairsRay's real rockstar
persona comes out: TSUKASA pauses to taunt the crowd with a
finger, asking them to give him more; Karyu shows you what not
to do with your guitar, dragging it by the strap as he spins in a
circle; HIZUMI [the first time I saw this I nearly had a heart
attack] stage dives into the crowd, hundreds of hands holding him up
before a staff member comes to his rescue and ZERO kneels at
the edge of the stage to head-bang for the audience. @_@
Last of the special contents is the "Off Shot" [Off Shoot?]. This is basically an extra that shows some behind the scenes footage of the organisation of the Spiral Staircase #15 Final and all the events leading up to the live starting with the crew building the magnificent Spiral Staircase at Shibuya-AX. D'espairsRay arrive at the venue unmaked-up and casually dressed and then do a sound check. Meanwhile, scores of fans have gathered outside Shibuya-AX, excitedly waiting for the D'espairsRay's big performance and soon enter the venue. Lastly we see the guys fully kitted, maked-up and hair-styled, getting ready for the live. Most of the guys ignore the camera
Besides displaying D'espairsRay's ability to hold an excellent, superb, amazing live show; this DVD also showcases the band's talent as musicians but as you can probably tell from all I've said for the must-watch performances, I was particular impressed with HIZUMI's vocals. I've always thought his voice has a wonderfully rich texture and a nice range but really they are just superb during the live. They sound almost exactly like the recordings of songs meaning there's not much polishing of them in studio. His vocals and growls are powerful and pack a punch and he hardly breaks a sweat for performing any of it live. During Facism with it's consecutive growls, I was amazed at how he was still going strong even after having possibly been singing for 19-songs straight. He also has no problems hitting high notes and nails that tricky one in SIXty∞NINe.
If you enjoyed D'espairsRay's Mirror album then I highly recommend you get this DVD as there are some explosive performances. If you're a D'espairsRay fan then I say GET THIS DVD NOW
Other Reviews:
- LEECH 1. LEECH
- Distorted Daytime 2. Distorted Daytime
- Hole Includes a DVD with the LEECH PV
WARNING this PV contains:
- A bald woman
- ...or maybe not.
- An obsession with
crazyhair
- A bad case of acupuncture
The PV starts off with a dark haired woman mouthing the female vocals found at the beginning of the song and just as the song starts with Ruki's scream, her hair bursts outward into an explosion of lilac petals. After this, larger petals are seen peeling from the now-bald woman's face.
This includes butterflies fluttering from her cheeks; black smoke unfurling from her face and horns extending from her head. It's a kaleidoscope of changes: some beautiful, some calming, some utterly grotesque.Truly, the visual effects are stunning and it's bone-chilling to watch. I especially enjoyed the peeling petals and butterflies which were beautiful and the thick smoke coming off her face like a fierce fire - perfectly suited for that heavy, head-banging passage! (My favourite part of the song! ♥)
Beauty is in the eye the beholder
There are shots of the band playing in between all this but they're quick and in black and white. While it nicely contrasts what little colour is found throughout the PV, you can hardly see anything. Ruki is hard too miss and the lighting is relatively good on him but as for the other Gazeguys...well, they're almost completely shrouded in darkness and in 5 second shots. I mean there were more shots of Reita's hand playing bass and Kai's double bass drum than the guys themselves for heaven's sake! >_< The few group shots there were were at an odd angle which gave perspective and had a great effect but with Ruki right up in front and blocking everyone else from view.
Oh yes, I must also comment on the fact that Ruki wears his sunglasses most of the time during the PV but there was this one time [1:45] when he wasn't and the lights flash around him, illuminating his eye which looks very snake-and-slit-like...utterly disturbing...
Rating: ♫♫♫♫♫ - 5 music notes out of 5
Other reviews:
- @Heroin(e)'s Blog
- @Rockerica <-- Highly recommended!
- @アンドロメタモルフォーゼ
- @4am
P.S Zomg, with the release of the LEECH PV and Distorted Daytime floating about, the optical impression of LEECH has basically already been released. No need to buy the single now. XD
PART 1 OF 2
Okay, this is waaay overdue [practically three months DX] and I swear if I don't write this live report now I'm going to go crazy because I will never get round to writing it...until December probably...And yes, I know there are a lot of Miyavi live reports floating around the net but you can now be bored by my one too!
This is also going to be one epic report because it was my first J-rock show and second concert overall so I'm not really sure how to go about writing this...>_>; but I think it would be best to separate it into two sections.
On December 25th 2007, Miyavi announced that he would be having a world tour: "THIS IZ THE JAPANESE KABUKI ROCK TOUR 2008" - his first world tour. The tour was split into several circuits: North America, South America, Europe and Asia with performances in countries such as the US, Chile, Brazil, Germany, France, Sweden, Taiwan, Korea, China and of course, Japan. The grande finale was to be held in the city of Tokyo.
