The Reverend

A Dramatic Retelling of the Time the Dude from Undeux Went Missing but then Ordered a Pizza With the Band's Line Account
 
by The Reverend
 
 
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
 
EXT. TOKYO ALLEYWAY, ENTRANCE TO IKEBUKURO BLACK HOLE -- EVENING
CUT TO:
 
INT. BACKSTAGE DRESSING ROOM
 
The vanity shelves are filled with various makeup and hair products. Members from various indies VK bands are milling about; applying makeup, styling hair, strumming vacantly on guitars. As we pan to the rear corner the members of Undeux are half in costume chatting while getting dressed.
 
(If writing is visible it is in Japanese. All speech is in English.)
 
AL (GUITAR)
Can you believe this asshole? He was supposed to be here like two hours ago? What if he doesn't show?
 
Luchat turns away from the mirror while affixing feathers to his wig.
 
LUCHAT (DRUMS)
Can any of you guys sing?
 
AL
Riku couldn't sing! Anyone willing to get up there and just kinda shriek occasionally while pointing into the audience and making up some furi?
 
Koji is sitting on the floor applying fake blood to his face.
 
KOJI (BASS)
No can do. You guys are already making me play bass; I've got enough to try and remember.
 
AL
Damnit.
 
Kai walks through the door in full stage makeup buttoning his bloody white shirt.
 
KAI (GUITAR)
Hey has anyone heard from...
 
AL
No.
 
KOJI
No.
 
LUCHAT
Nope.
 
KAI
Damnit.
 
AL
Alright we can't not go on stage now...
 
Al spots a couple of boxes (formerly containing hairspray bottles) near the corner of the room and raises his eyebrows furtively.
 
AL (CONT'D)
I've got an idea!
 
CROSSFADE from Al cutting one of the boxes with a pair of scissors to the band performing on stage with a 3-foot tall cutout of a person taped to a mic stand instead of a vocalist. The cutout has been splattered with fake blood.
 
FADE TO BLACK as the band performs.
 
 
ACT TWO
 
EXT. A NONDESCRIPT APARTMENT COMPLEX IN EDOGAWA. TWO DAYS LATER. -- NIGHT
CUT TO:
 
INT. A SMALL JAPANESE APARTMENT WITH LOTS OF BAND POSTERS ON THE WALL. SOME FLOWERS/CARTOON PLUSHES/PRODUCTS THAT INDICATE IT IS A WOMAN'S ROOM ARE VISIBLE. A 20-SOMETHING GIRL IS LOUNGING ON THE BED MESSING WITH HER CELL PHONE.
 
RIKU is sitting Indian-style on the floor with a laptop on his lap. There is some hard (but not offensively brutal) rock playing on his laptop speakers.
 
RIKU (VOCALS, UNDEUX)
You hungry babe?
 
GIRL on the bed does not look up or to check whether or not her response is heard.
 
GIRL
Hmm?
 
RIKU
Want to go out?
 
GIRL
Ehh.
 
RIKU
Well *I'm* hungry. Let's go grab some food.
 
GIRL
I don't get paid till Friday, I'm kinda broke.
 
RIKU has stood up and is rifling through the small cupboard and refrigerator.
 
RIKU
Damn, me too. I'm sick of instant noodles though, I'm gonna order some pizza. Whatchu want on your half?
 
GIRL
Where you ordering from?
 
RIKU
That Italian place downstairs. You can just hit 'em up on Line to order.
 
GIRL
Corn and mayo!
 
RIKU
Gross, fine.
 
RIKU grabs his laptop and starts typing.
 
SFX: PAN OUT THROUGH WINDOW TO WIDE SHOT OF APARTMENT BUILDING WITH GATHERING THUNDERSTORM IN THE BACKGROUND.
 
MUSIC: DRAMATIC ORCHESTRAL HITS.
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT THREE
 
EXT. SAME EDOGAWA APARTMENT COMPLEX. TWO HOURS LATER. -- NIGHT
 
INT. SAME APARTMENT. MOSTLY FINISHED PIZZA/BOX SIT ON THE TABLE. GIRL IS STILL MINDLESSLY PLAYING WITH PHONE BUT LAYING WITH HEAD ON FOOT OF BED.
 
RIKU is finishing a slice of pizza as he sits down at his computer again, looking very satisfied.
 
MUSIC: OMINOUS BUT FAINT
 
RIKU is reading intently on computer when his face drops and grows pale. He instinctively covers his mouth with his hand while continuing to scroll.
 
RIKU
Oh fuck.
 
GIRL
Huh?
 
RIKU
Oh fuck oh fuck.
 
GIRL looks up from phone at RIKU. She is still lying on the bed.
 
GIRL
What's up?
 
RIKU stands and begins pacing on the small apartment floor.
 
RIKU
Oh man this is not good... I was logged into the band's account when I ordered that pizza!
 
GIRL
Didn't you quit that band?
 
RIKU
I did! But I guess I hadn't logged out and into my own Line on my laptop. Shit! I didn't show up to our last show those guys are gonna be so pissed at me!
 
GIRL sits up.
 
GIRL
Why were they expecting you at their show?
 
RIKU
Well, I quit the band... but didn't really tell them it would be *immediately*. They've been texting me non-stop.
 
GIRL
Oh my god, you idiot.
 
RIKU
I was trying to let them down easy!
 
GIRL
Just pay them back.
 
RIKU
I'm not worried about the money!
 
GIRL
Is this really that big a deal?
 
RIKU
Oh my god yes, you don't fuck with Rame and get away with it. I need to call my lawyer.
 
GIRL
*Your* lawyer? Who do you think you are? You definitely don't have some lawyer on retainer.
 
RIKU
I... you know what I mean!
Seriously, I could be in some shit.
 
SFX: PAN OUT THROUGH WINDOW TO WIDE SHOT OF APARTMENT WHILE RIKU IS PACING AND DIALING A NUMBER ON HIS CELL PHONE. IT IS RAINING HARD AND A SINGLE CROW IS CAWING ON SOME POWER LINES BELOW THEIR APARTMENT WINDOW.
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT FOUR
 
EXT. AN UNIDENTIFIED AVERAGE TOKYO STREET. MANY PEOPLE ARE GOING ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS IN STORES ON THE STREETS -- DAY
 
INT. A LUXURIOUSLY APPOINTED OFFICE. THE FOUR NON-VOCALIST MEMBERS OF UNDEUX SIT ON ONE SIDE OF A LARGE WOODEN DESK. A LARGE BALD BODYGUARD-TYPE MAN STANDS NEAR THE DOOR WEARING A SUIT AND SUNGLASSES. THE BAND, IN CASUAL CLOTHES, ARE FACING THE BACK OF A STATELY LEATHER OFFICE CHAIR ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DESK.
 
The chair slowly spins around to reveal RAME of the record label GLKingdom and former bassist of VK band Vidoll. RAME is wearing a charcoal suit and a black tie.
 
RAME
Thank you for meeting me. Let's discuss how we can resolve this unfortunate... 'incident'.
 
KAI
Well...
 
The members of Undeux look at each other nervously.
 
