Hakoniwa

Yeah...no.

I was surprised when doe mentioned it too lolol I thought I didn't remember most people but it's also because I can't keep up with nickname changes... I couldn't keep up then, can't now. XD
I was always Hakoniwa, though people used to call me Hako back then when I was...actually active lol.
But I had many avatars and signatures... I don't remember most of them, but my Photobucket is still active and IT remembers some. The ones I remember having used here are:
 
         
 

 

 

 

 

 
I think this is it... maybe there's more that I didn't upload on PB, but I honestly can't remember >_>
I thought I had a Satoshi one but maybe not? lol

I was surprised when doe mentioned it too lolol I thought I didn't remember most people but it's also because I can't keep up with nickname changes... I couldn't keep up then, can't now. XD
I was always Hakoniwa, though people used to call me Hako back then when I was...actually active lol.
But I had many avatars and signatures... I don't remember most of them, but my Photobucket is still active and IT remembers some. The ones I remember having used here are:
 
         
 

 

 

 

 

 
I think this is it... maybe there's more that I didn't upload on PB, but I honestly can't remember >_>
I thought I had a Satoshi one but maybe not? lol

With the forum being around for a decade, a lot of you have changed your user names or had multiple accounts.  Add in the fact that you have probably changed your avatar a bunch of times, and it's going to be pretty hard to remember everyone across such a long span of time.
 
So let's share all of our old usernames below! And if you still have them floating on a hard drive somewhere, include an old avatar or two.

I've been Original Saku for 12+ years, so that's always been the same... but I dig up some stuff on my ancient photobucket account from 10 years ago...
 

 

 

 

 
I'm pretty sure I used all of these in the very early years of TW, alos here's one that precedes this forum from myspace
 

 
also a bonus gem from the the old days when Jake (Spike760) was heavily into advertising (spamming) the forum all over the place.
 

What the hell, I had no idea SEKHMET is Chianti... your sig was legendary
 
I have been allisapp for 15 years now. Changes are wrong.

I don't need to dig deep on name change thread lmao
 
Kir --> Chianti --> Mister Svperstar --> Candy Warhol --> SEKHMET
 
I believe my very first username were triplesicks or something, the same name I used for my myspace back then, and I got into TW because Spike promoted it on one VK board in myspace lel

yes nostalgia lured me back haha. We had so many chats! half of the fun of mh in those days didn't take place/ or start on the actual board now that I think about it. It was all consuming in a way xD
 
and I feel like I'm dating myself a lot but I remember going from daiforum ---> tokyonights---> tonberry ---> then here. You were probably on daiforum as well and a bet a few people may have been on Tokyonights too. And yessssss invisionfree ~
 
 
You are correct I absolutely do and thought about mentioning her. After she disappeared from the forum I still talked to her some on last.fm but then she officially vanished. I remember her, prism, nick (I can't remember his username now >_<) and missa were a funny group. 
 
 
Since your comment on the first post of this thread I've been trying to figure out who is this person that remembers me and all of that stuff from back. I've been rackin my brain like for sure I know you. Then I read the other thread and saw you're Kir/Chianti and was so happy haha. You were so much fun and definitely one of my favorite people from back then and I'm glad to see you still here. (It's funny because my second internet username is wrath of sekhmet, so I was like whoever this is they hella cool)
 
 
 
also also I just remembered that guy darryl (sp??). That was another character XD. 

Aaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh you're here!!!!!
Gosh, reading your post was like traveling back in time lol I couldn't remember a lot of the things you mentioned!! We've had a lot of chats, huh XD And that's right, I remember I used to lurk around Tonberry for a long time and when I had decided to start participating for real, it was over haha. Aaand then TW came up on invisionfree, right? (everyone used invisionfree those days lol)
I've been here for a long time and it's weird how things/people changed but it's still a nice place to be. Back then, even though I registered to the forum, it took me a long time to stop lurking and start participating for real, and it's basically the same as it's happening now since I came back and still feel kind of lost lol. So many people left and so many new people came! Some of those you mentioned, for example. Man. It's been too long... and there was always a lot of drama hahahahaha it makes me wonder where everyone is! These days I don't keep in touch with most people from then and it's really a shame. Well, mostly. XD
 
But I'm really glad I could enjoy the forum then and still can now. So thank you for all! And most of all, thank you for still being here - I know very well how hard it is to keep a forum, especially nowadays, and I can't imagine how harder it is for such a large, English-language forum, with people from literally all places on Earth. So seriously, CONGRATULATIONS. It's been awesome!
 
