beni

Artist: LM.C Single: PERFECT RAINBOW Score: Just a couple colours off from being a "PERFECT RAINBOW"
If you’ve previously released a mini-album titled "PERFECT FANTASY" within the same year with a similar tracklist of eight songs in total, then you’re asking for comparisons. Since "PERFECT FANTASY" was a personal favourite release in 2014, you might already have guessed that I’m not that impressed with the rap rocking electro duo this time. I must confess I judged "PERFECT RAINBOW" with their other mini-album in mind, but who can really blame me? It did, indeed, fall short of my expectations on first listen. But let’s get on to the undeniable comparisons later and dive head first into this colourful rainbow.

Instrumental opening track ‘VantaBLACK’ is a very fantastical and imagery inducing intro. Starting off with some futuristic, spacey sounds, faint piano keys can be heard after these inclusions, then turning into electric currents. It flows into ‘JUST LIKE THIS!!’ wonderfully, which starts with more fittingly used piano taps and Maya soothingly sing a few romantic Engrish lyrics. After this quiet starting point, we’re treated to that massive electro party sound we all know and love by these dudes. The track is brilliant and really stands out after the strong opener. It’s sure to get long-time fans comfortable with its reminiscent sound to older LM.C jams. With a catchy beat and a chorus bursting with energy, it’ll get you up, dancing, and hyped for more. In contrast, ‘MOGURA’ is a dark and heavy song. As the only song to be spotlighted outside the mini-album release, it’s a solid track. However, within this tracklist, it stands out like a sore thumb due to it having a sound not all gumballs and rainbows as would be expected from the pair, ultimately making the track fall flat in the long run. What follows is ‘Amnizia,’ an instantly toe tapping number thanks to its repetitive drum beat. The simple structure and sound actually make this one of the more enjoyable tracks. It's catchy as soon as it begins!
‘Minor Leaguers’ Song’ comes next, and similar to 'MOGURA,' this one's got an interesting spin on sound. It's reminiscent to punk bands like ‘Good Charlotte,' due to it sounding as perfect as one of those cheesy school anthem sing-along songs. While there’s more going on than in previous tracks, it’s actually not that captivating. This track mixes the rapping with an anthemic approach vocal-wise with little bits of parade/orchestra marching like features such as the trumpets and overlapping vocal effect. However, a nice addition to it is the trumpets at the end of the chorus that play in tune to the lullaby ‘Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star;' fitting for a band who often sing about stars. Enjoyable as it is during the listen, in the end, all this makes for is a forgettable track. ‘LADY TALK’ has an 80s disco sound which is a very charming inclusion. The electro currents are old school sounding, and it’s a smooth and slow track which reminds me of ‘PLASTICZOOMS.’ But you know it’s still LM.C you’re hearing with their cheerful tune and sparkly chorus! The following track, ‘キミヨサラバ,’ has a steady tempo just like 'LADY TALK,' and it keeps to a straight path as well. Being the ballad of the mini-album, it's a very pleasant one which still keeps your attention. We come to the end of the rainbow with 'BRAND NEW RAINBOW.' Opening up with a playful funfair sound, the track is highly energetic and doesn't tire, giving the mini-album a closer more pleasing than its opener.
What LM.C has accomplished brilliantly is sticking to the same types of tracks in both releases. We’ve got the disco tune, ‘JUST LIKE THIS!!,’ the mysterious piece, ‘Amnizia,’ the positive track, ‘Minor Leaguers’ Song’ and the ballad song, ‘キミヨサラバ,’ to name just a few examples. The opening and closing tracks are, really, the stand out points of this mini-album, starting and ending the mini-album on a high. The release has a few new and different sounds, which indicates the duo are experimenting with their style. This is all good on its own, but it’s still got some polishing to do. When I’m not comparing it to "PERFECT FANTASY," it’s good. When I’m judging it on its own, it’s still just good. Maybe if both mini-albums were put together as a full-length album, it would've gotten four stars, since "PERFECT FANTASY" is truly perfect. While "PERFECT RAINBOW" is far from perfect, don’t judge this release by its title.

Holy shit. I don't mind you being happy about Lycaon's disbandment but you honestly don't have to be mean about it. There are plenty of people who enjoyed this band and they should be allowed to feel sad about this. All comments like these do are starting flame wars and fights. Negativity like this is unwelcome and will be kept an eye on from now on. Not just for you specifically, but everyone else as well. Don't be a dick.