*FYI: Kabuki (歌舞伎) is a form of traditional Japanese theatre. Kabuki theatre is known for the stylization of its drama and for the elaborate make-up worn by some of its performers.
From Wikipedia
I hadn't even considered the possibility of seeing a live performance so soon upon entering the VK scene [I considered it one of my life's dreams] but when I discovered that Miyavi was conducting a world tour with Taiwan being one of the destinations, I was completely beside myself. It had been mentioned last year when my dad flew down that perhaps this year, I'd go and visit him in Taiwan. Truely, luck was on my side because the show just happened to be when I was on school holidays. Needless to say, I seized the opportunity immediately.
Lemme say that acquiring tickets was not an easy job. First off, I wasn't actually in the country so couldn't oversee or control to what lengths I'd go to obtain them. Secondly, although I'd had the website for the venue, I didn't know any details about the show or how to go about buying the tickets as everything was in Chinese. DX I had to get my dad to arrange everything via MSN. So after a shock at the length of the ticket line [my dad went one day and informed me that he was surprised that there were mostly girls and around my age XD]; the possibility of me camping out overnight on the side of the street and trying out two different credit cards; we finally got tickets! [Dad, I'm eternally grateful! T_T]
- Website (Chinese)
- Address: B1F, No.200, Sec.4, Roosevelt Rd, Wenshan District, Taipei City 116, Taiwan
- Past performers: Explosions in the Sky February 2008
Before the Show
We had to go pick up tickets on the day as the show we had booked for was actually an extra show scheduled a day before the original Taiwain live and a condition for this these tickets were that they had to be ordered online.
When we got there the ticket queue was already in full-swing...It ran up the staircase to the ground-level entrance of the live house, wrapping its way right round the side of a building and onto the sidewalk. And let's not even talk about the merchandise queue...[people had the time since it was summer holidays]
My dad stood in the line leaving me and my sister free to walk around...and typically, I observed the people standing in line. XD Most were plainly dressed, with umbrellas and ID in hand but then there were few who were more fancily dressed and had brought along more interesting things...I saw a guy holding a sign with Miyavi's name on it and a girl with a massive bunch of flowers, no doubt for Myv. That was when I knew I really was in the presence of fans.
We walked to the entrance and there, parked directly outside the front of the live house was a bus.
A small crowd had gathered round the tour bus and onlookers in the ticket line were also curious. A few minutes later, a women from inside the live house came up and, with the aid of a megaphone, made an announcement of some sort to everyone outside. People stood around, anxiously waiting; cellphones poised for the moment when the doors to the bus opened...
As Tyko (Beatboxer) stepped off the bus he was greeted with a polite but excited cheer from the group of girls by the bus and Saro (Tap dancer) followed directly after. The next pair was that of Teddy Loid (DJ) and Shige-chan (Bass) and both were also well received. And of course, last but not least...Miyavi!! [Somewhere along the way I missed Ryo (Drums) >_>;]
After I recovered from my Myv-induced shock, I took the time to recount the event in my head. What impressed me most was how respectful and polite the Taiwanese fans were - no one hassled Miyavi or anyone from the band and no one went absolutely crazy. Admittedly, I was expecting this as I've heard if ever there be a J-rocker with insane fans, it would be Miyavi. Fans were still excited and screaming for him but in a controlled manner.
In the meantime, we were organised into a line outside the live house according to ticket number...and yes, the line was long. So long it stopped at the end of the one side of the sidewalk and started on the opposite side due to the road...it would have blocked traffic if it carried on across the road [Think 500 people lining up on the sidewalk and spanning across a road]. XD It was quite the wait but it was fun seeing what other people were up to and who was here. Majority were teenage girls [Lmao - my dad was probably the oldest person there! XD] casually dressed in a pair of shorts, wearing tour T-shirts and holding towels purchased earlier on that day. Alot of people also sported stickers on there faces that said, "MYV" with "We love you" underneath. A couple of people were emo with long socks; skirts and shorts and all the accessories but I think the coolest thing was seeing a girl dressed gothic-loli-like with heavy, high boots and short skirt and I even glimpsed a guy who was Visual Kei styled. I must say, I didn't see anyone who looked like they were from out of Taiwan. It was also funny to see people on upper floors curiously looking out their apartment windows as to why people were lined up outside on the pavement in the sweltering heat and humidity.
Slowly but surely, we were all fed into the live house and were informed that we were not be allowed to take photographs during the show and if they saw anyone with one, the staff would stop the show. And to make sure of this rule, as we entered the performance area, everyone had to hand over their cellphones and cameras which were put into plastic bags and would be collected after the show. It seems like they were pretty adamant of that rule and while I had my sneaked my camera, I didn't risk it...I would have loved to have taken pictures of the live show though.
Finally, we all moved into the performance area; a mass of fans clustered in front of the stage, anxious and buzzing with excitement. A chorus of, "Miyavi! Miyavi! Miyavi!" began...
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