Btw, doe, do you know about Nekkou? I was wondering about her the other day and no one I asked seemed to remember who she was, but I'm sure you do. XD

Oh boy it's been awhile. I still follow the group on fb and saw this post and thought "gahdamn, has it really been 10 years?" That means I've known some of you since I was  16/17 and some of you like champ213 probably even longer than that from tonberry days and the great migration. A wave of serious nostalgia passed over me. This forum and the people on it were such an integral part of my life for so long. 
 
Fond af memories:
downloads and rarez drama, Kiwamu hate, crappy indies vk thread, the mh Chat, chatting on msn messenger, chatting on soulseek lol, Jake's changing favorite bands every week, Dai/toasted waffles/the big change, being a mod and the staff dramaz (our pokemanz and mod colors too), yellow names, Fakkin' A, that dude mitsu (I think) who would randomly curse in the chat and had that terrible vk fanfiction and lyrics site, "generic" ,  Jake's feud with that dude that ended somehow with Cat5 and others infiltrating our ranks and then liking it here, lady revania drama, last.fm mass chart suicides and tagging dramaz, spinning on turntable.fm, when we first got emoticons and the subsequent abuse of said emoticons , demonandroid and all crappy vs. high quality rips dramaz, credit dramaz, IAMWILL, banning dramaz... okay lots of drama but ya'll get the point.
 
Some of the best friends I've made I made on this forum and some of you I've gotten a chance to meet irl and hope to still meet others in the future. I honestly thought I would be on here until the bitter end but a year or so after I moved to Tokyo and got buckled down with school and life I slow faded and before I knew it it all seemed so distant. But every now and then I think back to this place and when I see some of you guys on fb or elsewhere the memories do come flooding back and I'm happy and proud to have been a part of this community. 
 
Some honorable mentions of some people Who've impacted my life on and off this board: 
Cat5, Champ213, Maiku, Prism, Zeus, Mima, Shogu, Missa, Ito, Spike760, Biopanda, Furik, Aion, Ash and more.
 
So long and thanks for all the fish.

I doubt it, since Ikkyu is a very common Japanese name... It could be reference to this anime of the same name, which in turn is about the famous 15th century Japanese Zen Buddhist monk and poet, Ikkyū Sōjun.
 
 

Greetings, MH! The ORZ staff are back with our latest batch of recommended tracks! Feb. was a pretty delectable month, so let's waste no time and dig right in!
 
(We apologize if some videos aren't available due to region restrictions!)
 
@emmny's Picks
 
"アイラク偽心" by 游彩
"Airaku Gishin" by Yusai

ex-Zin members' (minus ex-vocalist Riku) new band Yusai offers more or less of the same thing Zin were known for: a japonesque sound that was decent but not quite Kiryu. That's not as bad of a thing as it sounds, Kiryu's ADHD sound is a bit much at times. Yusai keep the angular guitarwork, sharp melody, funky rhythm and traditional instrumentation accents while keeping it concise and catchy. Amane (once on guitars as Luy) has a husky yet nasal voice which adds an interesting contrast to the instrumental track. This shouldn't be too much of a surprise given Zin's uncanny strength in composition. Keep 'em on your radar, ladies and gentlemen!
 
"幽囚谷のバッタ" by ラッコ
"Yuushuudani no Batter" by LACK-CO.

