J-Idol/J-Rock - recent MV releases

Candye Syrup

WHITE RUSSIAN

What can I say, I absolutely love Candye Syrup and my anticipation for their latest music video release has been quenched earning them MV of the month! Musically this track has hints of another idol group (PassCode) but Non owns it belting out growls as the beat drops with deadly precision. The rest of the girls are great too especially Colomo who has such a unique anime sounding voice, pretty soon she may beat out Non as my oshi! Visually the MV boasts some really cool visual effects like their previous videos and the highlight is the girls rocking out in their usual kawaii outfits only to don an all black look by midway, lots of fun. Highly recommended!

BiS 2nd

Don't miss it!!

I have slowly been catching the BiS bug as of late and after the awesome music video WHOLE LOTTA LOVE it left me craving for more. My patience was finally rewarded June 1st when both BiS groups dropped an MV for Don't miss it!! and I absolutely loved them with BiS 2nd edging out as my fave of the two. Musically the track is a head banger, pumping heavy guitar riffs laced with killer vocals and a very catchy chorus. Visually this MV is a demented treat, from seeing the girls have a black liquid poured over them to executing their dance routine in a steaming salvage yard filled with sparks, the look comes off as bad ass! I'm extremely stoked to see YUiNA perform in this too as she grew on me from her time in EMPiRE, the rest of the girls are awesome and KiKA FRONT FRONTALLE looks especially sinister in this with her killer face paint. Watch it!

BRATS

Doudatte yokatta

You can't go wrong when BRATS drop an MV because it's sure to assault your eardrums and provide a rockin head banging experience. The trio, Rei, Aya & Hinako deliver killer riffs and vocals that easily become catchy and the MV boasts a dark tone and sense of confinement, laced with a bluish grey color palette making it easy on the eyes. Watch!

Shiina Pikarin

About happiness or the like

Pikarin is an interesting Idol in the industry and I absolutely admire everything she's about especially the "horror" side of her. This MV treats its audience to her unique style as it sucks you in with her cuteness and then spits you out in a pool of blood and gore. This MV also coincides with her upcoming movie release Girl Pikaresque directed by Noboru Iguchi (my favorite Japanese movie director) who is just as twisted as Pikarin and full of fun mischief. Give this a watch!

YUZUKINGDOM

National Anthem

I just found out about this band yesterday and I'm diggin it hence I'm including this as the last entry for this column. The vocals by YUZUKI are heavy and her growls are pretty potent, the band is top notch combining for a head banging, horns throwing, assault on the senses. Check it out!

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)