J-Idol/J-Rock - recent MV releases

Minna no Kodomo-chan

Nakunaruwatashi

Kicking this list off is my MV of the week and it comes highly anticipated as I have really enjoyed everything I've heard from Minna no Kodomo-chan so far and this is no exception. Musically, a grinding synth beat paves the way to a slow but sinister haunting vocal intro that quickens to a venom infused tongue lashing accompanied by potent beat drops throughout. Visually, the MV feels like a DMT trip filled with psychedelic imagery including a colorful pallet with an emphasis on neon pinks and blues. Aside from the acid trip visuals we are also treated to disturbing scenes of the duo being drowned and submerged in water in more ways than one, it adds a nice demented touch to the overall package. Highly recommended, watch it now!

GANG PARADE

来了 (Coming)

GANG PARADE has shot its way up to become one of my favorite idol groups and I was beyond stoked when I saw a new MV from them was uploaded to youtube this past Thursday. Musically it's catchy as ever fueled by great vocals by the entire group and it's definitely a fun upbeat listening experience overall. Visually, we are treated to the girls in cute pink outfits surrounded by a beautiful backdrop of  temples via Taiwan as they bust occasional kung fu kicks and punches. A highlight being the hopping Chinese vampire move they incorporate in their dance choreography, loved it. Watch it immediately! 

You'll Melt More!

Freestyle Zenbu

Another treat which graced my youtube feed this past Friday was the latest MV from You'll Melt More! which is another one of my fave idol groups. Musically, this one is a feel good head bobbing jam, filled with cute vocals by the girls and tight raps courtesy of DOTAMA, this formula mixes together very well. Visually, we have the girls donning baggy kawaii urban wear and each one in different locales before coming together towards the end of the vid to a nice backdrop of the city and neon lights at night, simple but effective. Lots of Kechon too, my oshi! This song has grown on me the more I listen to it so watch this for sure!

milcboy

Eienekizokicchu

This is only the second video I've witnessed from milcboy and I gotta say, I'm a fan. Musically the vocals by syam are upbeat and very kawaii, the band is solid too adding a dash of funk to the overall feel of the jam. Visually this video treats you to a dancing panda, I'll leave it at that. Watch it!

Ena Fujita

Blue Heart

Last but not least is Ena Fujita and her impressive vocals and guitar skills, enjoy the yellow bikini clad beauty shred as she gushes blue blood for your enjoyment! Watch this now!

J-Idol/J-Rock - recent MV releases

LADYBABY

ホシノナイソラ

LADYBABY has gone through a couple of incarnations including a name change in the past, so when this MV dropped this past Thursday it took me by complete surprise. It seems the duo is now a quadruple threat and will definitely usher in "wows" from their fan base and beyond. Musically this track is laced with guttural growls and a  heavy metal resonance intertwined with uptempo idol vocals. Visually the video gives us a healthy dose of the band in color and in black and white shots accompanied by frantic editing that never loses its edge. Give it a watch!

CHAI

フューチャー

CHAI keeps on releasing new videos via youtube and I couldn't be happier, their latest video receives MV of the week honors. If you have never experienced CHAI before, your ears are in for a treat as this track will leave you in hypnotic trance of cuteness and adventure. Visually the MV is short and sweet and kicks off with a Back to the Future DeLorean opening its doors as the girls, Mana, Kana, Yuki & Yuna jump in and out of the shots like a superhero and even resort to flying at some point. Highly recommended!

Attain Music

Because of you

Attain Music is a group I know little about but I have been following them for a short time and have even caught a shorter MV edit of this track release in the past. Regardless I was pretty stoked to watch this updated full version MV release of  Because of you, because musically it's very catchy and has grown on me. Visually the video makes the most with what is available, so despite the low budget feel there is never a dull moment. The girls rock out to very artistic blood splattered backdrop and even fight over a stuffed panda bear. Give it a watch!

Mardelas

Wold vs Honor

When this MV from Mardelas (who I had never heard of) dropped this past Monday, I was a bit skeptical at first but as soon as the short intro faded and the main track kicked off, I was completely blown away. Musically this is a solid rock production, highlighted by Marina Hebiishi's vocals and Kikyo Oikawa's killer guitar riffs, you will be sucked in and beg for more by the songs end. Visually the video is a manhunt of sorts as each member is individually seeking out the same target with his demise as the common goal. Give this a watch!

cana➗biss

真っ赤なパーカー

Last but not least, cana➗biss is a group I have never heard of but after giving this MV a shot, I was pleasantly surprised and thus I had to share this last minute entry. Watch!