Vk troublemakers LACK-CO. are back with another wacky song (and even wackier accompanying music video) which I happened to enjoy more than their prior output. As now typical of their everything-but-the-kitchen-sink style, the song has thrashy verses, a breakdown, swing sections and delicate jazzy, clean passages reminiscent of Moran and Chemical Pictures. I can't even tell what's going on half the time, but this jazz-kei bastard child has enough going on between the complex guitar work, lovely yet forceful vox and wild rhythm section to keep me amused for its brief three minute run.  
"失明" by グリーヴァ
"Shitsumei" by Grieva

Grieva is dead. The vintage DEG and Madeth gray'll kote-kei satan spawn is no longer. What have we done to deserve such a fate? The end was near with the release of Konton no hako and the nail in the coffin was hammered in by "Liar..." and its alt-metal-isms. It was probably Grieva's roughest era, being all over the place stylistically. Now we have the next phase, a splice of their old sound and....*gasp* TMOAB-era DEG. I'm proud to report that it is the best thing the band have done in a while. "Shitsumei" removes the worn 90's riffs and fills them in with mid-00's metalcore riffing, all while keeping the 90's charm and incredible ear for melody intact. Grieva sound entirely re-energized and ready to plagiarize some more, thank god!  
 
 
@Zeus's Pick
 
"Lineage" by Versailles

Versailles is a band that takes pompous as a compliment, and from music to visuals they've built their brand on being larger than life. Lineage is both the release and the song that restores luster to a band that had lost their way. I extolled the virtues of "La Musique" in my full-length review of Lineage〜薔薇の末裔〜, but this is the track that defines the mini-album. I'm loving how the violin and keys direct the melody without overpowering the metal. The progressive elements come in at the right moments and introduce enough variance to prevent stagnation. KAMIJO's charisma is still as infectious as ever and the instrumental portions of songs feel much more theatrical and less like a showcase for HIZAKI and TERU's skills. Versailles does not often release namesake tracks on singles - in fact I believe this is the first - so not only is this a pleasant surprise, but it speaks to the confidence of KAMIJO in his band and this song when he penned it. This is a track I can play all day.
 
  @fitear1590's Picks
 
"フラブジャスナハト" by グリモア
"Frabjous Nacht" by GRIMOIRE

Since 2015, GRIMOIRE has risen to become one of my favorites among indies neo VK. They've consistently delivered atmospheric, haunted house tunes mediated through high-concept visuals and surprisingly glossy PVs. While I can understand their main criticism--that they can be a bit too 'samey'--"Frabjous Nacht" looks to break the spell. On top of being their most standout title (lol, I still can't get over the word 'frabjous'), it's one of their most unique compositions. Verses have a slow, hypnotic quality and the track sports some of their most technical guitarwork so far. They're now apparently on Timely Records (home to the likes of other all-caps bands like XAA-XAA and DADAROMA), so I hope more people will take note of GRIMOIRE in all their 'frabjous' glory.
 
"偽物の宴" by 眩暈SIREN
"nisemono no utage" by memai SIREN

Somewhere down the line, memai SIREN was recommended to me on YouTube. "Nisemono no utage" has a lot of interesting crossover appeal. It's part anime OP song,  part Paramore-style power pop, part uplifting VK number (that guitar melody at :14 is something classic I could see MegaMasso doing). On top of that, the video is pretty striking, combining the pseudo-silhouettes of the band members over projected imagery that oscillates between organic and geometric designs.
 
"夕闇に鳴動する衝動と幸福の在処" by Soanプロジェクトwith手鞠
"yuuyami ni meidou suru shoudou to koufuku no arika" by Soan Project with Temari

Last month, Soan (ex-Moran) showed us a darker/heavier side in his surprising collaboration with Akuta (Chanty, ex-Administrator). This month, the art kei dial got turned up to 11 by enlisting the help of Temari (ex-Amber gris). It's a complete 180 from the previous release, nixing percussion and rock instrumentation in favor of a more sublime, orchestral sound. From the crisp piano that could adorn any Ghibli feature to the heart-wrenching, dramatic strings, Soan and Temari have crafted something divine. Soan Project is clearly a multi-faceted venture, so even if the first mini didn't tickle your fancy, you still owe it to yourself to check this one out.
 