Same. I'm surprised by how much it's upset me honestly. I just really hope they'll continue, even if not together, but still going strong with seperate bands. But definitely Yuuki. He better go on to more activities. That precious voice cannot be gone so soon. I am so serious right now, I'm not even using a GIF. x'D

Same. I'm surprised by how much it's upset me honestly. I just really hope they'll continue, even if not together, but still going strong with seperate bands. But definitely Yuuki. He better go on to more activities. That precious voice cannot be gone so soon. I am so serious right now, I'm not even using a GIF. x'D

Great band, great single, and great review! I personally find them enjoyable and the whole traditional attire and sound is really intriguing to me. They're, admittedly, not a band I listen to all that much, and I went to them by the time they released their album just because of the Vocaloid covers, aha. I was conflicted for a bit which poll option to go for, between the two top ones;
 
I agree. This is one of the dark horse bands that have the potential to explode! Somewhat. The music sounds pleasant but I don't see what other people see in it.    My opinion on them is both of these points. They have major potential and I'd like to see more people get into them while the band also explores more sounds they can surely pull off. While I like them, I can see how the hype is quite a bit more than expected but it's awesome to see (I mean, come on, they're restoring what Kagrra, had to stop as already mentioned). I think most of us can hype our favourites, but when I hear these guys, I just think that they can offer so much more to the table which is why I feel this way.

Well if you guys followed my words you would know that Last summer after Akujo no Hohoemi single, i said i made my peice with them, meaning it's fine if they disband. As the super slave I knew this was coming, the way they hop from one sound to another it's no wonder that they would come to a point where they might have trouble getting something fresh. And Lycaon would rather die then be a genric warshed up nothing new boring piece of nothing. Also ahhhhh dahhhhh they came back to metal, i knew then, its like when you are writing a paper you kinda write what you wrote in the introduction but in different words. the different words being the different guitar tunning and electronics and vocals.
 
Lycaon will stay in my heart forever for the strength and idea's they've gave me. Yuuki will always be my price for taking care of me. I love how they went out with a bang. 10 new songs off the bat, all flawless on one of the the best albums ever, Yuuki slaying kaya's look publicly, slaying metalcore, and just not letting any other band or artist touch them.
 
Lycaon 2008-2015. May the half incubus Prince rise, and reign over the land of music again!
 
 
- Your loyal servant and slave, blackdoll

I can't believe this.
 
Tonight's activities:
 
1. Crying
2. Beer
3. Lycaon

I hope Yuuki continues on, how else will I achieve wet panties without hearing new songs with his lovely voice?

Finished translating all comments, if you guys are interested. 

Artist: 和楽器バンド Single: 戦-ikusa- / なでしこ桜 Score: Meet the next Kagrra, of VK.
You already know what the deal is.

Few bands manage to turn me into a rabid fanboy the way 和楽器バンド has. As the bridge between the visual kei, doujin, and vocaloid scenes, their unique sound and striking visuals caught everybody's attention instantly. In a year, they've made moves in their career that other bands never get the opportunity to try. The hype is so real, both tracks from their second single 戦-ikusa- / なでしこ桜 were featured in the anime Sengoku Musou. For an indie band, that's a huge accomplishment.
 
戦-ikusa- / なでしこ桜 is another excellent entry in 和楽器バンド's small but excellent discography. There's enough strings between the eight members of this bands to appease any bondage fetishist, and as usual the performances are top notch. 戦-ikusa- is the more energetic opener. Conjuring emotions reminiscent of excitement and war, it's perfect for the anime it was chosen for. In general, it's a pleasant rock track and a good choice for promotion, but it's not one of their best tracks. Their previous single 華火 was a better take on this type of sound. I find the mid-tempo なでしこ桜 to be the more intriguing track. Yuko's voice is much more emotional and impactful here, and the slower pace of the song allows the band to create a stronger atmosphere. This is a much better representation of their sound, but perhaps the less accessible of the two songs.
 
This second single isn't enough to draw any major conclusions from. They've done a great job of picking up the mantle Kagrra, left behind in 2009, but 和楽器バンド have yet to prove themselves to me. To date, 和楽器バンド has only released three original songs. The real test is their first mini or album. Deliver an album as consistent yet varied as Vocalo Zanmai and I'll gladly proclaim them to be the best indie band this side of the rising sun.
 
For now, they're just pretty damn interesting.

I love this.
 
 
What a list, right!? I can forsee the Chara listening future for I have already put her on my EOTYL and this will not fail me. I will not allow that. : 3
Also, just leaving this here: 'The “secret garden” here is a reference to a woman’s uterus. The secret garden / uterus motif carries over into the album’s cover art as well. It depicts Chara as a statue in a flower garden. Chara says that when she’s in love, she creates beautiful songs.'
Last sentence? Hella cute. First few? Not that much. x'D

Indeed. Let the fans mourn their band and stop being assholes. I just logged on, so I'll be removing any troll-y posts from this point forward.
Personally, I found this news to be pretty shocking.

INTRO:
 
SuG`s first album since leaving PSC and stating something along the lines of `we could no longer continue going on this way`.
 
These events can provide different interpretations of BLACK, which manages to carry on SuG`s identity while sounding vastly different from their previous works.
 
As an album it has much more unity between the tracks, with a heavier sound throughout the majority (B.A.B.Y. is the only song that really ties in with the Heavy Positive Rock sound that they may have been mentally typecast in). Among the 17 songs on the album, no two tracks are the same, typical of their adventurous and diverse approach to songwriting, yet the whole album fits together as one work with one identity, that falls under the album title very nicely, unlike their previous album, for example, which felt like it had a distinct A-Side and B-Side seperating the lighter more positive tracks, and the heavy, sharp tunes that start appearing midway through (I loved that album as well, none-the-less!)
 