EMPiRE - THE EMPiRE STRiKES START!! - album review

EMPiRE has really captured my attention as of late, once I saw the MV for Buttocks beat! beat! a few months back I had to hear more and I didn't have to wait long thankfully. As I've been following them they have gained two new members, MAHO and MiKiNA and have also lost a member, YUiNA. This transition seems for the better and the group has been dropping a good amount of  videos to help promote their recent album release. After being sick for a week it's finally time to check out their new album THE EMPiRE STRiKES START!! courtesy of spotify. As always I'll rate each song by a 5 star system and then give my overall score for the album.

track #1 - FOR EXAMPLE?? (5)

track #2- Buttocks beat!beat! (5)

track #3 - Black to the dreamlight (5)

track #4 - MAD LOVE (5)

track #5 - Don't tell me why (4)

track #6 TOKYO MOONLIGHT (3)

track #7 - EMPiRE is COMiNG (3)

track #8 - DEADBODY (3)

track #9 - LiTTLE BOY (5)

track #10 - コノ世界ノ片隅デ (4)

track #11 - アカルイミライ (4)

OVERALL

8/10

FOR EXAMPLE?? kicks off the album quite nice with its solid production and overall execution which is followed by the ass shaking party song Buttocks beat! beat! that will definitely ramp up your listening experience by 100%. Black to the dreamlight is a different kind of  beast as it slowly builds into a monster of a song accompanied with great vocals and chorus. MAD LOVE gives you some more uptempo goodness with an overall fun vibe and catchy lyrics. My favorite track on the album is the powerhouse LiTTLE BOY, fueled by a solid production and it takes no prisoners, you'll be blown away. コノ世界ノ片隅デ provides some good "up in the club" atmosphere with its great use of synth and pounding bass beats. Lastly, アカルイミライ is a vocal and instrumental showcase, this track has grown on me the more I listen to it. Overall this debut album is pieced together very well and provides enough variety musically to never get dull or feel one dimensional, I highly enjoyed it.

 EMPiRE's album THE EMPiRE STRiKES START!!  

comes highly recommended and is available to listen in entirety on spotify.

link to the official EMPiRE website:

http://empire-official.com/

official twitter link:

https://twitter.com/EMPiREIDOL

EMPiRE video playlist link courtesy of avex youtube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgtRDsudgFDDHu1kxRI0OxIUZHAQb-5VE

MAYU ❤

EMPiRE - FOR EXAMPLE?? (official music video)

J-Idol/J-Rock - recent MV releases

Band Ja Naimon! 

恋する完全犯罪 (Perfect Crime in Love)

This May 1st was a treat for fans of Band Ja Naimon! as they dropped two MVs the same day to my delight! I discovered this group late last year and I've enjoyed every video they've uploaded to youtube. The first MV titled 恋する完全犯罪 (Perfect Crime in Love) is a treat musically, great rock vibe enhanced with awesome vocals by all the lovely ladies, after my third listen it's really grown on me. Visually the video doesn't disappoint as each group member is wearing different cute outfits related to the diamond heist story line and it's pulled off brilliantly. Definitely give this a watch! 

BURST GIRL

GREAT FXXKING MY WORLD

My MV of the week is an easy pick, as I've been anxiously awaiting this video to drop since first hearing about it last weekend. This past Wednesday all hell broke loose as BURST GIRL debuted their first MV and I celebrated in fanboy fashion giving this continuous views. Musically, it's like a kick to the balls as it's punk with a capital P. Visually this video captures a fun story of each individual girl sporting a cute outfit in a variety of predicaments before coming together to don their patched leather jackets and rock out on stage to a lively rowdy crowd. Watch it!

EMPiRE

FOR EXAMPLE??

This past Friday, EMPiRE dropped yet another MV from their awesome new album THE EMPiRE STRiKES START!! and this one features their two newest members, Maho and Mikina. I'm working on a review for their album at the moment so definitely give this video a watch!

SHINGEKI

新世界エクソダス (New World Exodus)

Last minute entry but yes I highly recommend watching this as it just may change your life! 

Band Ja Naimon!

BORN TO BE IDOL

Last but not least is the second MV Band Ja NAimon! dropped on May 1st and it's a winner! Extremely fun 90's throwback atmoshere with cute and catchy vocals that will have you in slumber party mode, watch it and let the kawaii take over you.

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!