Rockerica

暴~Baku~ - 08/2008

nobody@vox.com(あさり) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 17:52:29 +0200

I hope you can forgive me the big delay of August's issue. My computer had technical problems so I was way unable to release Baku at time. I hope you don't mind it too much.
Since I'm currently pretty busy I'll just post the pages so you can download.
I'll edit this post once I find time.
Please participate in VOX populi.

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Single: メリー - 激声

nobody@vox.com(あさり) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:48:01 +0200

激声

メリー

Date released: 20.8.2008.

Track list
1. 激声 (Gekisei)
2. 伊勢佐木町ブルース(Isezaki machi blues) [A Version]
2. 学生街の喫茶店 (Gakuseigai no kissaten) [B Version]

Okay I admit: the last band I'd thought to pull off a 15 minute epicness were the chaos jazz-punk-rockers from Merry. I mean some of their song don't even last 2 minutes and now suddenly this 15 minute piece of... errr.... merryness! is simply something I'd never credit them for. But since this band is everything but sane, why am I surprised?

So how DOES 15 minutes of Merry sound like? Well the first (and last) minute-and-a-half you get just some dusty vinyl sound and a pretty interesting though over-theatrical acoustic guitar part before bashing with the screech-grind sounding guitars and typical ironic Merry flair (kinda like at the intro of Calling). And then you realize you've barely reached 1/5 of the song when Gara finally joins in with his moaning voice. Well anyway (to summarize) the songs moves from mid-tempo blues-like melancholics to hysteric punk-rock episodes and back, while you'd always be surprised by the lenght of the song and how much it's left for the song to end. This is Merry making an ode to themselves, a so called Merry hymn putting ingredients from all of them songs into a monster of 15 minutes. But seriously 15 minutes! They could have easily cut this song into 5 different and sell them out in 15 different version singles and earn more money, sparing us from the reviewers-nightmare (but instead they are good and spared our moneycases (not nerves) by putting them all in one medely-like song)

Oh at least the B-sides are less of a reviewing-torture (and listening also). And an interesting thing is that both songs are covers of older folk/enka songs. If you remember they already covered PRECIOUS... by LUNA SEA (which was in a masohystical way cool). Isezaki machi blues is a Enka song by Aoe Mina (thank you Peach magazine for the info) and Merry's version begins with this very horny moaning by Gara on the begining and slowly streches into this blues-like mid-tempo song you'll likely hear on a middleage japanese karaoke party. But the good thing is that the song is barely 3 minutes long :).
The covering becomes even more interesting with the Gakuseigai no kissaten, a song by a popular 70's folkband Garo. The song itself is pretty, well... interesting and add Gara's voice to a semi-melancholic, slow marching beat and the result is pretty interesting. In any way, if Gara ever get's fed up of Merry he'll have a carreer as an old enka/folk singer.

Gekisei isn't a neccersarily bad single, the covers are decent and interesting (not something you hear every day) and the 15-minute title song is, for curiosity's sake, an interesting listen but nothing beyond things they haven't already done and not near some excellent songs they have such as Haraiso, Japanese Modernist, Atashi wa Suteneko or maybe Koso ue buil no last dance, great songs that get into the ear and by which you really don't have any complaints at Merry. Oh well.. they got their style, a pattern which they follow and enough part/fulltime fans to support them. Overall: interesting but tiring in a way.

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Single: メリー - Midnight Shangri-la/空っぽな唄~final cut~

nobody@vox.com(あさり) — Fri, 09 May 2008 17:02:05 +0200

Midnight Shangri-la/空っぽな唄~final cut~

Date released: 3.5.2008.

Track list
1. Midnight Shangrila
2. 空っぽな唄~final cut~ (Karappo na uta～final cut～)

I actually thought this was a regular single, but found out later it's a single that was sold at Yokohama Bunka Taiikukan live or something (though that won't stop real Merry fans on getting their hands on it). Still I'll take the honor (or not) to review this "special" single.