AL
Well, we want to keep going. We were hoping, you know, that maybe you knew a vocalist who would be interested...
 
RAME laughs softly.
 
AL (CONT'D)
...in joining the band.
 
RAME
Yes, yes. That can all be arranged. I was speaking more about what to do with Riku.
 
LUCHAT
Wha...?
 
KOJI
We still haven't heard from him.
 
AL
Well, other than the pizza thing.
 
LUCHAT
Yeah, what a dick.
 
RAME pulls a white envelope from a drawer.
 
RAME
First, he quits the band and no-shows despite promising me he'd keep performing till the summer.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Then, he hides and doesn't return any of my calls or texts. And finally...
 
RAME opens the letter contained in the envelope.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
...I get a letter from a lawyer claiming that the record deal you all signed was invalid and Riku not showing up was not a breach of contract at all.
 
The members of Undeux are fidgeting in their seats but do not say anything.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Our friend Riku needs a lesson in respect and honor.
 
KOJI
What do you...?
 
RAME nods at the large man standing by the door. The bodyguard nods back and exits the room.
 
RAME
Let's not worry about Riku any longer.
 
The members of Undeux look slightly afraid but don't move or speak.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Now, about finding you guys a new vocalist... have you heard of the band QEDDESHET?
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT FIVE
 
EXT. A GRIMEY TOKYO ALLEYWAY. IT IS RAINING LIGHTLY -- EVENING
 
RIKU runs around a corner and places his hands on his knees to try to catch his breath. He is looking from side to side very nervously. RIKU starts walking quickly, while often looking over his shoulder, toward one end of the alley.
 
As RIKU approaches a large man in a dark suit appears at the end of the alley that RIKU is headed toward. RIKU,
panicked, turns and begins running in the opposite direction.
 
RIKU is sprinting and splashing through puddles of the alley. As he nears the corner he appeared from originally another man in a suit emerges holding a black handgun.
 
RIKU
No! Please...
 
The second suited man emotionlessly aims the gun at RIKU and pulls the trigger. The man wipes the gun with his pocket square and lays the gun down beside Riku's body. The suited men walk away quickly but confidently.
 
OVERHEAD SHOT:
Camera slowly pans upward as the blood from RIKU's gunshot mixes with the water his body is lying in. Camera pans upward until it is above the roofline and even the silhouette of RIKU's lifeless body has disappeared from view.
 
CUT TO:
 
INT. UNNAMED TOKYO LIVE HOUSE IN THE MIDDLE OF A PERFORMANCE.
 
The band Undeux are walking out onstage to a pulsing techno track. A new, unidentified vocalist comes out last to lots of shouting from the crowd. The intro track ends and a drum fill signals the beginning of Undeux's first song. The new vocalist crouches over and unleashes an imperfect but earnest pig-squeal as the guitars kick in.
 
The camera finds RAME at the rear of the club watching dispassionately. The large suited man from his office approaches and whispers something into his ear that is unheard over the band's performance.
 
One corner of RAME's lips fold upward into a wry smile.
FADE TO BLACK:
TITLE CARD: fin.
 

A Dramatic Retelling of the Time the Dude from Undeux Went Missing but then Ordered a Pizza With the Band's Line Account
 
by The Reverend
 
 
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
 
EXT. TOKYO ALLEYWAY, ENTRANCE TO IKEBUKURO BLACK HOLE -- EVENING
CUT TO:
 
INT. BACKSTAGE DRESSING ROOM
 
The vanity shelves are filled with various makeup and hair products. Members from various indies VK bands are milling about; applying makeup, styling hair, strumming vacantly on guitars. As we pan to the rear corner the members of Undeux are half in costume chatting while getting dressed.
 
(If writing is visible it is in Japanese. All speech is in English.)
 
AL (GUITAR)
Can you believe this asshole? He was supposed to be here like two hours ago? What if he doesn't show?
 
Luchat turns away from the mirror while affixing feathers to his wig.
 
LUCHAT (DRUMS)
Can any of you guys sing?
 
AL
Riku couldn't sing! Anyone willing to get up there and just kinda shriek occasionally while pointing into the audience and making up some furi?
 
Koji is sitting on the floor applying fake blood to his face.
 
KOJI (BASS)
No can do. You guys are already making me play bass; I've got enough to try and remember.
 
AL
Damnit.
 
Kai walks through the door in full stage makeup buttoning his bloody white shirt.
 
KAI (GUITAR)
Hey has anyone heard from...
 
AL
No.
 
KOJI
No.
 
LUCHAT
Nope.
 
KAI
Damnit.
 
AL
Alright we can't not go on stage now...
 
Al spots a couple of boxes (formerly containing hairspray bottles) near the corner of the room and raises his eyebrows furtively.
 
AL (CONT'D)
I've got an idea!
 
CROSSFADE from Al cutting one of the boxes with a pair of scissors to the band performing on stage with a 3-foot tall cutout of a person taped to a mic stand instead of a vocalist. The cutout has been splattered with fake blood.
 
FADE TO BLACK as the band performs.
 
 
ACT TWO
 
EXT. A NONDESCRIPT APARTMENT COMPLEX IN EDOGAWA. TWO DAYS LATER. -- NIGHT
CUT TO:
 
INT. A SMALL JAPANESE APARTMENT WITH LOTS OF BAND POSTERS ON THE WALL. SOME FLOWERS/CARTOON PLUSHES/PRODUCTS THAT INDICATE IT IS A WOMAN'S ROOM ARE VISIBLE. A 20-SOMETHING GIRL IS LOUNGING ON THE BED MESSING WITH HER CELL PHONE.
 
RIKU is sitting Indian-style on the floor with a laptop on his lap. There is some hard (but not offensively brutal) rock playing on his laptop speakers.
 
RIKU (VOCALS, UNDEUX)
You hungry babe?
 
GIRL on the bed does not look up or to check whether or not her response is heard.
 
GIRL
Hmm?
 
RIKU
Want to go out?
 
GIRL
Ehh.
 
RIKU
Well *I'm* hungry. Let's go grab some food.
 
GIRL
I don't get paid till Friday, I'm kinda broke.
 
RIKU has stood up and is rifling through the small cupboard and refrigerator.
 
RIKU
Damn, me too. I'm sick of instant noodles though, I'm gonna order some pizza. Whatchu want on your half?
 
GIRL
Where you ordering from?
 
RIKU
That Italian place downstairs. You can just hit 'em up on Line to order.
 
GIRL
Corn and mayo!
 
RIKU
Gross, fine.
 
RIKU grabs his laptop and starts typing.
 
SFX: PAN OUT THROUGH WINDOW TO WIDE SHOT OF APARTMENT BUILDING WITH GATHERING THUNDERSTORM IN THE BACKGROUND.
 
MUSIC: DRAMATIC ORCHESTRAL HITS.
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT THREE
 
EXT. SAME EDOGAWA APARTMENT COMPLEX. TWO HOURS LATER. -- NIGHT
 
INT. SAME APARTMENT. MOSTLY FINISHED PIZZA/BOX SIT ON THE TABLE. GIRL IS STILL MINDLESSLY PLAYING WITH PHONE BUT LAYING WITH HEAD ON FOOT OF BED.
 
