J-Idol/J-Rock - recent MV releases

You'll Melt More!

おこらないで (Okoranaide)

This past Thursday You'll Melt More! one of my favorite idol groups dropped their latest MV on youtube! Musically this song is just like the title boasts "take easy" it's a fun track that fans of this quadruple threat are accustomed to and towards the end it does mix it up a bit more. Visually the MV doesn't disappoint as it has the group acting in several scenarios of misfortune and they add a comedic cute touch to each one. The highlight for me has to be Kechon donning a Jason hockey mask and wielding a chainsaw at Ano, Chiffon and Younapi! Give it a watch!

Jyu Jyu

35 seats

The very first MV I caught of Jyu Jyu took me to a very dark place and I was loving it! After watching their latest video 35 seats which posted this past Wednesday on youtube I'm sold, this group is super talented and very good. Musically the rock theme kicks off right away and is accented by the dark melodic vocals and chorus lines with haunting precision. Visually the MV tells a story of a girl being bullied into suicide by her classmates resulting in a ghostly revenge of sorts. The highlight for me is towards the end when the group breaks out into a well choreographed dance routine adorned in their signature black outfits, definitely check it out. My MV of the week!

XTEEN 

Eclipse

I have to admit this is a last minute addition but thanks to the heads up article I read courtesy of http://www.homicidols.com/, I'm very curious to learn more about this group. Musically it's very experimental, laced with rock, uptempo beats and Gothic chants. Visually it's easy on the eyes as we're treated to a dark Goth-like atmosphere and the young ladies draped in sexy black outfits trapped in a giant bird cage. Give this a go, I'm on my fifth view already!

CHAI

Center of the Face

CHAI is a band I learned about during March of last year. I saw they were coming to Austin to perform at SXSW and I immediately sought out any videos I could on youtube to find out more. Their style and sound is so unique and each of the band members ooze a genuine upbeat personality, I fell in love right away. Their recent MV, Center of the Face dropped earlier this week and it's a winner. Musically it's something you have to experience for yourself and visually the video is rather simple but definitely goes with the flow perfectly. Now go watch it!

Happy Kuro Kuro

Good Morning Tokyo

This group is very new to me but I had to give this MV a shot when it dropped earlier this week. I see this duo growing on me in the future, definitely give this video a go, they seem to be having a blast and you will too!

MONDO GROSSO

False Sympathy

Last but not least we gotta give it up to avex for dropping this "directors cut" of the now infamous Aina The End's rear end MV spectacular False Sympathy. If you missed the original video now is your chance to sit at the cool kids table and witness something beyond holy! 

BAND-MAID - WORLD DOMINATION - album review

I've been enjoying BAND-MAID for a few years now, after watching my first music video via youtube I was completely hooked. Every member brings something unique to the BAND-MAID formula, solid and catchy vocals from Miku and Saiki, banging drum play courtesy of Akane, MISA's intense strumming bass lines and hardcore riffs by guitar goddess Kanami. After jamming out to their most recent MV's from the album WORLD DOMINATION, I felt it was about time I check out and listen to the entire album via spotify. So this here will be my review of their album, I'll rate each song by a 5 star system, 5 being the highest rating and then give my overall score for the album.

track #1 - I can't live without you. (5)

track #2 - Play (5)

track #3 - One and only (4)

track #4 - DOMINATION (5)

track #5 - FATE (4)

track #6 - Spirit!! (4)

track #7 - Rock in me (3)

track #8 - CLANG (4)

track #9 - Turn me on (4)

track #10 - Carry on living (4)

track #11 - Daydreaming (5)

track #12 - anemone (5)

track #13 - Alive-or-Dead (4)

track #14 - DICE (5)

track #15 - ハニー (Honey) (4)

OVERALL

9/10

The album kicks off with a foot to the face, I can't live without you. is a solid opening track and paves the way for the hard hitting Play which is laced with killer bass and guitar play along with catchy lyrics. Fans of the MV's DOMINATION and Daydreaming will feel right at home with these two tracks which have very contrasting styles and boast tightly executed production. MISA kicks off  DICE, my favorite track and you will be completely sucked in by its head banging riffs, rocking drums and killer vocals, love it. I gotta mention anemone, which is a definite standout, the lightest track on the entire album but it's execution is heavenly. Last but not least, fans of Kanami's spectacular skills and guitar solos should definitely check out ハニー  as she shreds into another dimension, others include Turn me on and Carry on living, not to be missed!