Remember the Merry cover of LUNA SEA's song PRECIOUS... that was released on the LUNA SEA tribute album. You know the song that was basically audioraping-turn-fun. Midnight Shangri-la takes a floor up. Midnight Shangri-la is the probably most hysterical song I've ever heard, turning into three and a half minutes of violent noise enough to damage your hearing. Hey, take all the screaming Kyo from Dir en grey has done in their songs and pack it into one song (on the screaming parts Gara even beats Kyo when it comes to sky high pitched screams) with a hint of paranoid hysteria and concentrated insanity and viola! You get a "song" (mildly speaking). In some strange and unusual way, I actually like Merry when they are sounding like having a seizure. And the yeah,yeah,yeah,yeeeaah,yeah! is quite catchy.

Karappo na uta was the closing song on their album nu chemical rethoric and the ~final cut~ version can be described as better. Gara's vocals sound very clear and expressing (though after Midnight Shangri-la practically everything sounds good). The song has got a very clean, almost sterile production, twittering high-pitched riffs and a very good and sharp refrain that will make you sing a long (with a additional vocal provided probably by one of the guitarists whose name I don't know nor care about). Average Merry but decent.

So either if you love ear-violence or the original Karappo na uta or both, give a shot at this single. Merry again managed to deliver their highly recognizable yet slightly mediocre sound.

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Single: メリー - 閉ざされた楽園

nobody@vox.com(あさり) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:47:34 +0200

閉ざされた楽園

Date released: 16.4.2008.

Track list
1. 閉ざされた楽園 (Tozasareta Rakuen) [PV] [Listen]
2. 喜劇のタブー (Kigeki no Taboo) [Listen]
3. ト・ロ・ケ・テ・ル (TOROKETERU) [Listen]

As stated on Visuanavi Tozasareta Rakuen is Merry's sixth single up to date and their latest release after the last year's album M.E.R.R.Y.

Overall this single has got a somewhat restrained, hesitated feel to it. It is loud, it has got Gara's moan/screams, it is vibrant etc... but well not as Merry as it could be. Tozasareta Rakuen is another hasty Merry song similar to sweet powder with very interesting bridges but unfortunately a simple and annoying Merry chorus that mostly screws up every potentially interesting song.

Kigeki no Taboo is the best song on the single, with driving, rock'n'roll riffs that carry the mood and tension of the song and that are probably the best part of it. I ended up liking the song, even though I can't really explain why, it's not revolutionary, it's not mindblowing, the chorus doesn't fit it, but still I like it. Thanks to the guitar riffs.

TOROKETERU is a somewhat mixture of the mesmerizing orientalish riffs and aloof chanting from Seinen himitsu kurabu, and the obscure moshing crazyness of Charlie, being just as hysterical on the bridges as the both. The refrain sounds pretty solid, short, melodic, nice. But yet again brings nothing new, but makes good use of the known.

In a way I can say that this single is probably the best (read: Good enough to force me to review it unlike some of the former singles) I've heard and not as nearly as annoying as Komorei ga boku wo sagashiteru or Blind Romance, but still leaves out a faint and restrained feel making it not especially overwhelming also. But still worth a listen if you're into Merry and because of Kigeki no Taboo.

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Album: Various artists - LUNA SEA MEMORIAL COVER ALBUM-Re:birth-

nobody@vox.com(あさり) — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 15:46:03 +0100

LUNA SEA MEMORIAL COVER ALBUM-Re:birth-

Date released: 19.12.2007.

Artist and track list
1. ムック (MUCC) - Dejavu
2. abingdon boys school - Sweetest Coma Again
3. 玉置成実 (Tamaki Nami) - STORM
4. メリー (Merry) - PRECIOUS…
5. HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR - ROSIER
6. 森重樹一(ZIGGY) (Morishige Juichi) - I for You
7. LM.C - IN MY DREAM(WITH SHIVER)
8. YU-KI & DJ KOO from TRF - END OF SORROW
9. kannivalism - LOVE SONG
10. Marty Friedman VS LEGEND feat. SHINICHIRO SUZUKI - SHINE
11. シド (Sid) - WISH
12. 土屋昌巳 (Tsuchiya Masami) - MOON

The announced Luna Sea tribute album did cause a bit of a hype. Initially it had a different track list and some different artists, so the different track list did came as a surprise.

To warn you at the very beginning. This tribute album is half decent and half blamsphery. Some of the songs really manage to bring out the positive and good parts of Luna Sea songs, while others makes you wanna smack your head upon a wall from the blaspheming abomination made of Luna Sea songs.