RIKU is finishing a slice of pizza as he sits down at his computer again, looking very satisfied.
 
MUSIC: OMINOUS BUT FAINT
 
RIKU is reading intently on computer when his face drops and grows pale. He instinctively covers his mouth with his hand while continuing to scroll.
 
RIKU
Oh fuck.
 
GIRL
Huh?
 
RIKU
Oh fuck oh fuck.
 
GIRL looks up from phone at RIKU. She is still lying on the bed.
 
GIRL
What's up?
 
RIKU stands and begins pacing on the small apartment floor.
 
RIKU
Oh man this is not good... I was logged into the band's account when I ordered that pizza!
 
GIRL
Didn't you quit that band?
 
RIKU
I did! But I guess I hadn't logged out and into my own Line on my laptop. Shit! I didn't show up to our last show those guys are gonna be so pissed at me!
 
GIRL sits up.
 
GIRL
Why were they expecting you at their show?
 
RIKU
Well, I quit the band... but didn't really tell them it would be *immediately*. They've been texting me non-stop.
 
GIRL
Oh my god, you idiot.
 
RIKU
I was trying to let them down easy!
 
GIRL
Just pay them back.
 
RIKU
I'm not worried about the money!
 
GIRL
Is this really that big a deal?
 
RIKU
Oh my god yes, you don't fuck with Rame and get away with it. I need to call my lawyer.
 
GIRL
*Your* lawyer? Who do you think you are? You definitely don't have some lawyer on retainer.
 
RIKU
I... you know what I mean!
Seriously, I could be in some shit.
 
SFX: PAN OUT THROUGH WINDOW TO WIDE SHOT OF APARTMENT WHILE RIKU IS PACING AND DIALING A NUMBER ON HIS CELL PHONE. IT IS RAINING HARD AND A SINGLE CROW IS CAWING ON SOME POWER LINES BELOW THEIR APARTMENT WINDOW.
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT FOUR
 
EXT. AN UNIDENTIFIED AVERAGE TOKYO STREET. MANY PEOPLE ARE GOING ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS IN STORES ON THE STREETS -- DAY
 
INT. A LUXURIOUSLY APPOINTED OFFICE. THE FOUR NON-VOCALIST MEMBERS OF UNDEUX SIT ON ONE SIDE OF A LARGE WOODEN DESK. A LARGE BALD BODYGUARD-TYPE MAN STANDS NEAR THE DOOR WEARING A SUIT AND SUNGLASSES. THE BAND, IN CASUAL CLOTHES, ARE FACING THE BACK OF A STATELY LEATHER OFFICE CHAIR ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DESK.
 
The chair slowly spins around to reveal RAME of the record label GLKingdom and former bassist of VK band Vidoll. RAME is wearing a charcoal suit and a black tie.
 
RAME
Thank you for meeting me. Let's discuss how we can resolve this unfortunate... 'incident'.
 
KAI
Well...
 
The members of Undeux look at each other nervously.
 
AL
Well, we want to keep going. We were hoping, you know, that maybe you knew a vocalist who would be interested...
 
RAME laughs softly.
 
AL (CONT'D)
...in joining the band.
 
RAME
Yes, yes. That can all be arranged. I was speaking more about what to do with Riku.
 
LUCHAT
Wha...?
 
KOJI
We still haven't heard from him.
 
AL
Well, other than the pizza thing.
 
LUCHAT
Yeah, what a dick.
 
RAME pulls a white envelope from a drawer.
 
RAME
First, he quits the band and no-shows despite promising me he'd keep performing till the summer.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Then, he hides and doesn't return any of my calls or texts. And finally...
 
RAME opens the letter contained in the envelope.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
...I get a letter from a lawyer claiming that the record deal you all signed was invalid and Riku not showing up was not a breach of contract at all.
 
The members of Undeux are fidgeting in their seats but do not say anything.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Our friend Riku needs a lesson in respect and honor.
 
KOJI
What do you...?
 
RAME nods at the large man standing by the door. The bodyguard nods back and exits the room.
 
RAME
Let's not worry about Riku any longer.
 
The members of Undeux look slightly afraid but don't move or speak.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Now, about finding you guys a new vocalist... have you heard of the band QEDDESHET?
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT FIVE
 
EXT. A GRIMEY TOKYO ALLEYWAY. IT IS RAINING LIGHTLY -- EVENING
 
RIKU runs around a corner and places his hands on his knees to try to catch his breath. He is looking from side to side very nervously. RIKU starts walking quickly, while often looking over his shoulder, toward one end of the alley.
 
As RIKU approaches a large man in a dark suit appears at the end of the alley that RIKU is headed toward. RIKU,
panicked, turns and begins running in the opposite direction.
 
RIKU is sprinting and splashing through puddles of the alley. As he nears the corner he appeared from originally another man in a suit emerges holding a black handgun.
 
RIKU
No! Please...
 
The second suited man emotionlessly aims the gun at RIKU and pulls the trigger. The man wipes the gun with his pocket square and lays the gun down beside Riku's body. The suited men walk away quickly but confidently.
 
OVERHEAD SHOT:
Camera slowly pans upward as the blood from RIKU's gunshot mixes with the water his body is lying in. Camera pans upward until it is above the roofline and even the silhouette of RIKU's lifeless body has disappeared from view.
 
CUT TO:
 
INT. UNNAMED TOKYO LIVE HOUSE IN THE MIDDLE OF A PERFORMANCE.
 
The band Undeux are walking out onstage to a pulsing techno track. A new, unidentified vocalist comes out last to lots of shouting from the crowd. The intro track ends and a drum fill signals the beginning of Undeux's first song. The new vocalist crouches over and unleashes an imperfect but earnest pig-squeal as the guitars kick in.
 
The camera finds RAME at the rear of the club watching dispassionately. The large suited man from his office approaches and whispers something into his ear that is unheard over the band's performance.
 
One corner of RAME's lips fold upward into a wry smile.
FADE TO BLACK:
TITLE CARD: fin.
 

A Dramatic Retelling of the Time the Dude from Undeux Went Missing but then Ordered a Pizza With the Band's Line Account
 
by The Reverend
 
 
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
 
EXT. TOKYO ALLEYWAY, ENTRANCE TO IKEBUKURO BLACK HOLE -- EVENING
CUT TO:
 
INT. BACKSTAGE DRESSING ROOM
 
The vanity shelves are filled with various makeup and hair products. Members from various indies VK bands are milling about; applying makeup, styling hair, strumming vacantly on guitars. As we pan to the rear corner the members of Undeux are half in costume chatting while getting dressed.
 
(If writing is visible it is in Japanese. All speech is in English.)
 
AL (GUITAR)
Can you believe this asshole? He was supposed to be here like two hours ago? What if he doesn't show?
 
Luchat turns away from the mirror while affixing feathers to his wig.
 
LUCHAT (DRUMS)
Can any of you guys sing?
 
AL
Riku couldn't sing! Anyone willing to get up there and just kinda shriek occasionally while pointing into the audience and making up some furi?
 
Koji is sitting on the floor applying fake blood to his face.
 