BAND-MAID's album WORLD DOMINATION comes highly recommended and is available to listen to in its entirety on spotify.

link to the official BAND-MAID website:

http://bandmaid.tokyo/

official twitter link:

https://twitter.com/bandmaid

official BAND-MAID youtube channel link:

https://www.youtube.com/user/BANDMAID

Kanami ❤

BAND-MAID - DICE (official music video)

J-Idol/J-Rock - recent MV releases

Aldious

Kanasii Otoko

This past Monday, the Kanasii Otoko MV was uploaded to youtube and I was stoked to check it out as I've enjoyed Aldious's past MV's and I needed my J-Rock fix. Musically this rock track is fueled by the mesmerizing vocals of  Re:NO and the amazing guitar riffs of Yoshi & Toki, not to mention a solid guitar solo by Yoshi towards the end of the song. Visually this MV doesn't do anything too outrageous, it sticks to a live performance setting with the focus on the band adorned in sexy outfits and accented with colorful stage lighting. I dug it, the song has grown on me and the video is pretty good overall, check it out!

GANG PARADE

GANG 2

GANG 2 was uploaded to youtube this past Monday and I gotta say this is definitely my MV of the week! What makes this entry so awesome is that Haruna and Tsukino who recently joined GANG PARADE make their MV debut in this. Musically the track is harnessed by excellent vocals by all the young ladies and the beats will  keep your head bobbing for sure. Visually this MV is a treat, showcasing GANG PARADE's new outfits (hoodies & long skirts) and an emphasis on group member Saki who is depicted in a phantom-like projection throughout most of the video until nearing the end she dons her hoodie and is presented "in the flesh". Quite possibly this is in reference to her temporary departure from the group and her eventual rejoining, this MV certainly makes it official!

This gets heavy rotation at my place, I say watch it! 

Ayumikurikamaki

Zanzou Flashback

This past Tuesday Ayumikurikamaki dropped their latest MV on youtube, Zanzou Flashback and this was a welcome surprise as I've really enjoyed their past videos. Musically the track is furiously uptempo, graced with rocking drums and heavy guitar riffs, the vocals are quite catchy as well. Visually this MV is a lot of fun, the trio find themselves going to jail, being led in handcuffs to their personal cage where they opt to rocking out in their prison jumpsuits. A fight eventually breaks out and we are treated to the girls taking on the biggest baddest inmate. The song is lots of fun and the video is a blast, definitely watch it!  

Shihatsumachi Underground

夜の終わりに (At the end of the Night)

This past Thursday Shihatsumachi Underground uploaded 夜の終わりに to youtube and I was very eager to check it out as I'm not very familiar with this group but did enjoy their previous MV release. Musically this track starts off very bluesy and transitions to rock very effectively and the vocal chorus is a highlight for me but I did crave for more lyrically. Visually this MV has a dark inner city atmospheric tone with the majority taking place in an empty restaurant with the girls performing on a small stage overlooking the cluttered tables. The random city infused still shots that adorn this MV's bleak tone add a nice touch. Overall, this song is a bit hypnotic and the video is pretty good, check it out!

BiSH

透明なままでゆけ。

Last minute addition as this one slipped past my radar during the week but I have included it here anyway, enjoy!

GANG PARADE - GANG PARADE Takes Themselves Higher - album review

I caught the GANG PARADE bug hard earlier this month after weeks of enjoying all the recent music videos they've uploaded on youtube as well as watching a bunch of their live performances that get uploaded by fans. They have great chemistry as a whole with banging tracks, great vocal work, fantastic dance routines and uniquely satisfying music video production, I felt it was finally time to check out their full album GANG PARADE Takes Themselves Higher (2017) courtesy of spotify. So this here will be my review for their album, I'll rate each song by a 5 star system, 5 being the highest rating and then give my overall score for the album.

track #1 IMINAI UTA ***** (5)

track #2 GANG PARADE ***** (5)

track #3 Are you kidding? ***** (5)

track #4 FUTSU NO NICHIJO **** (4)

track #5 FOUL ***** (5)

track #6 I need you I love you I want you *** (3)

track #7 Plastic 2 Mercy ***** (5)

track #8 TIE **** (4)

track #9 Beyond the Mountain ***** (5)

track #10 CAR RADIO *** (3)

OVERALL

9/10

Wow, this album blew me away from beginning till end, its hard hitting openning track IMINAI UTA drives its fist down your throat followed up by GANG PARADE which is like a kick to the ribs! As those two tracks get the party started Are you kidding? keeps it going with its extremely fun vibe and catchy chorus breaks. FUTSU NO NICHIJO stands out from all the tracks with its slower tempo and extremely cute vocals but it works and will keep you bobbing your head. Plastic 2 Mercy, my favorite track slowly mesmerizes you before delivering a snake bite of venom to your jugular, banging beats and intoxicating vocals throughout. Half way in FOUL really highlights the excellent vocals these talented young ladies possess and Beyond the Mountain keeps it high octane nearing the the end of the album.

This album comes highly recommended and it's available to listen to in its entirety via spotify.