Starting off with one of the best covers on this album, MUCC manages to capture the spirit of the great song Dejavu, although it sounds a bit like they have taken the score book and played by it. Surprisingly, abingdon boys school has made for me personally irritating song Sweetest Coma again into an energetic and a bit harder than the original song.

Another one of my favorites on the album are HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR with their interesting interpretation of Rosier. The split vocals do emphasize the refrain and passages. And SID shines on the cool cover of WISH that is as charming and maybe even more than the original.

On the other side the Europop massacre of STORM by Nami Tamaki that is great in instrumental parts, but terrible at the refrain and the electric LSD trip of LM.Cs version of IN MY DREAM count to the songs that makes me wonder just how much Sugizo and co. are regretting the fact to let their songs get so ruined. Also Merry turning Precious... into a violent audioraping may not suit everyones taste, but to me it is one of the best songs on this album and basically one of the best songs Merry ever preformed.

Another minus to the album are the long, repetitive and god forbid boring ballads such as I for you and Love song that last way too long and don't have any highlights for the listener to catch onto. And the ambiental experiment such as END OF SORROW as well as the nice and calm SHINE (Where the guitarist of Megadeath Marty Friedman performs) represent decent songs, but which you'll forget right after listening.

The album closes with an epic, velvety version of the legendary song Moon. Masami Tsuchiyas voice is warm, velvety and captures the mysterious and wast atmosphere of this song.

So in general... If you're a fan of Luna Sea or any other artist listed here on this album, check it out. Others avoid before it screws up your perception of this great band. The bad artist and track choice make this album a two-sided blade that you'll either adore or hate.

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Album: Merry - M.E.R.R.Y.

nobody@vox.com(あさり) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 17:54:08 +0100

M.E.R.R.Y.

Date released: 7.11.2007.

Track list
1. M.E.R.R.Y.MARCH～デンヱンカウキヤウクミキヨク～ (M.E.R.R.Y.MARCH ~Denwenkukiyaukumikuyoku~)
2. 歌声喫茶『モダン』(Utagoe kissa [Modern])
3. Blind Romance [PV]
4. 青年秘密倶楽部 (Seinen himitsu kurabu)
5. ルルルラララ (Lulululalala)
6. 日ノ出町、街角ツンデレラ～2番ホーム篇～ (Hi no demachi, machikado Tsunderera ~2ban home hen~)
7. 最果てのパレード (Saihate no parade) [PV]
8. コックドール・ママ (Coq d’Or Mama)
9. sweet powder [PV]
10. ひらひらとんでる。(Hirahira tonderu.)
11. ラストスノー (Last snow)
12. 木洩れ日が僕を探してる・・・(Komorebi ga boku wo sagahiteru…) [PV]
13. ポエジー (Poetry)

Merry is one of the bands I can't listen anytime, it really depends on my mood. Firstly of all because the tend to sound very loud and harsh. They do have a few songs I personally like a lot, but most of the time they sound just too harsh. But unlike their previous releases I must say that I found M.E.R.R.Y. album quite interesting and entertaining.

Besides the already released songs such as Blind Romance, harmonica spiced but rather monotone Hi no demachi..., great Saihate no Parade and Komorebi ga boku wo sagashiteru, the new songs on the album really shine.

Strating off with a typical Merry-sound but yet a bit different Utagoe kissa "Modern" you will already notice how refreshing the new songs seem to the older ones. Seinen himitsu kurabu is an oriental aggressive mosh-orgy while having a very catchy refrain and the crazy titled Lulululalala is one of the best Merry songs to date! Coq d’Or Mama can be described as an interesting mix of chaos and sweet powder seems as something you might have heard from Merry at first, but blows away with a great transition to refrain.

Also one of my favorite songs on the album is Hirahira tonderu an energy and emotion charged ballad with a great melody. The last few songs on the album are a bit monotone and less appealing, but still ok.

So overall I must admit that M.E.R.R.Y. is one of Merrys better albums with a few great highlights. It shows that the band has got enough creative energy to create original songs while remaining loyal to their style. Merry fans should definitely check this album out, while others should give a listen mostly because of the couple of songs that may count to one of the better this year.

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NHK MUSIC JAPAN ネオ・ビジュアル系真夏の宴

nobody@vox.com(あさり) — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 19:11:57 +0200

NHK MUSIC JAPAN ネオ・ビジュアル系真夏の宴 [31.8.2007.]