KOJI (BASS)
No can do. You guys are already making me play bass; I've got enough to try and remember.
 
AL
Damnit.
 
Kai walks through the door in full stage makeup buttoning his bloody white shirt.
 
KAI (GUITAR)
Hey has anyone heard from...
 
AL
No.
 
KOJI
No.
 
LUCHAT
Nope.
 
KAI
Damnit.
 
AL
Alright we can't not go on stage now...
 
Al spots a couple of boxes (formerly containing hairspray bottles) near the corner of the room and raises his eyebrows furtively.
 
AL (CONT'D)
I've got an idea!
 
CROSSFADE from Al cutting one of the boxes with a pair of scissors to the band performing on stage with a 3-foot tall cutout of a person taped to a mic stand instead of a vocalist. The cutout has been splattered with fake blood.
 
FADE TO BLACK as the band performs.
 
 
ACT TWO
 
EXT. A NONDESCRIPT APARTMENT COMPLEX IN EDOGAWA. TWO DAYS LATER. -- NIGHT
CUT TO:
 
INT. A SMALL JAPANESE APARTMENT WITH LOTS OF BAND POSTERS ON THE WALL. SOME FLOWERS/CARTOON PLUSHES/PRODUCTS THAT INDICATE IT IS A WOMAN'S ROOM ARE VISIBLE. A 20-SOMETHING GIRL IS LOUNGING ON THE BED MESSING WITH HER CELL PHONE.
 
RIKU is sitting Indian-style on the floor with a laptop on his lap. There is some hard (but not offensively brutal) rock playing on his laptop speakers.
 
RIKU (VOCALS, UNDEUX)
You hungry babe?
 
GIRL on the bed does not look up or to check whether or not her response is heard.
 
GIRL
Hmm?
 
RIKU
Want to go out?
 
GIRL
Ehh.
 
RIKU
Well *I'm* hungry. Let's go grab some food.
 
GIRL
I don't get paid till Friday, I'm kinda broke.
 
RIKU has stood up and is rifling through the small cupboard and refrigerator.
 
RIKU
Damn, me too. I'm sick of instant noodles though, I'm gonna order some pizza. Whatchu want on your half?
 
GIRL
Where you ordering from?
 
RIKU
That Italian place downstairs. You can just hit 'em up on Line to order.
 
GIRL
Corn and mayo!
 
RIKU
Gross, fine.
 
RIKU grabs his laptop and starts typing.
 
SFX: PAN OUT THROUGH WINDOW TO WIDE SHOT OF APARTMENT BUILDING WITH GATHERING THUNDERSTORM IN THE BACKGROUND.
 
MUSIC: DRAMATIC ORCHESTRAL HITS.
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT THREE
 
EXT. SAME EDOGAWA APARTMENT COMPLEX. TWO HOURS LATER. -- NIGHT
 
INT. SAME APARTMENT. MOSTLY FINISHED PIZZA/BOX SIT ON THE TABLE. GIRL IS STILL MINDLESSLY PLAYING WITH PHONE BUT LAYING WITH HEAD ON FOOT OF BED.
 
RIKU is finishing a slice of pizza as he sits down at his computer again, looking very satisfied.
 
MUSIC: OMINOUS BUT FAINT
 
RIKU is reading intently on computer when his face drops and grows pale. He instinctively covers his mouth with his hand while continuing to scroll.
 
RIKU
Oh fuck.
 
GIRL
Huh?
 
RIKU
Oh fuck oh fuck.
 
GIRL looks up from phone at RIKU. She is still lying on the bed.
 
GIRL
What's up?
 
RIKU stands and begins pacing on the small apartment floor.
 
RIKU
Oh man this is not good... I was logged into the band's account when I ordered that pizza!
 
GIRL
Didn't you quit that band?
 
RIKU
I did! But I guess I hadn't logged out and into my own Line on my laptop. Shit! I didn't show up to our last show those guys are gonna be so pissed at me!
 
GIRL sits up.
 
GIRL
Why were they expecting you at their show?
 
RIKU
Well, I quit the band... but didn't really tell them it would be *immediately*. They've been texting me non-stop.
 
GIRL
Oh my god, you idiot.
 
RIKU
I was trying to let them down easy!
 
GIRL
Just pay them back.
 
RIKU
I'm not worried about the money!
 
GIRL
Is this really that big a deal?
 
RIKU
Oh my god yes, you don't fuck with Rame and get away with it. I need to call my lawyer.
 
GIRL
*Your* lawyer? Who do you think you are? You definitely don't have some lawyer on retainer.
 
RIKU
I... you know what I mean!
Seriously, I could be in some shit.
 
SFX: PAN OUT THROUGH WINDOW TO WIDE SHOT OF APARTMENT WHILE RIKU IS PACING AND DIALING A NUMBER ON HIS CELL PHONE. IT IS RAINING HARD AND A SINGLE CROW IS CAWING ON SOME POWER LINES BELOW THEIR APARTMENT WINDOW.
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT FOUR
 
EXT. AN UNIDENTIFIED AVERAGE TOKYO STREET. MANY PEOPLE ARE GOING ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS IN STORES ON THE STREETS -- DAY
 
INT. A LUXURIOUSLY APPOINTED OFFICE. THE FOUR NON-VOCALIST MEMBERS OF UNDEUX SIT ON ONE SIDE OF A LARGE WOODEN DESK. A LARGE BALD BODYGUARD-TYPE MAN STANDS NEAR THE DOOR WEARING A SUIT AND SUNGLASSES. THE BAND, IN CASUAL CLOTHES, ARE FACING THE BACK OF A STATELY LEATHER OFFICE CHAIR ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DESK.
 
The chair slowly spins around to reveal RAME of the record label GLKingdom and former bassist of VK band Vidoll. RAME is wearing a charcoal suit and a black tie.
 
RAME
Thank you for meeting me. Let's discuss how we can resolve this unfortunate... 'incident'.
 
KAI
Well...
 
The members of Undeux look at each other nervously.
 
AL
Well, we want to keep going. We were hoping, you know, that maybe you knew a vocalist who would be interested...
 
RAME laughs softly.
 
AL (CONT'D)
...in joining the band.
 
RAME
Yes, yes. That can all be arranged. I was speaking more about what to do with Riku.
 
LUCHAT
Wha...?
 
KOJI
We still haven't heard from him.
 
AL
Well, other than the pizza thing.
 
LUCHAT
Yeah, what a dick.
 
RAME pulls a white envelope from a drawer.
 
RAME
First, he quits the band and no-shows despite promising me he'd keep performing till the summer.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Then, he hides and doesn't return any of my calls or texts. And finally...
 
RAME opens the letter contained in the envelope.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
...I get a letter from a lawyer claiming that the record deal you all signed was invalid and Riku not showing up was not a breach of contract at all.
 
The members of Undeux are fidgeting in their seats but do not say anything.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Our friend Riku needs a lesson in respect and honor.
 
KOJI
What do you...?
 
RAME nods at the large man standing by the door. The bodyguard nods back and exits the room.
 
RAME
Let's not worry about Riku any longer.
 