 GANG PARADE's official website.

http://www.gangparade.com/

twitter link.

https://twitter.com/GANG_PARADE

and a link to the official T-Palette youtube channel where you can find their music videos.

https://www.youtube.com/user/TPaletteRecords

Coco ❤

GANG PARADE - GANG PARADE (official music video)

Kaqriyo Terror Architect - Cultural Mixing - album review

I'll never forget early October of last year when I heard and saw Kaqriyo Terror Architect for the first time via their music video for Kagome Kagome on youtube and was completely blown away! It was unlike anything I heard so far in my J-Idol venture and I was hooked by their unique style, catchy chorus and banging beats. Mid March of this year they dropped their first album Cultural Mixing (2018) and 2 weeks later I had the pleasure of immersing myself in its entirety via spotify. So this here will be my review for their album, I'll rate each song by a 5 star system, 5 being the highest rating and then give my overall score for the album.

track #1 Yubikirigenman ***** (5)

track #2 Hide and Seek ***** (5)

track #3 Onioinumaondo **** (4)

track #4 Therefore? ***** (5)     

track #5 Hybrid Taboo ***** (5)

track #6 Irohani Collage *** (3)

track #7 Kaqriyo Capriccio *** (3)

track #8 Original Satire ***** (5)

track #9 Makafushigism ***** (5)

track #10 Like A Fake **** (4)

track #11 Kagome Kagome ***** (5)

OVERALL 

9/10

This album goes for the jugular and kicks off hard and heavy taking a break halfway in with Irohani Collage which sounds like some of the more traditional Idol music out there but once Original Satire opens up it's back to an all out assault on the senses all the way till the last track, Kagome Kagome. A few standouts for me are the catchy Hide and Seek which has become my favorite track, Therefore? which sounds as if a mad scientist was behind its experimental production, it's extremely unique. Never is a break from the norm and it really showcase's the vocal work of the young ladies and Makafushigism is a straight up party for your ears you'll definitely be shaking your ass to it.

I highly recommend this album and it's available to listen to on spotify as well as a few of their earlier EP's. If you want to purchase a physical copy I'll include the link to their official site below.

http://kaqriyoterror.com/

twitter link.

https://twitter.com/kaqriyoterror

and a link to the official Codomomental youtube channel where you can find their music videos.

https://www.youtube.com/user/syamstaff

Kotetsu ❤

Kaqriyo Terror Architect - Hide and Seek (official music video)

Kichiku Dai Enkai (1997) - movie review

Kichiku Dai Enkai (1997) -aka- Kichiku: Banquet of the Beasts

director: Kazuyoshi Kumakiri

I was a bit eager to check out this film my friend let me borrow and recommended, but sadly it sat on my shelf for over a month until I finally realized the layer of dust it had accumulated had got outta hand. I popped it in the other night and was expecting something extreme and over the top from the get go, sadly I had to wait over an hour to get my fix. The first half of the film does require patience as it sets up the tone and sleazy characters along with the grimy feel of the atmosphere and I did catch a bit of an art-house feel to the film. As I felt the slow burn overcome my attention span, I was spared by the final 40 minutes of the film which is a voyage into madness and it swallowed me completely in it's abyss.

The second half of the film throws it's twisted arsenal of disturbing behavior and violence at you and it is quite an experience to behold. The total destruction of human morality and the excessive mean spirited antics are showcased in all it's blood soaked glory very well. Overall the long road to the gore infused climax is an arduous task that will definitely test your patience but this is a film that rewards you at the end in blood and viscera. Fans of extreme cinema should definitely add this to their list and movie collection, for me it falls a bit short but I was very disturbed by the end!

6/10-rating

Kichiku Dai Enkai (movie trailer)

Gokigen Teikoku - Indie Best - album review

I recently discovered the group Gokigen Teikoku earlier this year when I caught the blue haired beauty Shirahata Ichiho on a Japanese tv show I was binging on youtube. She peaked my interest and a few google searches later I came upon the band and checked out a few of their live performances via youtube and soon after found their album on spotify. So this here will be my review for their album Indie Best (2017) I'll rate each song by a 5 star system, 5 being the highest rating and then give my overall score for the album.

track #1 Hitono Kanede Yakiniku Tabetai **** (4)
track #2 GGT-Rock **** (4)
track #3 Nice To Meetune ***** (5)
track #4 Taisetu Na Oshirase *** (3)
track #5 vs. MAD *** (3)
track #6 Idol Nanoni *** (3)
track #7 Kamisama *** (3)
track #8 Shinyano Ra-men Saikou *** (3)
track #9 I Neet You **** (4)
track #10 Sugoi Sugoi Yuusyounouta *** (3)

OVERALL

7/10

The album kicks off with a bang and has a great flow throughout, GGT-Rock really gets rocking and Nice To Meetune has gotta be the standout for me, with its amazing vocal work and overall high quality production. A great listen from beginning to end and all the young ladies have fantastic voices. I highly recommend this group to any J-Idol newcomer (like me) and I'm looking forward to their future projects. Here's a link to their official website.

http://gokigenteikoku.jp/

twitter link.

https://twitter.com/gokigen_teikoku

And a link to their official youtube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnKMtpKulfy-Shb5_As7cWQ

Tsuzura Nagi ❤

     

                                     

Gokigen Teikoku - I NEET YOU (music video)