MEMBER PERFORMANCES:
 
A really unexpected shocker upon my first few listens was the huge step up in each members performances, as well as their prominence in different tracks. I`m not sure if they were previously holding back on past releases to create a different kind of sound, or if they have really being putting in work, but each member really stepped out and shone on this album. Their tone is also excellent.
 
Click the spoiler if you want to see a breakdown of each member.
 
 
Details on the Sound:
 
A heavier sound, good use of electronic elements and guest arrangements, tracks that put aside the electronic elements altogether and focus on the band, and what is now a SuG signature: Absolutely amazingly deep production with a huge Sonic and Tonic range. The album is an absolute pleasure for me to listen to in terms of how much they can have going on at once, without emphasis on what is important being lost, and without taking away the listener`s ability to follow one individual instrument or input through-out.
 
The album features lots of different elements fused together, in what feels like a huge major release`s production combined with a rock band`s style and sensibility with the members in full control. The synth`s, strings, horn sections, and other elements really make the album interesting for me.
 
Also, the singles are spaced out and placed nicely to give them some renewed freshness, and avoid that `played out` feel. HELLYEAH originally by Takeru`s Uwakimono project is also re-done in a heavy rock style.
 
How does it feel and how much do I like it?
 
Despite being such a heavy album and some heavier lyrics, the album still seems so upbeat to me, and still has so many parts to either rock out to, or groove along with that it is indeed quite peculiar. With many other band`s the sound or themes might make the songs downers, or one`s you play in a certain mood, but I could really put on these songs in any mood and enjoy, though they will have different effects in different situations.
 
I`m not one for much comparison, but it`s definitely the album that I feel will get the most play from me out of their discography to date, and an album that leaves you waiting for what is next (while playing the tracks out).
 
Track Count: 17 (4 previously released as well as 1 re-done track)
Listens: 10
Production Quality:
Overall Rating:
 
Worth the Purchase?
 
With BLACK you get a unique experience that may not be to your taste, as the style, sound and delivery go to quite unique lengths. It`s a band and experience that really stand out, and do something different that mixes niche and mainstream experiences into something different altogether. Even watching the PV`s doesn`t give you the full idea of what the album is about, as there are so many different tracks each with their own unique feel. If you are a fan of their previous work, besides just the more colorful side, you will want to hear this. If you enjoyed the latest PV`s you are in for more than that, but you will probably enjoy yourself. There are instant stand-out tracks, and like usual with SuG, some growers that I appreciate more with each listen.
 
For me, personally, this has quickly become my favorite release this year (even beating out my favorite band!), and has been something I have immensely enjoyed. During my first listen, I felt like I was really experiencing something; something different. And the feeling only grows with each spin.

Have to agree with the Kanon Wakeshima comments, I was really impressed with this album generally speaking. The two more electronic tracks were a huge surprise to me and being a big fan of electronic music it was something that made me very happy. Sansukumi was probably my second favorite on the album overall, my first being Geijutsuka no Kawaii Souzoutachi. Additionally, the title track Tsukinami and the second single Killy Killy Joker are close to the top of the list. 
 
As for the Div song, it's flawless of course. I haven't had the extreme pleasure of hearing Secret in full yet, but that was one of the tracks I was looking most forward to and it didn't disappoint, but it almost doesn't even sound like them. I'm trying to think of the band this song reminds me of, but it isn't Div. Anyway, it's great and I look forward to hearing the whole album.

I can 2nd CICADA, they're really smooth...somtimes cutesy, but mostly smooth. The female vocals REALLY remind me of ACO. I was actually going to add a blurb from that album too!
 
Track 5 "フリーウェイ" is basically a shameless ripoff of the beat from Kendrick Lamar's "Bitch, Don't Kill My Vibe" , but it's still super sweet!
 
and yeah Eastern Youth are basically legends when it comes to Japanese emo and indie rock...at the same stature as Number Girl and Bloodthirsty Butchers. Their first few albums were punk/oi stuff tho
 

  ^^
 

Thank you guys for reading & commenting! Feedback is always appreciated ;3
@ - I haven't listened to the new indigo la end album yet, but that track is the LAST thing I would have expected from them! If only they created stuff like that on a normal basis!
"Kawareru" sounds pretty great as well. Definitely someone to keep an eye on. I'm also glad to see pentagon on this list, they're quite fun.
@@beni - I agree with you on 黒百合と影. The heavy tracks on that album get pretty tiresome, but their slower numbers really shine. Great choice with lycaon. Also good to see daoko, CICADA getting some love! ;3
@@fitear1590 NEGOTO is super solid as usual! Looking forward to their album.

Dog sitting

Apparently I have a twin
 

 

Vo. Zeus (EX-Zess ---->Zesshoku)
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Dr. Linh-San
 
Their first album called "Maintenance" has been postponed due to reasons unknown.
 
 
a link to their OHP: http://monochrome-heaven.com/
 
Their profile page: http://monochrome-heaven.com/index.php?app=forums&module=extras&section=stats&do=leaders

Most recent pic of me