The members of Undeux look slightly afraid but don't move or speak.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Now, about finding you guys a new vocalist... have you heard of the band QEDDESHET?
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT FIVE
 
EXT. A GRIMEY TOKYO ALLEYWAY. IT IS RAINING LIGHTLY -- EVENING
 
RIKU runs around a corner and places his hands on his knees to try to catch his breath. He is looking from side to side very nervously. RIKU starts walking quickly, while often looking over his shoulder, toward one end of the alley.
 
As RIKU approaches a large man in a dark suit appears at the end of the alley that RIKU is headed toward. RIKU,
panicked, turns and begins running in the opposite direction.
 
RIKU is sprinting and splashing through puddles of the alley. As he nears the corner he appeared from originally another man in a suit emerges holding a black handgun.
 
RIKU
No! Please...
 
The second suited man emotionlessly aims the gun at RIKU and pulls the trigger. The man wipes the gun with his pocket square and lays the gun down beside Riku's body. The suited men walk away quickly but confidently.
 
OVERHEAD SHOT:
Camera slowly pans upward as the blood from RIKU's gunshot mixes with the water his body is lying in. Camera pans upward until it is above the roofline and even the silhouette of RIKU's lifeless body has disappeared from view.
 
CUT TO:
 
INT. UNNAMED TOKYO LIVE HOUSE IN THE MIDDLE OF A PERFORMANCE.
 
The band Undeux are walking out onstage to a pulsing techno track. A new, unidentified vocalist comes out last to lots of shouting from the crowd. The intro track ends and a drum fill signals the beginning of Undeux's first song. The new vocalist crouches over and unleashes an imperfect but earnest pig-squeal as the guitars kick in.
 
The camera finds RAME at the rear of the club watching dispassionately. The large suited man from his office approaches and whispers something into his ear that is unheard over the band's performance.
 
One corner of RAME's lips fold upward into a wry smile.
FADE TO BLACK:
TITLE CARD: fin.
 

A Dramatic Retelling of the Time the Dude from Undeux Went Missing but then Ordered a Pizza With the Band's Line Account
 
by The Reverend
 
 
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
 
EXT. TOKYO ALLEYWAY, ENTRANCE TO IKEBUKURO BLACK HOLE -- EVENING
CUT TO:
 
INT. BACKSTAGE DRESSING ROOM
 
The vanity shelves are filled with various makeup and hair products. Members from various indies VK bands are milling about; applying makeup, styling hair, strumming vacantly on guitars. As we pan to the rear corner the members of Undeux are half in costume chatting while getting dressed.
 
(If writing is visible it is in Japanese. All speech is in English.)
 
AL (GUITAR)
Can you believe this asshole? He was supposed to be here like two hours ago? What if he doesn't show?
 
Luchat turns away from the mirror while affixing feathers to his wig.
 
LUCHAT (DRUMS)
Can any of you guys sing?
 
AL
Riku couldn't sing! Anyone willing to get up there and just kinda shriek occasionally while pointing into the audience and making up some furi?
 
Koji is sitting on the floor applying fake blood to his face.
 
KOJI (BASS)
No can do. You guys are already making me play bass; I've got enough to try and remember.
 
AL
Damnit.
 
Kai walks through the door in full stage makeup buttoning his bloody white shirt.
 
KAI (GUITAR)
Hey has anyone heard from...
 
AL
No.
 
KOJI
No.
 
LUCHAT
Nope.
 
KAI
Damnit.
 
AL
Alright we can't not go on stage now...
 
Al spots a couple of boxes (formerly containing hairspray bottles) near the corner of the room and raises his eyebrows furtively.
 
AL (CONT'D)
I've got an idea!
 
CROSSFADE from Al cutting one of the boxes with a pair of scissors to the band performing on stage with a 3-foot tall cutout of a person taped to a mic stand instead of a vocalist. The cutout has been splattered with fake blood.
 
FADE TO BLACK as the band performs.
 
 
ACT TWO
 
EXT. A NONDESCRIPT APARTMENT COMPLEX IN EDOGAWA. TWO DAYS LATER. -- NIGHT
CUT TO:
 
INT. A SMALL JAPANESE APARTMENT WITH LOTS OF BAND POSTERS ON THE WALL. SOME FLOWERS/CARTOON PLUSHES/PRODUCTS THAT INDICATE IT IS A WOMAN'S ROOM ARE VISIBLE. A 20-SOMETHING GIRL IS LOUNGING ON THE BED MESSING WITH HER CELL PHONE.
 
RIKU is sitting Indian-style on the floor with a laptop on his lap. There is some hard (but not offensively brutal) rock playing on his laptop speakers.
 
RIKU (VOCALS, UNDEUX)
You hungry babe?
 
GIRL on the bed does not look up or to check whether or not her response is heard.
 
GIRL
Hmm?
 
RIKU
Want to go out?
 
GIRL
Ehh.
 
RIKU
Well *I'm* hungry. Let's go grab some food.
 
GIRL
I don't get paid till Friday, I'm kinda broke.
 
RIKU has stood up and is rifling through the small cupboard and refrigerator.
 
RIKU
Damn, me too. I'm sick of instant noodles though, I'm gonna order some pizza. Whatchu want on your half?
 
GIRL
Where you ordering from?
 
RIKU
That Italian place downstairs. You can just hit 'em up on Line to order.
 
GIRL
Corn and mayo!
 
RIKU
Gross, fine.
 
RIKU grabs his laptop and starts typing.
 
SFX: PAN OUT THROUGH WINDOW TO WIDE SHOT OF APARTMENT BUILDING WITH GATHERING THUNDERSTORM IN THE BACKGROUND.
 
MUSIC: DRAMATIC ORCHESTRAL HITS.
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT THREE
 
EXT. SAME EDOGAWA APARTMENT COMPLEX. TWO HOURS LATER. -- NIGHT
 
INT. SAME APARTMENT. MOSTLY FINISHED PIZZA/BOX SIT ON THE TABLE. GIRL IS STILL MINDLESSLY PLAYING WITH PHONE BUT LAYING WITH HEAD ON FOOT OF BED.
 
RIKU is finishing a slice of pizza as he sits down at his computer again, looking very satisfied.
 
MUSIC: OMINOUS BUT FAINT
 
RIKU is reading intently on computer when his face drops and grows pale. He instinctively covers his mouth with his hand while continuing to scroll.
 
RIKU
Oh fuck.
 
GIRL
Huh?
 
RIKU
Oh fuck oh fuck.
 
GIRL looks up from phone at RIKU. She is still lying on the bed.
 
GIRL
What's up?
 
RIKU stands and begins pacing on the small apartment floor.
 
RIKU
Oh man this is not good... I was logged into the band's account when I ordered that pizza!
 
GIRL
Didn't you quit that band?
 
RIKU
I did! But I guess I hadn't logged out and into my own Line on my laptop. Shit! I didn't show up to our last show those guys are gonna be so pissed at me!
 
GIRL sits up.
 
GIRL
Why were they expecting you at their show?
 
RIKU
Well, I quit the band... but didn't really tell them it would be *immediately*. They've been texting me non-stop.
 
GIRL
Oh my god, you idiot.
 
RIKU
I was trying to let them down easy!
 
GIRL
Just pay them back.
 