 
@CAT5's Picks
 
"Change your mind" by 雨のパレード 
"Change your mind" by ame no parade

I've long been critical of ame no parade (amepare for short) and not out of some unrooted distaste for their music, but because I am genuinely fond of them and would like to see the band succeed. Kohei's pristine and soulful croon has made him one of my favorite male voices of today, and the band is competent in both playing and invoking atmosphere. They're cooking with some amazingly potent ingredients, though they've yet to serve anything truly fulfilling. Instead they've been using the same boring recipe of recycled vocal melodies, bland, minimalistic verses, and big-for-nothing choruses. In promotion of their upcoming second album, the ironically titled Change your pops, amepare has dropped the MV for "Change your mind", which is a surprisingly welcome 'change' of pace for the band. Their standard formula is still in play, but the drab minimalism of the past has been enhanced with groovy synths and danceable drums that actually manage to engage you. From the very start of the song, it's evident that they're playing with renewed conviction, and it gives me hope that amepare might actually 'change THEIR pops'!
 
@Original Saku's Picks
 
"New York City" by Tempalay

Tempalay has surprised me so much this month with music that I just typically don't listen to much. I discovered them earlier this month by chance while I was browsing JPS. They weave this weird blend of psychedelic and chillout rock that is just so addicting. It was love at first listen and I haven't looked back since. The weirdly named "New York City" serves as the opener of 5曲 (5 Kyoku) which instantly becomes less bizarre once you watch the PV. Most interesting is the concept of the album. I highly recommend you check out the whole thing if you like what you hear.  
"ノクチルカの夜" by まじ娘
"Noctiluca Night" by majiko

majiko made her major debut this month with her mini album Cloud 7. We all know about the 'major curse' that plagues indie groups and artists once they go major. I was more than a little worried at the prospect that the same curse could afflict majiko, thankfully those worries were for naught. In fact I can only see an improvement in this record. "ノクチルカの夜" showcases a clear departure from her mellow pop-oriented utaite roots, and we can see a shift to a more mature, darker sound with much more depth and production quality. The new musical shift does wonders for her beautiful voice and meshes really well with her haunting singing style. It really brings a certain level of intensity to her music.  
"一休さん" by 水曜日のカンパネラ
"Ikkyu-san" by Suiyoubi no Campanella

After a mini album that most would call 'stale' or 'more of the same' last year, people were already counting Suiyoubi no Campanella as a one trick pony. This notion was immediately disproved this month with their new album SUPERMAN which does more than enough to validate their musical prowess and innovation. "Ikkyu-san" showcases what makes this group so awesome and addicting, with an infectious beat and a stunning vocal performance from KOMUAI, accompanied by eccentric electronica sounds aplenty. I know this is a REC track thread but I really just want to say how cohesive this album is from start to finish and I couldn't recommend it more! It might even be better than their previous album Zipangu for me.  
"明日も" by SHISHAMO
"Ashita mo" by SHISHAMO

This is a group I've been infatuated with over the last few years. SHISHAMO brings forth my love of female fronted indie rock bands like no other. They have the 'it' factor in their music, that feeling of euphoria and mellowness that wraps around you and makes you just feel legit good. They're a part of the few all female rock bands that currently are keeping the dream alive in Japan. I enjoy and appreciate them so much! These girls have been spitting out material so fast that it hasn't even been a full year since we got their last album, but we already have SHISHAMO 4  to start 2017 off with a party. "明日も" Is a fun pop rock jam that asserts that these girls' instruments are not for show and that they can jam when it's time to. Like with all my other RECs, please check out the full album for the true experience. Do yourself a solid.  
 
Guest Recommendations:
 
