beni

Artist: Develop one's faculties Single: フラスコを振ると天秤揺れた Score: Could be better but could be much, much worse.
When two members from cocklobin form a band together, I'm almost obligated to check it out. It's reasonable to expect at least cocklobin levels of quality in the music and the previews for フラスコを振ると天秤揺れた were intriguing. I'm not quite sure what direction I was expecting フラスコを振ると天秤揺れた to go in, or what to expect from Develop one's faculties, but this wasn't it.
 
Now before the hype train leaves the station, there's good news and bad news. The good news is that this is something different. In a scene where bands can and will play almost any type of music, it's hard to find a good, honest rock band. Both tracks are good, although I prefer the second track "結果論". The way they blend electronic feedback with noise into their rock groove is something visual kei definitely could use more of. The single itself has overtones of LIPHLICH crossed with amber gris on a heavy day, but doesn't sound too much like either. Its indie sensibilities also lend the song a vibe uncharacteristic of the scene with husky vocals to remind the listener that this is a visual kei band. yuya doesn't have the strongest vocals, but he has control, can harmonize, and it goes well with the music. I can't say if DOF has the chops to become the flagship rock visual kei band in a few years, but they are worth keeping an eye on.
 
The bad news is that フラスコを振ると天秤揺れた isn't a strong first impression. Two tracks are not a good enough yardstick to measure this band's potential. In this case, it would have been better if their first release was a mini album. Then they would have had more chances to refine their sound and win the listener over. What I heard on the single caught my passive interest. I don't find either song memorable in the long run and I wouldn't go out of my way to listen to it again. I would even go as far to say that I only remember this band for who their members have played with and not their own music. For a first single, that quality is undesirable. In all honesty, DOF might drop off my radar as 2015 progresses unless they aggressively promote themselves and drop the mini album this should have been by early fall.
 
This isn't the brazen first release that was devils in bedside or Dark Design Catalog, but フラスコを振ると天秤揺れた was good enough. I was expecting more from DOF based on the two ex-cocklobin members, but I'm well aware I wouldn't have paid attention to them without the association in the first place. It's not often that I get to say that the worst thing about a new visual kei band is their name. DOF has plenty of room to progress and seem to have a knack for melodies and experimentation. The music just needs a good layer of polish.

no, it's not imperfect, but I'm Perfect. Very honest
 
My fave tracks of them are: Disco Flight, abnormalize, Telecastic Fake Show, I was Music, Metamorphose. Also, the opening song of their album is their best to open up some energy!

Hello,
 
List goes in descending order until my top-favorite at the bottom of each section. Instead of filling the pages up with stars, just think of the lists starting with albums in the 4 star range, and heading towards a possible 5 at the end. I made the write-ups real short, as it is a long list (still had to cut a lot of favorites though) and hope you get the jist of what I liked about the album, and, (if you haven`t heard it) if you`d like it too. Thanks for reading.
 
FAVORITE SINGLES:

Moran – but Beautiful
Very nice, potent title-track with a weightless yet emotional atmosphere.
 

葵-168-  – 必要惡
Well made, laid-back tunes. One of his softer releases.
 

L’Arc～en～Ciel – EVERLASTING
Awesome atmosphere and sound, an otherworldly tune that calls on their old sound while mixing together their more recent approach.

BugLug – 骨
Three great tracks with very different directions, as usual for the band. The punk sound on the second track was really my favorite.

Royz – Supernova
More great tunes from Royz, one of their softer sounds on the title track, yet all tracks still rock regardless.

BORN – Son of a Bitch
Another bad@ss tune from BORN, one of the tracks that rocked me the hardest this year. They pulled off the electronic breakdown better than most.



NOCTURNAL BLOODLUST – Strike in fact, DESPERATE, Libra
Great releases from the band, which has taken a direction I prefer more, putting their heavy sound together with more melodies and hooks. Strike In fact is the catchiest, DESPERATE is the heaviest, and Libra is the more heartfelt.

DOG inTheパラレルワールドオーケストラ – TOKYOエレクトリックパレード
Amazing single that puts DOG`s current sound together with a Disney atmosphere for this single. On another level than their work in 2013, in my opinion.

ムック – 故に、摩天楼
Quite different from their last album, the title track has a nostalgic and emotional sound without going down a depressing route. Beautiful and catchy.

シド – ENAMEL
Not much to say, as awesome as every other SID single. More of a rock feel than their previous album, and more of a `Visual` delivery.


 
Shounenki – Gazelle, BANG ME
Two singles with a great rock sound, and some of the best melodic hooks I have heard in a while. Really surprised by this band, and anyone who likes soaring vocals and lots of hooks should have already heard it.

ユナイト– レヴ/ice
After my least favorite album from them they came back with what I love from them:  Diverse tracks and songs that leave an impact through amazing playing (guitar esp. for me), amazing vocals, lyrics, and a distinct approach to making music. The way they come out with so many different sounds without it seeming amateur or like they just threw in elements of other musical styles reminds me of SID.