RIKU
I'm not worried about the money!
 
GIRL
Is this really that big a deal?
 
RIKU
Oh my god yes, you don't fuck with Rame and get away with it. I need to call my lawyer.
 
GIRL
*Your* lawyer? Who do you think you are? You definitely don't have some lawyer on retainer.
 
RIKU
I... you know what I mean!
Seriously, I could be in some shit.
 
SFX: PAN OUT THROUGH WINDOW TO WIDE SHOT OF APARTMENT WHILE RIKU IS PACING AND DIALING A NUMBER ON HIS CELL PHONE. IT IS RAINING HARD AND A SINGLE CROW IS CAWING ON SOME POWER LINES BELOW THEIR APARTMENT WINDOW.
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT FOUR
 
EXT. AN UNIDENTIFIED AVERAGE TOKYO STREET. MANY PEOPLE ARE GOING ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS IN STORES ON THE STREETS -- DAY
 
INT. A LUXURIOUSLY APPOINTED OFFICE. THE FOUR NON-VOCALIST MEMBERS OF UNDEUX SIT ON ONE SIDE OF A LARGE WOODEN DESK. A LARGE BALD BODYGUARD-TYPE MAN STANDS NEAR THE DOOR WEARING A SUIT AND SUNGLASSES. THE BAND, IN CASUAL CLOTHES, ARE FACING THE BACK OF A STATELY LEATHER OFFICE CHAIR ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DESK.
 
The chair slowly spins around to reveal RAME of the record label GLKingdom and former bassist of VK band Vidoll. RAME is wearing a charcoal suit and a black tie.
 
RAME
Thank you for meeting me. Let's discuss how we can resolve this unfortunate... 'incident'.
 
KAI
Well...
 
The members of Undeux look at each other nervously.
 
AL
Well, we want to keep going. We were hoping, you know, that maybe you knew a vocalist who would be interested...
 
RAME laughs softly.
 
AL (CONT'D)
...in joining the band.
 
RAME
Yes, yes. That can all be arranged. I was speaking more about what to do with Riku.
 
LUCHAT
Wha...?
 
KOJI
We still haven't heard from him.
 
AL
Well, other than the pizza thing.
 
LUCHAT
Yeah, what a dick.
 
RAME pulls a white envelope from a drawer.
 
RAME
First, he quits the band and no-shows despite promising me he'd keep performing till the summer.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Then, he hides and doesn't return any of my calls or texts. And finally...
 
RAME opens the letter contained in the envelope.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
...I get a letter from a lawyer claiming that the record deal you all signed was invalid and Riku not showing up was not a breach of contract at all.
 
The members of Undeux are fidgeting in their seats but do not say anything.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Our friend Riku needs a lesson in respect and honor.
 
KOJI
What do you...?
 
RAME nods at the large man standing by the door. The bodyguard nods back and exits the room.
 
RAME
Let's not worry about Riku any longer.
 
The members of Undeux look slightly afraid but don't move or speak.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Now, about finding you guys a new vocalist... have you heard of the band QEDDESHET?
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT FIVE
 
EXT. A GRIMEY TOKYO ALLEYWAY. IT IS RAINING LIGHTLY -- EVENING
 
RIKU runs around a corner and places his hands on his knees to try to catch his breath. He is looking from side to side very nervously. RIKU starts walking quickly, while often looking over his shoulder, toward one end of the alley.
 
As RIKU approaches a large man in a dark suit appears at the end of the alley that RIKU is headed toward. RIKU,
panicked, turns and begins running in the opposite direction.
 
RIKU is sprinting and splashing through puddles of the alley. As he nears the corner he appeared from originally another man in a suit emerges holding a black handgun.
 
RIKU
No! Please...
 
The second suited man emotionlessly aims the gun at RIKU and pulls the trigger. The man wipes the gun with his pocket square and lays the gun down beside Riku's body. The suited men walk away quickly but confidently.
 
OVERHEAD SHOT:
Camera slowly pans upward as the blood from RIKU's gunshot mixes with the water his body is lying in. Camera pans upward until it is above the roofline and even the silhouette of RIKU's lifeless body has disappeared from view.
 
CUT TO:
 
INT. UNNAMED TOKYO LIVE HOUSE IN THE MIDDLE OF A PERFORMANCE.
 
The band Undeux are walking out onstage to a pulsing techno track. A new, unidentified vocalist comes out last to lots of shouting from the crowd. The intro track ends and a drum fill signals the beginning of Undeux's first song. The new vocalist crouches over and unleashes an imperfect but earnest pig-squeal as the guitars kick in.
 
The camera finds RAME at the rear of the club watching dispassionately. The large suited man from his office approaches and whispers something into his ear that is unheard over the band's performance.
 
One corner of RAME's lips fold upward into a wry smile.
FADE TO BLACK:
TITLE CARD: fin.
 

A Dramatic Retelling of the Time the Dude from Undeux Went Missing but then Ordered a Pizza With the Band's Line Account
 
by The Reverend
 
 
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
 
EXT. TOKYO ALLEYWAY, ENTRANCE TO IKEBUKURO BLACK HOLE -- EVENING
CUT TO:
 
INT. BACKSTAGE DRESSING ROOM
 
The vanity shelves are filled with various makeup and hair products. Members from various indies VK bands are milling about; applying makeup, styling hair, strumming vacantly on guitars. As we pan to the rear corner the members of Undeux are half in costume chatting while getting dressed.
 
(If writing is visible it is in Japanese. All speech is in English.)
 
AL (GUITAR)
Can you believe this asshole? He was supposed to be here like two hours ago? What if he doesn't show?
 
Luchat turns away from the mirror while affixing feathers to his wig.
 
LUCHAT (DRUMS)
Can any of you guys sing?
 
AL
Riku couldn't sing! Anyone willing to get up there and just kinda shriek occasionally while pointing into the audience and making up some furi?
 
Koji is sitting on the floor applying fake blood to his face.
 
KOJI (BASS)
No can do. You guys are already making me play bass; I've got enough to try and remember.
 
AL
Damnit.
 
Kai walks through the door in full stage makeup buttoning his bloody white shirt.
 
KAI (GUITAR)
Hey has anyone heard from...
 
AL
No.
 
KOJI
No.
 
LUCHAT
Nope.
 
KAI
Damnit.
 
AL
Alright we can't not go on stage now...
 
Al spots a couple of boxes (formerly containing hairspray bottles) near the corner of the room and raises his eyebrows furtively.
 
AL (CONT'D)
I've got an idea!
 
CROSSFADE from Al cutting one of the boxes with a pair of scissors to the band performing on stage with a 3-foot tall cutout of a person taped to a mic stand instead of a vocalist. The cutout has been splattered with fake blood.
 
FADE TO BLACK as the band performs.
 
 
ACT TWO
 
EXT. A NONDESCRIPT APARTMENT COMPLEX IN EDOGAWA. TWO DAYS LATER. -- NIGHT
CUT TO:
 
INT. A SMALL JAPANESE APARTMENT WITH LOTS OF BAND POSTERS ON THE WALL. SOME FLOWERS/CARTOON PLUSHES/PRODUCTS THAT INDICATE IT IS A WOMAN'S ROOM ARE VISIBLE. A 20-SOMETHING GIRL IS LOUNGING ON THE BED MESSING WITH HER CELL PHONE.
 