@TheStoic's Pick
 
"METALIN" by そこに鳴る
"METALIN" by Sokoninaru

Breakdowns.  Blast beats. Gang chants. Chaotic soloing. These are not typical elements that describe the music the rock trio そこに鳴る.  Since releasing their debut EP in 2015, the group has gone under the radar on the pages of MH. It's a shame given their technical abilities and impressive songwriting in the indie rock scene.  However, their latest single "METALIN" (featured on the album of the same name) is more than worthy of appropriating the metal moniker.  The band effortlessly melds their upbeat melodic choruses and core indie sound with a fresh dash of tremolo thrash metal riffs, neckbreaking breakdowns, and a frenetic energy that is a blast to listen to.  If you have not given them a proper listen, "METALIN" may be be your gateway drug, as this single shows that they have the hunger to give indie heavyweights like 凛として時雨 (Ling Tosite Sigure) a run for their money.   @Ada Suilen's Picks   "Lineage" by Versailles I think that the visual kei scene is living a sort of rebirth, with many shiny comebacks, giving the genre a new shape. Probably the most awaited one comes from the symphonic metal act Versailles, starting off with the compilation The Greatest Hits -2007/2016- last September, and now with their second mini-album Lineage -Bara no matsuei-. In general, the sound echoes the inheritance of this band, taking even some elements from the side projects of the single members where this track represents its peak. With an incredible, virtuous metal sound, powerful riffs and more mature vocals, "Lineage" will surely stick in your head. Welcome back Descendants!
  "Remember the Name"  by アイオリン "Remember the Name" by Aiolin  One of the newest products of the scene, formerly known as code name Px, debuted with their first album at the beginning of the month and the final result was pretty shocking. As you can see from the name, their music (especially in this lead-track) is filled by a melodious violin (provided by the singer) mixed with electronic elements, energetic sounds and harsh vocals: the ideal ingredients for a sure success. Probably one of the most promising acts of 2017 and I hope that they will continue down this path.  
  -   Thanks for checking out our recommendations this month! And another big thanks to our guest contributors @TheStoic and @Ada Suilen! If you have any thoughts on our list, or if you have any recommendations of your own, please feel free to comment below! If you're interested in being a guest contributor, contact @CAT5or @doombox.   

The itty-bitty tiny prince!! <3
Those are nice~ : D
I've messed with charcoal in my frawing class too and it's sooo difficult at first, it feels completely different when you're used to pencils and it takes a while to get used to it... but I really like playing around with it, though it gets really messy if you don't set the paper vertically since your hand keeps brushing over it lol... Man, I miss those classes. :<
Sometimes I think I should create one of these topics too, but at the same time idk... I don't think my stuff are very good. But sharing sounds fun anyway D:
So keep sharing pls <3 haha

Meu ingresso geralmente custa mais porque tem a passagem de avião embutida :<
Eu moro numa cidade do interior da Bahia, divisa com Pernambuco. Então não é sempre que dá pra ir pra São Paulo e afins :/

SIM. <3
 

 
Loucura, né? Mas que pena que não pode ir! Não tem jeito mesmo? :<
Eu vou atravessar meio país pra ir mas vou... não posso deixar isso passar na minha vida. É loucura pensar que isso é verdade, mas é verdade sim!
O que vai ter de otaku das antigas na AF esse ano... hahahah

Drew an artist I like. (DoubleMaximus or MarshmallowMaximus)
 

 
Drew one of my artist friends. (DoopieDoOver)
 

 
And scribbled a prince~

I think it's been a good 10 years since I last posted on a BBS, but I've been looking for a J-rock/V-kei community for a while now and I was glad to find this one (figured that if I can't shut up about the music I love listening to I should probably join!).
 
I'm really into MUCC these days (can't wait for their new album! Just a couple more days!), and really love the big classic geezers (X Japan, Luna Sea, Buck-Tick, Kuroyume). I also love going to gigs and finding new bands to listen to. Thought the scene was dead until a year ago, but nope, still alive and kicking. DEZERT are currently my favorite fairly-new v-kei act. They're unpolished (sometimes in a good way) but give good vibes and have an interesting interaction with their audience.
 
I'm here to learn (so many bands I've never heard of just from skimming through the site, yay!) and meet new people. So, um, hi!

"CHANGE YOUR PPS"
we need better slideshows for presentations

I see the tracklist is now available too!
 
 
Count me out lol :'D

Let's hope they put as much effort into the actual music as they do trying to look as pretentious as possible.

new band pic(????)
haven't seen it posted *officially* idk why

you dont understand mom, ITS ART
 
album cover(???)
again wasnt posted officially

 
 
 

Greetings, Monochrome-Heaven! Welcome to our first installment of Recommended Tracks for the year 2017! Things are already off to a great start and we've got a wonderful selection of new songs to recommend! So let's get straight to it!  
 
(We apologize if some videos aren't available due to region restrictions!)
 
  @fitear1590's Picks
 
"A Little Picture" by ユナイト
"A Little Picture" by UNiTE.

