A Deadball served with a side order of Big Man Japan

As promised, I continue my January 2019 overview with some Japanese cinema goodness starting off with my recently acquired copy of Deadball (2011) on dvd. I have always been a fan of the Sushi Typhoon titles as they offer everything I enjoy in a film including memorable characters, weird plots, buckets of blood and hot women! 

This entry is directed by Yudai Yamaguchi who also directed one of my faves Meatball Machine (2005) and stars Tak Sakaguchi. Tak is known for action choreography and has been in some amazing films including Versus (2000) and Re: Born (2016). Highly entertaining and makes for a great flick to watch with a bunch of friends and a few cold beers.

Deadball (2011) movie trailer

Next up is a film I had heard about but most recently caught my full attention when I was skimming through a top 10 video on youtube titled Weirdest Movies From Japan.

Big Man Japan (2007) directed by Hitoshi Matsumoto is an experience one should partake in as soon as possible. Luckily I found it streaming on TubiTV and was rewarded with a very unique storyline with a kaiju twist. I am now very eager to check out his other 3 films and have tracked down R100 (2013) which I'll be getting to very soon.

                                       

But Man Japan (2007) movie trailer

Finally I have to talk about Anime and this is a series that completely took me by surprise!

Hi Score Girl (2018) took me down memory lane (early 90's) a time when I frequented the arcades and dabbled with innocent crushes. If you ever grew up during the Street Fighter 2 craze and partook in it, this anime is for you. The opening music by Sora Tob Sakana (New Stranger) is very good as well as the ending theme song. I'm looking forward to the 3 OVA's coming to Netflix this March!

                                       

Hi Score Girl (2018) trailer

 

I caught the HAMIDASYSTEM bug and suffered an identity crisis

Thought I'd kick off 2019 with a new blog entry, something I haven't done before. Basically an overview of my month, highlighting all the cool things I've discovered in music, cinema, anime and entertainment from Japan. First up is music.......

Ok what can I say, I really wasn't a fan of HAMIDASYSTEM when I first listened to them last year but things changed when early January the weather was getting colder. It could've been the gloomy atmosphere but I went ahead and put on the album Yuganda Enpitsu ha Dareka ni Orarenaitameni and everything clicked. The second track Yoru no Hakoniwa is my go to jam, love everything about it and I can honestly say the entire album is solid. I'm now a fan.

                                     

HAMIDASYSTEM - YORU NO HAKONIWA 

official MV

I absolutely love Kaqriyo Terror Architect and I admit I had been putting their latest EP Identity Crisis on the back burner but I finally gave it it's due attention this month, alot. While I can't really feel the impact the new members bring to the album vocally, the original trifecta still bring it in a rather impressive fashion. Yamakomaro really stands out for me this go round, she has a deeper voice than the other members but vocally it compliments each track beautifully. 

Sadly KTA has lost 2 of its original members recently, first Kotetsu who left in December of 2018 and a few days ago Nonamera. In my opinion Nonamera's high pitched vocals were the driving force of  KTA's uptempo energy, she will be missed.

                                     

KAQRIYO TERROR ARCHITECT - IDENTITY CRISIS

official MV

Aside from those two albums I've been giving heavy rotation, I placed an order for a CD bundle from one of my favorite rock bands the Molice yesterday and I'm stoked as I've been a fan for years. I'll get more into it next month as I expect the package to arrive in 2-3 weeks. That wraps part 1 of this blog entry, stay tuned for tomorrow when I get into cinema, anime and entertainment.

Spotify link for HAMIDASYSTEM - Yuganda Enpitsu ha Dareka ni Orarenaitameni 

https://open.spotify.com/album/4YiARkbYceXAq2Ury4Ub1r?si=3Eqz1GmHSZ-PnnuewN48RA

Spotify link for Kaqriyo Terror Architect - Identity Crisis

https://open.spotify.com/album/1ReAZBdJDCJ3Av7E7EREZs?si=jsyj35XPTAyZTueQDnCbIw

969 - 969 - album review

After nearly a 5 month hiatus from writing for this blog, I have officially returned with an album review courtesy of the idol group 969 and my mind has been completely blown! I first stumbled upon the group early this year when I was looking to quench my "darker" idol thirst and discovered their official live video Catch The Light via youtube and was instantly hooked. Fast forward to this past August when 969 dropped their latest MV A New Level to youtube followed up two weeks later by a full length album release and then sadly one of the four members graduating from the group. Regardless, the remaining three members are still bringing it 100% and I felt it was about time I immerse my eardrums with their latest album release also titled 969. As I have in the past I'll rate each song by a 5 star system, 5 being the highest rating and then give my overall score of the album.

track #1 - Catch The Light ***** (5)

track #2 - FATE **** (4)

track #3 - Untitled ***** (5)

track #4 - Moment **** (4)

track #5 - Brand New World **** (4)

track #6 - A NEW LEVEL ***** (5)

track #7 - Missing Blue **** (4)

track #8 - Colors *** (3)

track #9 - By Your Side *** (3)

track #10 - REAL ***** (5)

track #11 - TONIGHT ***** (5)                                           photo credit: dump1021

OVERALL

8/10

 I'm  very familiar with the opening track Catch The Light which is one of my favorite tracks and it really sets the tone for the album with its hard rock fueled chorus breaks and Chirimen showcasing her lethal growls. Untitled is a beast of a track going full on metal and throwing you into its moshpit atmosphere face first leaving you a bloody pulp but in a good way. The following track Moment slows it down a notch showcasing the groups vocals and the band compliments this track with just enough rock to give the choruses its potency.  The sixth track, A NEW LEVEL would definitely be considered a party starter with its layered vocal work, uptempo music and its catchy chorus will have you chanting wow wow wow wow WOW! Nearing the end of the album, REAL is a solid track and grew on me immediately, laced with heavy riffs and a killer breakdown midway that kept me banging my head in delight. The final track TONIGHT closes out the album in spectacular fashion, it's hardcore, it's catchy and you'll be jumping up and down pumping your fists in the air before you know it!

This album surpassed all my expectations by miles and I'm extremely grateful I gave it a chance. Highly recommended check it out as soon as possible!

link to the official 969 website:

https://969.tokyo

official 969 Twitter link:

https://twitter.com/969official

official 969 youtube channel link:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCejk_45_4jsd_d_BQ4ggvjQ

Chirimen ❤

969 - A NEW LEVEL (official music video)

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)