RIKU is sitting Indian-style on the floor with a laptop on his lap. There is some hard (but not offensively brutal) rock playing on his laptop speakers.
 
RIKU (VOCALS, UNDEUX)
You hungry babe?
 
GIRL on the bed does not look up or to check whether or not her response is heard.
 
GIRL
Hmm?
 
RIKU
Want to go out?
 
GIRL
Ehh.
 
RIKU
Well *I'm* hungry. Let's go grab some food.
 
GIRL
I don't get paid till Friday, I'm kinda broke.
 
RIKU has stood up and is rifling through the small cupboard and refrigerator.
 
RIKU
Damn, me too. I'm sick of instant noodles though, I'm gonna order some pizza. Whatchu want on your half?
 
GIRL
Where you ordering from?
 
RIKU
That Italian place downstairs. You can just hit 'em up on Line to order.
 
GIRL
Corn and mayo!
 
RIKU
Gross, fine.
 
RIKU grabs his laptop and starts typing.
 
SFX: PAN OUT THROUGH WINDOW TO WIDE SHOT OF APARTMENT BUILDING WITH GATHERING THUNDERSTORM IN THE BACKGROUND.
 
MUSIC: DRAMATIC ORCHESTRAL HITS.
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT THREE
 
EXT. SAME EDOGAWA APARTMENT COMPLEX. TWO HOURS LATER. -- NIGHT
 
INT. SAME APARTMENT. MOSTLY FINISHED PIZZA/BOX SIT ON THE TABLE. GIRL IS STILL MINDLESSLY PLAYING WITH PHONE BUT LAYING WITH HEAD ON FOOT OF BED.
 
RIKU is finishing a slice of pizza as he sits down at his computer again, looking very satisfied.
 
MUSIC: OMINOUS BUT FAINT
 
RIKU is reading intently on computer when his face drops and grows pale. He instinctively covers his mouth with his hand while continuing to scroll.
 
RIKU
Oh fuck.
 
GIRL
Huh?
 
RIKU
Oh fuck oh fuck.
 
GIRL looks up from phone at RIKU. She is still lying on the bed.
 
GIRL
What's up?
 
RIKU stands and begins pacing on the small apartment floor.
 
RIKU
Oh man this is not good... I was logged into the band's account when I ordered that pizza!
 
GIRL
Didn't you quit that band?
 
RIKU
I did! But I guess I hadn't logged out and into my own Line on my laptop. Shit! I didn't show up to our last show those guys are gonna be so pissed at me!
 
GIRL sits up.
 
GIRL
Why were they expecting you at their show?
 
RIKU
Well, I quit the band... but didn't really tell them it would be *immediately*. They've been texting me non-stop.
 
GIRL
Oh my god, you idiot.
 
RIKU
I was trying to let them down easy!
 
GIRL
Just pay them back.
 
RIKU
I'm not worried about the money!
 
GIRL
Is this really that big a deal?
 
RIKU
Oh my god yes, you don't fuck with Rame and get away with it. I need to call my lawyer.
 
GIRL
*Your* lawyer? Who do you think you are? You definitely don't have some lawyer on retainer.
 
RIKU
I... you know what I mean!
Seriously, I could be in some shit.
 
SFX: PAN OUT THROUGH WINDOW TO WIDE SHOT OF APARTMENT WHILE RIKU IS PACING AND DIALING A NUMBER ON HIS CELL PHONE. IT IS RAINING HARD AND A SINGLE CROW IS CAWING ON SOME POWER LINES BELOW THEIR APARTMENT WINDOW.
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT FOUR
 
EXT. AN UNIDENTIFIED AVERAGE TOKYO STREET. MANY PEOPLE ARE GOING ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS IN STORES ON THE STREETS -- DAY
 
INT. A LUXURIOUSLY APPOINTED OFFICE. THE FOUR NON-VOCALIST MEMBERS OF UNDEUX SIT ON ONE SIDE OF A LARGE WOODEN DESK. A LARGE BALD BODYGUARD-TYPE MAN STANDS NEAR THE DOOR WEARING A SUIT AND SUNGLASSES. THE BAND, IN CASUAL CLOTHES, ARE FACING THE BACK OF A STATELY LEATHER OFFICE CHAIR ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DESK.
 
The chair slowly spins around to reveal RAME of the record label GLKingdom and former bassist of VK band Vidoll. RAME is wearing a charcoal suit and a black tie.
 
RAME
Thank you for meeting me. Let's discuss how we can resolve this unfortunate... 'incident'.
 
KAI
Well...
 
The members of Undeux look at each other nervously.
 
AL
Well, we want to keep going. We were hoping, you know, that maybe you knew a vocalist who would be interested...
 
RAME laughs softly.
 
AL (CONT'D)
...in joining the band.
 
RAME
Yes, yes. That can all be arranged. I was speaking more about what to do with Riku.
 
LUCHAT
Wha...?
 
KOJI
We still haven't heard from him.
 
AL
Well, other than the pizza thing.
 
LUCHAT
Yeah, what a dick.
 
RAME pulls a white envelope from a drawer.
 
RAME
First, he quits the band and no-shows despite promising me he'd keep performing till the summer.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Then, he hides and doesn't return any of my calls or texts. And finally...
 
RAME opens the letter contained in the envelope.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
...I get a letter from a lawyer claiming that the record deal you all signed was invalid and Riku not showing up was not a breach of contract at all.
 
The members of Undeux are fidgeting in their seats but do not say anything.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Our friend Riku needs a lesson in respect and honor.
 
KOJI
What do you...?
 
RAME nods at the large man standing by the door. The bodyguard nods back and exits the room.
 
RAME
Let's not worry about Riku any longer.
 
The members of Undeux look slightly afraid but don't move or speak.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Now, about finding you guys a new vocalist... have you heard of the band QEDDESHET?
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT FIVE
 
EXT. A GRIMEY TOKYO ALLEYWAY. IT IS RAINING LIGHTLY -- EVENING
 
RIKU runs around a corner and places his hands on his knees to try to catch his breath. He is looking from side to side very nervously. RIKU starts walking quickly, while often looking over his shoulder, toward one end of the alley.
 
As RIKU approaches a large man in a dark suit appears at the end of the alley that RIKU is headed toward. RIKU,
panicked, turns and begins running in the opposite direction.
 
RIKU is sprinting and splashing through puddles of the alley. As he nears the corner he appeared from originally another man in a suit emerges holding a black handgun.
 
RIKU
No! Please...
 
The second suited man emotionlessly aims the gun at RIKU and pulls the trigger. The man wipes the gun with his pocket square and lays the gun down beside Riku's body. The suited men walk away quickly but confidently.
 
OVERHEAD SHOT:
Camera slowly pans upward as the blood from RIKU's gunshot mixes with the water his body is lying in. Camera pans upward until it is above the roofline and even the silhouette of RIKU's lifeless body has disappeared from view.
 