2016 was a fairly slow year for UNiTE., with only a maxi-single and three digitally released tracks. Although a bit over-produced, "A Little Picture" is a joyous return for the band. While I haven't gotten my hands on a physical copy to check the liner notes yet, I'd bet that the guest saxophone is by RUPPA. For those who are looking forward to listening to the entire release, head on over to streaming services like Spotify! The single's PV is simple, but delightful, featuring some of the best production value for the band's videos so far. Filtered through a soft pastel aesthetic, we get to see the members frolic around in a paint studio. #literallyartkei  
"偽りへの招待" by テマネキ 
"itsuwari e no shoutai" by temaneki

I've also gotta keep an eye on the little guys! As far as I know, temaneki are a trio of newbies in the scene and, boy, are they rough around the edges. Their look is lacking some serious polish and their production is out of whack. And yet, I'm drawn to their first single! Clunky synth arrangements aside, I am loving their melodies. The chorus has the kind of dramatic edge that I live for in VK. I'm curious to see where temaneki will go from here!  
"Shimokitazawa" by Ailiph Doepa

Now this is my kind of random discovery. As far as I can tell, no one has posted about Ailiph Doepa on MH yet, but I'm sure they would be up a lot of people's alleys. They've got the quirky, spastic touch of bands like The Blood Brothers or early バックドロップシンデレラ (Backdrop Cinderella), but with the djent savvy to pull off some bursts of truly heavy stuff. Plus, the band seem to have a great sense of humor, with stage names like Eyegargoyle (vocals) and Donaldy Ketchup (drums). I am going back to check out the rest of their discography, stat!  
"透過幕" by Soanプロジェクトwith芥
"toukamaku" by Soan Project with Akuta

Collaborative 'projects' aren't uncommon in VK: HIZAKI grace project, Kisaki Project, ～Lily Project～, and so on. Well, Soan Project happens to be the latest, most notably featuring Moran drummer and composer Soan, with vocalist Akuta (Chanty, ex-Administrator). I hadn't been following the Soundcloud samples prior to the release, so when I heard the mini, I was going in 'blind.' It doesn't sound like Moran x Chanty by any means, but I'm still impressed--it's cool to hear these musicians work in a new style! This particular track is angsty with gorgeous backing piano and an epic guitar solo. Next month, Soan's collaboration with Temari (ex-Amber gris) comes out!  
@beni's Picks
 
"ケルベロス" by 相対性理論
"Cerberus" by Soutaiseiriron

Sotaiseiriron have been around since 2006. While the band tend to keep to themselves, as shown by their lack of appearances in promotional pictures and music videos, Sotaiseiriron have a massive fanbase. For those who have never heard of them or have yet to try them, don't leave that experience waiting any longer! Trust me. Those who already know and like singers like Bonjour Suzuki and DAOKO will have a field day with Sōtaiseiriron too because of the similar vocal work. Yakushimaru Etsuko's whimsical yet cute voice against the rocking music and repeated strings and chords make for a funky, sweet tune. That chorus is undeniably adorable and won't be leaving your head any time soon. And how could I not bring up the music video? An Okami-like animated sequence of a baby Cerberus can only mean one thing: cuteness overload.  
"Bitter" by 緑黄色社会
"Bitter" by ryokushaka

This newly debuting band (yes band, don't let the music video fool you too into thinking it's a solo artist!) are instantly showing a lot of potential. Thanks to the bright music video, the tune takes me back to acts like Sugar's Campaign and Awesome City Club. While the video is simple at best, it's still a pleasure. I can't be the only one finding myself joining in with their singer Haruko Nagaya's random hand dancing in the chorus! For those interested, their first mini album Nice To Meet You?? dropped earlier this month!  
 
"成仏できない" by メランコリック写楽
"joubutsu dekinai" by melacholic-sharaku

If there's a band I'm sure JPopsuki and AramaJapan! will jump on sooner or later, it's melancholic-sharaku. The Seiko Oomori like vocals are becoming a real trend with some breaking indie acts recently, and these guys are no different. But what I love about them is the insanely catchy pop chorus. By the first chorus on my first listen, I was sold. Nothing more can be said for these guys other than I hope they stick to this path. For those who like a good time and want something new, goofy (just check out that MV) and obscure for now, melancholic-sharaku are your order.  
 