 
DIV - You, Butterfly Dreamer, 漂流彼女, Point of view
Very different singles, and I enjoyed them all. POV is one of my favorite up-beat tunes of the year, Hyouryuu one of my top atmospheric songs, and Butterfly Dreamer is one of my go-to songs when I want to rock.


SuG – Missing, CRY OUT
Amazing singles that did something very different from everything else in 2014. Both are more serious and emotionally driven than what many expect of SuG. The production is also top notch.

DOG inTheパラレルワールドオーケストラ  – 魁!! 祭izm
One of my favorite singles ever. Listening to it the first time, I said `this is why I listen to music `. Hard to think of anything that expresses itself so well to me. I hold this one close.

FAVORITE MINI – ALBUMS:

BORN – THE STALIN -666-
Rocked hard, plain and simple.

REDMAN – Flame Of Life
Well made and unexpected. A completely softer yet still strong kind of rock from what we are used to from Satoshi.

LM.C – Perfect Rainbow
Great release after one I did not enjoy as much (Perfect Fantasy). This features LM.C at a medium setting between their most straight-forward work, and their most `quirky`.

FANG – evolutionary Process
Not sure if this is a mini, or full album, but it is short so I will put it in this category. Didn`t know of this band until someone introduced me to their music. Really great youthful feeling and catchy tunes.

Kra –サタヒナト
Really different work featured in this concept album, with a huge emphasis on piano, while retaining lots of the band`s known amazing playing and vocals. Deep and dark atmosphere, which I loved, though the hidden track steals the show.

girugamesh – gravitation
Absolutely awesome album that rocks hard. Heavy and dark atmosphere, but is hard to find any negative vibe in it due to how much headbanging it induces and how much the catches get stuck in my head.

Here's another idea to add to the pot....who would be down for a soundtracks theme (movies, games, anime, etc)? Basically any piece of music that's been used for a soundtrack

In reply to CAT5's question~
I will be sure to edit this once I have given all their albums a go because then I bet I'll have a personal top 10 fav song list but, for now, my main stand out track which caught my full attention and the one I continue to repeat most is 'Beautiful Circus.' The opening track to i'mperfect.

lol, I don't know if there's a "wrong" album, as I've met different fans who are partial to different releases. It really just depends on your taste. The first 2 albums are the rawest production-wise (#4 and Inspiration is DEAD) - so if you really can't stand the vocals, you might want to come back to those 2 later on. But they also, arguably, boast some of ling's most interesting songwriting.
The 3rd album "just A moment" is their first major album and finally showcases ling with some slick production, in addition to adding some new dynamics to their sound. This is a good place for new fans to start I think. The next album, "still a Sigure virgin?" pushes the bar even further as they continue to expand their sound (some obvious hints at TK's solo work take place here). The vocal mixing is probably the most subdued here than on any other album.
"i’mperfect", the 5th and most recent album, is ling's most straightforward work to date. All of the dynamics and experimentation of the past 2 releases were reigned in, and while that's been an issue for most fans, I actually don't mind "diet-ling" haha. In fact, this is my personal favorite because it emphasizes the qualities I like about ling the most.
Judging from the singles, their next album may very well be a less than stellar repeat of "i’mperfect", but I'm crossing my fingers that it exceeds my expectations.
Also what are everyone's top ling tracks?

recording of Lacroix Despheres new album "Dernier Paradis act3" has commenced
 

 

 

Post 1 - Top 10 Japanese male musician releases (♫ Just keep scrolling, just keep scolling~ ♫)
Post 2 - Top 10 Japanese female musician releases (I'm more of a J-pop head then I thought!)
Post 3 - Runners up (that should be in the above two categories but couldn't fit in), the mixed vocals + honourable mentions (all previously brought up in ChristMHas list)
Post 4 - Top English album + single (only one of each because I'm more of an Asian music listener than anything else)
 
My top 10 Japanese male musician releases
 
TK from 凛として時雨 - Fantastic Magic /

 
asobius - pray & grow / 

 
THE NOVEMBERS - Rhapsody in beauty /

 
MEJIBRAY - シアトリカル・ブルーブラック /


 
Lycaon - 馬鹿ね。+ 悪女の微笑 + Shadow /


 
AvelCain - AvelCain / 


 
Plastic Tree - echo /

 
PLASTICZOOMS - Secret Postcard /

 
yazzmad - niche['ni:tʃə] /


 
LM.C - PERFECT FANTASY / 

 
For the full length (unedited) review, click on the spoiler tag below:

I'd been rewatching "Space Battleship Yamato 2199," which has rapidly become my favorite anime series, and it was driving me crazy. Who did Leader Desla remind me of? Then, bingo.
 

 
He's Yasutaka Nakata!