On 31.8.2007. the Japanese TV channel NHK organized a unique event under the show MUSIC JAPAN called ネオ・ビジュアル系真夏の宴 (Neo Visual kei Manatsu no utage) or translated "Neo Visual kei midsummer party". This event featured the performances of the most successful "Neo" Visual kei bands.
Artist and song list
1. アリス九號. (alice nine.) - WHITE PRAYER
2. the GazettE - HYENA
3. シド (SID) - 紫陽花 (Ajisai)
4. jealkb - 黒い砂漠 (Kuroi sabaku)
5. ナイトメア (Nightmare) - the WORLD
6. Plastic Tree - ザザ降り、ザザ鳴り。(Zaza furi, zaza nari.)
7. ムック (MUCC) - チェインリング (Chain ring)
8. メリー (Merry) - 木漏れ日が僕を探してる・・・(Komorebi ga boku wo sagashiteru…)

NHK MUSIC JAPAN 真夏の宴 - アリス九號. - WHITE PRAYER

This fascinating show started off with an also fascinating performance by alice nine. I must admite Shou's vocals have improved a lot and also the playing skills of the rest of the band. WHITE PRAYER has proved to be a great choice for the opening of this event. I also liked that the songs were subtitled so I actually could see the real lyrics.

NHK MUSIC JAPAN 真夏の宴 - the GazettE - Hyena

Following alice nine. one of the most successful Visual kei band in Japan and wider the GazettE pulled of a pretty good and partially improvised performance of their song HYENA. Although it wasn't technically as good as other artists (partially because of Ruki's off tone singing) it was as explosive and stunning as all the performances put together.

NHK MUSIC JAPAN 真夏の宴2007 - シド - 紫陽花

Sweet and short can be described the song Ajisai by the Visual kei-band-gone-normal SID. This calm and partially melancholic piece managed to calm the atmosphere down before the appearance of the next band.

NHK MUSIC JAPAN 真夏の宴 - jealkb - 黒い砂漠

I was actually pretty impressed by the performance of Kuroi sabaku by the six comedians decided to make a Visual kei bend named jealkb. They have already impressed me with their comedy skills and now they have done the same with their musical skills. All I can say is great! And I did have a good laugh watching them perform.

NHK MUSIC JAPAN 真夏の宴 - ナイトメア - the WORLD

Nightmare was next on with their successful song the WORLD (opening of the anime DEATH NOTE). The singer Yomi proved that he has got a great voice in spite of his 158cm. A little guy with a BIG voice. And also the guitarists Hitsugi and Sakito were very impressive both with their playing skills as well as with image.

NHK MUSIC JAPAN 真夏の宴 - Plastic Tree - ザザ降り、ザザ鳴り。

The veterans of Visual kei Plastic Tree rocked with the song Zaza furi, zaza nari, a great non aggressive rock song. The bit silent singer Ryutaro joined in with his guitar proving that simultaneous singing and playing is no problem for him.

NHK MUSIC JAPAN 真夏の宴 - ムック - チェインリング

The atmosphere reached its peaks once again with the energetic performance of the band MUCC with the song Chain Ring. Tatsurou, Miya, SATOchi and YUKKE brought the crowd into high skies with their hymn like rock song. Tatsurou also showed some great growling skills.

NHK MUSIC JAPAN 真夏の宴 - メリー - 木洩れ日が僕を探してる...

Closing the event was Merry with their song Komorebi ga boku wo sagashiteru. The singer Gara was simply breathtaking both with singing and with looks. With this energetic song this great event ended.

All in all I think it was a great event and that everybody who participated and watched was probably in euphoria for days. This event has shown that Visual kei is becoming an important movement in Japanese rock music and that it's popularity is not only confined to Japan but is spreading around worldwide.

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Rockerica

暴~Baku~ - 08/2008

Single: メリー - 激声

Single: メリー - Midnight Shangri-la/空っぽな唄~final cut~

Single: メリー - 閉ざされた楽園

Album: Various artists - LUNA SEA MEMORIAL COVER ALBUM-Re:birth-

Album: Merry - M.E.R.R.Y.

NHK MUSIC JAPAN ネオ・ビジュアル系 真夏の宴

NHK MUSIC JAPAN ネオ・ビジュアル系真夏の宴