"after that" by ぼくのりりっくのぼうよみ
"after that" by Boku no Lyric no Boyomi

I was recommended by @CAT5 to try this guy's second album release Noah's Arc. It's a great 2017 album and chock-full of brilliant songs, one of them being "after that". For such a young artist, at the age of 18, bokuriri is already proving to be a star. The composition reminds me of other musical geniuses I've been impressed with such as Nakashima Koh. bokuriri has quite the distinctive voice and his lyrical delivery even changes from singing to rap. It's no surprise then that he came from the Utaite scene, going under the name of Shigaisen before he became the professional artist we see today. This is a masterpiece of a track that I hope encourages you to give the full length album a go!  
"Hit It Up" by Omoinotake

"Hit It Up"? More like Groove Me Up! While the vocals could leave something to be desired, the sheer music quality of this smooth, swinging track doesn't disappoint. The tune gets progressively more involved, with the climax being solos of everything involved, from the piano, to the trumpet and vocals! This feelgood track gets better with each and every listen. I'm sure glad I stumbled on these boys!  
@emmny's Picks
 
"FIVEFOLD ENVY" by VRZEL

VRZEL helped us ring in the new year with "FIVEFOLD ENVY" in all its divine ratchetness, and for that we'll be blessed in 2017 with a whole lot more messy, guilty pleasure Gazetteisms. The brainchild of vocalist Cion, VRZEL have been active for far too long and refused to die even after a bunch of lineup changes. Within all that time, they've courted a flock of high school girls as fans, which is a pretty decent outcome for a guy who sounds like post-2010 Ruki trying to make his best impression of a post-2010 Gazette song. This is all so wrong yet so, so right; until we're called up to explain our sins...enjoy this *wink*.  
"with you" by ラミエル 
"with you" by Ramiel

Ramiel were the most pleasant surprise of 2016 for me, a totally cute pop-rock band with the concept of "love" signed onto Satanic Shimizuya records, a label known for producing Avelcain, Lycaon and Sibilebashir. They're a breath of fresh air with a sound recalling older oshare acts, and "with you" is a love letter to the genre. Melodic lead lines, nasal vocals, crack-like chorus, lovely engrish, crap production and just overall loveliness make up the song. They're lovely, in case you didn't get how lovely this already was from listening. Very lovely, super lovely...all my love to Ramiel.  
"君を殺して僕も死ぬ(嘘)" by SCAPEGOAT
"Kimi wo koroshite boku mo shinu (uso)" by SCAPEGOAT

SCAPEGOAT come back hot off the heels of their killer string of 2016 releases with their best song so far, and a strong contender for song of the year for 2017...all before 2017 even started. "Kimi wo..." is an odd, chaotic mishmash of elements yet incredibly sharp and catchy, SCAPEGOAT's signature. A lover's suicide gone wrong, the frantic chorus is broken up by wedding organs and glockenspiel throughout. Whereas a lot of bands try to play crazy, SCAPEGOAT do it for real; moving through eerily saccharine verses, building up the tension before Haru whispers the track title and all hell breaks loose.  
 
@CAT5's Picks
 
"North Park" by PENS+

PENS+ is a young, talented, and lively emo/math-rock band that plays with technical proficiency, but writes songs as catchy as they come. Arai Ryo, leader and vocalist/guitarist, lists bands like cinema staff, the cabs, and malegoat as his favorites - all of which have played a clear role in influencing PENS+. They just dropped a new split CD with American band Leer, and it's a fantastic, international pairing of quality math-rock. On "North Park", PENS+ speedily traverse the fret board while keeping your ears hooked with their bright and infectious melodies. The entire split is great, though. If you like what you hear, be sure to pick it up on bandcamp for SUPER cheap!  
"SNOOZE" by Suchmos