Why don't they have space in visual kei anymore?
I think their songs are pretty outstanding compared with average vk songs I've listened to
Anyway, they have sorta crowdfunding project for their upcoming album
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/lacroix-despheres-symphonic-rock-opera-cd-with-vgo

凛として時雨 (ling tosite sigure)

 
Discography
Albums
2005年11月09日 #4
2007年08月22日 Inspiration is DEAD
2009年05月23日 just A moment
2010年09月22日 still a Sigure virgin?
2013年04月10日 i'mperfect
EPs
2006年07月19日 Feeling your UFO
2015年09月02日 es or s
Singles
2008年04月23日 Telecastic fake show
2008年12月24日 moment A rhythm
2012年11月14日 abnormalize
2014年11月05日 Enigmatic Feeling
2015年01月14日 Who What Who What
TK from 凛として時雨

Albums
2012年6月27日 Flowering
2014年8月27日 Fantastic Magic
EPs
2016年03月20日 Secret Sensation
Singles
2014年03月05日 contrast
2014年07月23日 unravel
-----------
I've noticed an increasing amount of ling fans on the forum over the years, and I think it's high time we actually had a topic for one of my favorite bands!

Excuse me for double posting please.
I saw your one night VK theme ender above and it gave me the idea of an international/foreign one, so anything not Japanese. We can even have a Korean one, seeing as I've noticed a few of us do enjoy that here and it can introduce many new listeners to some they might actually enjoy in different genres. Another thought, songs featuring only one particular language really, that'd be interesting. I know this is a total me saying this but even some can be of a certain music genre/style. I was actually thinking about an indie focus. Or just random ones I thought up like 'band members turning solo works' and 'musicians with the craziest visuals.'
Just some random thoughts/ideas I promised ender and Pho3nyx above me. Also thanking you two massively for the input and discussion. Many thanks lovelies!
 
I'd also like to ask, is another free for a bit of pluggin' today? It's become a daily need, I apologise!

omg, you guys. ;; <3
 
(Avoiding more double posts xD EDIT:) So today, I tried to join different plug rooms and, oh sweet cupcakes, was it scary. xD Please, someone, partner up with me before the new adventuring ahaha.

Aww... I missed it? I just got home.
I guess a second open invite if anyone is online now? I could use some jams while I work on some writing. 

Sure, why not? I can be on in like an hour. Hopefully moar ppl will come too~

I'll hop on once I get back from lunch if ya'll are still on

Excuse me for double posting please.
I saw your one night VK theme ender above and it gave me the idea of an international/foreign one, so anything not Japanese. We can even have a Korean one, seeing as I've noticed a few of us do enjoy that here and it can introduce many new listeners to some they might actually enjoy in different genres. Another thought, songs featuring only one particular language really, that'd be interesting. I know this is a total me saying this but even some can be of a certain music genre/style. I was actually thinking about an indie focus. Or just random ones I thought up like 'band members turning solo works' and 'musicians with the craziest visuals.'
Just some random thoughts/ideas I promised ender and Pho3nyx above me. Also thanking you two massively for the input and discussion. Many thanks lovelies!
 
I'd also like to ask, is another free for a bit of pluggin' today? It's become a daily need, I apologise!

What social networking sites do you use?
 
To submit a poll for the MH POLL OF THE WEEK, P.M. @CAT5 with your poll question, choices, and state whether it's multiple choice or not.

Post 1 - Top 10 Japanese male musician releases (♫ Just keep scrolling, just keep scolling~ ♫)
Post 2 - Top 10 Japanese female musician releases (I'm more of a J-pop head then I thought!)
Post 3 - Runners up (that should be in the above two categories but couldn't fit in), the mixed vocals + honourable mentions (all previously brought up in ChristMHas list)
Post 4 - Top English album + single (only one of each because I'm more of an Asian music listener than anything else)
 
My top 10 Japanese male musician releases
 
TK from 凛として時雨 - Fantastic Magic /

 
asobius - pray & grow / 

 
THE NOVEMBERS - Rhapsody in beauty /

 
MEJIBRAY - シアトリカル・ブルーブラック /


 
Lycaon - 馬鹿ね。+ 悪女の微笑 + Shadow /


 
AvelCain - AvelCain / 


 
Plastic Tree - echo /

 
PLASTICZOOMS - Secret Postcard /

 
yazzmad - niche['ni:tʃə] /


 
LM.C - PERFECT FANTASY / 

 
For the full length (unedited) review, click on the spoiler tag below:

But.... the reactions. x'D
 
Reminds me of one of my worst habits; never twirl your hair whenever you're outside/with others. Even when someone isn't talking to you or you're not looking at them, they WILL think you're flirting with them for some reason.

But.... the reactions. x'D
 
Reminds me of one of my worst habits; never twirl your hair whenever you're outside/with others. Even when someone isn't talking to you or you're not looking at them, they WILL think you're flirting with them for some reason.

New pic (;

get the yuuki app(i think) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.fakestar.soinebandman
https://twitter.com/yuukiLycaon/status/552767739517861889