I'm generally pretty critical of Japanese bands that incorporate traditionally 'black' music styles, as more often than not, I feel they sound like parodies instead of authentic interpretations of the genres. Suchmos, however, has done a fairly convincing job so far. They've been riding the city-pop wave that's been trending lately, but their sound emphasizes smooth funk and soul grooves - perhaps most similar to UNCHAIN. Their new album THE KIDS just dropped, and "SNOOZE" was easily the standout track for me. It's got a bit of a gritty hip-hop feel to it mixed with some hard-driving funk-rock, yet it's entirely soulful throughout. You'll be bopping along in no time to this one!  
"close2u" by G.RINA

Speaking of city-pop, G.RINA is back with her new album LIVE & LEARN - her second foray into the style following 2015's Lotta Love. The album's a great set of catchy pop that draws heavily from 80's funk and R&B, and it's the most confident and assured that I've ever heard her. "close2u", the second track on the album, is an instant jam and G.RINA sings (and raps!) with the coolest conviction. It's a great, feel-good tune to get the year started with.  
Thanks for checking out our recommendations this month! If you have any thoughts on our list or recommendations of your own, please feel free to comment below! If you're interested in being a guest contributor, contact either @CAT5 

Earlier today (Jan 30) at their live at clubasia, avian enthusiasts PELICAN FANCLUB announced that they plan to release their very first album this spring. Album title, tracklist and tour details haven't been revealed yet.
 
Through February they'll be touring with Panorama Panama Town and Age Factory, and in March they'll do a collab live with odol.
 
GREAT TRIANGLE TOUR 2017
2017年2月15日（水）大阪府 LIVE HOUSE Pangea
2017年2月16日（木）広島県 HIROSHIMA BACK BEAT
2017年2月17日（金）福岡県 graf
2017年2月22日（水）愛知県 CLUB ROCK'N'ROLL
2017年2月23日（木）東京都 GARRET udagawa
2017年2月24日（金）宮城県 enn 2nd
＜出演者＞
PELICAN FANCLUB / パノラマパナマタウン / Age Factory
 
odol×PELICAN FANCLUB「凄い日」
2017年3月3日（金）東京都 新代田FEVER
＜出演者＞
odol / PELICAN FANCLUB
 
http://natalie.mu/music/news/218806
 

So I started watching a new anime this season called Kuzu no Honkai.  That title interested me because its (official) translation is basically "Scum's Wish" and that's not something you see everyday lol.
 
 
The trailer doesn't do it any justice; it makes it seem like any other romance anime so I wasn't sure whether to watch it or not... but hey, it's a noitaminA show so it's worth a try at least. In the end, it was different than I thought it would be! The main characters don't seem to be the nicest people and there's an interesting premise: they both are in love with someone who doesn't love them back, so they're going out with each other to be those people's replacement for each other. It's a bit messed up and surprisingly NSFW (especially for a noitaminA show), but strangely endearing. It has some light-hearted humor but not too much, most of the episode was narrated by the protagonist and that's nice. Some of the lines remind me of manga, and it's probably on purpose since there are also some manga-like panels thrown in. It was a good first episode overall, I'll definitely keep watching it. Apparently the manga is still being published, but the whole anime is set to have 11 episodes.
 
I also finally watched Litle Witch Academia's movies! I really like them, so I'm gonna start the TV series soon too.

So I started watching a new anime this season called Kuzu no Honkai.  That title interested me because its (official) translation is basically "Scum's Wish" and that's not something you see everyday lol.
 
 
The trailer doesn't do it any justice; it makes it seem like any other romance anime so I wasn't sure whether to watch it or not... but hey, it's a noitaminA show so it's worth a try at least. In the end, it was different than I thought it would be! The main characters don't seem to be the nicest people and there's an interesting premise: they both are in love with someone who doesn't love them back, so they're going out with each other to be those people's replacement for each other. It's a bit messed up and surprisingly NSFW (especially for a noitaminA show), but strangely endearing. It has some light-hearted humor but not too much, most of the episode was narrated by the protagonist and that's nice. Some of the lines remind me of manga, and it's probably on purpose since there are also some manga-like panels thrown in. It was a good first episode overall, I'll definitely keep watching it. Apparently the manga is still being published, but the whole anime is set to have 11 episodes.
 
I also finally watched Litle Witch Academia's movies! I really like them, so I'm gonna start the TV series soon too.