CUT TO:
 
INT. UNNAMED TOKYO LIVE HOUSE IN THE MIDDLE OF A PERFORMANCE.
 
The band Undeux are walking out onstage to a pulsing techno track. A new, unidentified vocalist comes out last to lots of shouting from the crowd. The intro track ends and a drum fill signals the beginning of Undeux's first song. The new vocalist crouches over and unleashes an imperfect but earnest pig-squeal as the guitars kick in.
 
The camera finds RAME at the rear of the club watching dispassionately. The large suited man from his office approaches and whispers something into his ear that is unheard over the band's performance.
 
One corner of RAME's lips fold upward into a wry smile.
FADE TO BLACK:
TITLE CARD: fin.
 

A Dramatic Retelling of the Time the Dude from Undeux Went Missing but then Ordered a Pizza With the Band's Line Account
 
by The Reverend
 
 
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
 
EXT. TOKYO ALLEYWAY, ENTRANCE TO IKEBUKURO BLACK HOLE -- EVENING
CUT TO:
 
INT. BACKSTAGE DRESSING ROOM
 
The vanity shelves are filled with various makeup and hair products. Members from various indies VK bands are milling about; applying makeup, styling hair, strumming vacantly on guitars. As we pan to the rear corner the members of Undeux are half in costume chatting while getting dressed.
 
(If writing is visible it is in Japanese. All speech is in English.)
 
AL (GUITAR)
Can you believe this asshole? He was supposed to be here like two hours ago? What if he doesn't show?
 
Luchat turns away from the mirror while affixing feathers to his wig.
 
LUCHAT (DRUMS)
Can any of you guys sing?
 
AL
Riku couldn't sing! Anyone willing to get up there and just kinda shriek occasionally while pointing into the audience and making up some furi?
 
Koji is sitting on the floor applying fake blood to his face.
 
KOJI (BASS)
No can do. You guys are already making me play bass; I've got enough to try and remember.
 
AL
Damnit.
 
Kai walks through the door in full stage makeup buttoning his bloody white shirt.
 
KAI (GUITAR)
Hey has anyone heard from...
 
AL
No.
 
KOJI
No.
 
LUCHAT
Nope.
 
KAI
Damnit.
 
AL
Alright we can't not go on stage now...
 
Al spots a couple of boxes (formerly containing hairspray bottles) near the corner of the room and raises his eyebrows furtively.
 
AL (CONT'D)
I've got an idea!
 
CROSSFADE from Al cutting one of the boxes with a pair of scissors to the band performing on stage with a 3-foot tall cutout of a person taped to a mic stand instead of a vocalist. The cutout has been splattered with fake blood.
 
FADE TO BLACK as the band performs.
 
 
ACT TWO
 
EXT. A NONDESCRIPT APARTMENT COMPLEX IN EDOGAWA. TWO DAYS LATER. -- NIGHT
CUT TO:
 
INT. A SMALL JAPANESE APARTMENT WITH LOTS OF BAND POSTERS ON THE WALL. SOME FLOWERS/CARTOON PLUSHES/PRODUCTS THAT INDICATE IT IS A WOMAN'S ROOM ARE VISIBLE. A 20-SOMETHING GIRL IS LOUNGING ON THE BED MESSING WITH HER CELL PHONE.
 
RIKU is sitting Indian-style on the floor with a laptop on his lap. There is some hard (but not offensively brutal) rock playing on his laptop speakers.
 
RIKU (VOCALS, UNDEUX)
You hungry babe?
 
GIRL on the bed does not look up or to check whether or not her response is heard.
 
GIRL
Hmm?
 
RIKU
Want to go out?
 
GIRL
Ehh.
 
RIKU
Well *I'm* hungry. Let's go grab some food.
 
GIRL
I don't get paid till Friday, I'm kinda broke.
 
RIKU has stood up and is rifling through the small cupboard and refrigerator.
 
RIKU
Damn, me too. I'm sick of instant noodles though, I'm gonna order some pizza. Whatchu want on your half?
 
GIRL
Where you ordering from?
 
RIKU
That Italian place downstairs. You can just hit 'em up on Line to order.
 
GIRL
Corn and mayo!
 
RIKU
Gross, fine.
 
RIKU grabs his laptop and starts typing.
 
SFX: PAN OUT THROUGH WINDOW TO WIDE SHOT OF APARTMENT BUILDING WITH GATHERING THUNDERSTORM IN THE BACKGROUND.
 
MUSIC: DRAMATIC ORCHESTRAL HITS.
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT THREE
 
EXT. SAME EDOGAWA APARTMENT COMPLEX. TWO HOURS LATER. -- NIGHT
 
INT. SAME APARTMENT. MOSTLY FINISHED PIZZA/BOX SIT ON THE TABLE. GIRL IS STILL MINDLESSLY PLAYING WITH PHONE BUT LAYING WITH HEAD ON FOOT OF BED.
 
RIKU is finishing a slice of pizza as he sits down at his computer again, looking very satisfied.
 
MUSIC: OMINOUS BUT FAINT
 
RIKU is reading intently on computer when his face drops and grows pale. He instinctively covers his mouth with his hand while continuing to scroll.
 
RIKU
Oh fuck.
 
GIRL
Huh?
 
RIKU
Oh fuck oh fuck.
 
GIRL looks up from phone at RIKU. She is still lying on the bed.
 
GIRL
What's up?
 
RIKU stands and begins pacing on the small apartment floor.
 
RIKU
Oh man this is not good... I was logged into the band's account when I ordered that pizza!
 
GIRL
Didn't you quit that band?
 
RIKU
I did! But I guess I hadn't logged out and into my own Line on my laptop. Shit! I didn't show up to our last show those guys are gonna be so pissed at me!
 
GIRL sits up.
 
GIRL
Why were they expecting you at their show?
 
RIKU
Well, I quit the band... but didn't really tell them it would be *immediately*. They've been texting me non-stop.
 
GIRL
Oh my god, you idiot.
 
RIKU
I was trying to let them down easy!
 
GIRL
Just pay them back.
 
RIKU
I'm not worried about the money!
 
GIRL
Is this really that big a deal?
 
RIKU
Oh my god yes, you don't fuck with Rame and get away with it. I need to call my lawyer.
 
GIRL
*Your* lawyer? Who do you think you are? You definitely don't have some lawyer on retainer.
 
RIKU
I... you know what I mean!
Seriously, I could be in some shit.
 
SFX: PAN OUT THROUGH WINDOW TO WIDE SHOT OF APARTMENT WHILE RIKU IS PACING AND DIALING A NUMBER ON HIS CELL PHONE. IT IS RAINING HARD AND A SINGLE CROW IS CAWING ON SOME POWER LINES BELOW THEIR APARTMENT WINDOW.
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT FOUR
 
EXT. AN UNIDENTIFIED AVERAGE TOKYO STREET. MANY PEOPLE ARE GOING ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS IN STORES ON THE STREETS -- DAY
 
INT. A LUXURIOUSLY APPOINTED OFFICE. THE FOUR NON-VOCALIST MEMBERS OF UNDEUX SIT ON ONE SIDE OF A LARGE WOODEN DESK. A LARGE BALD BODYGUARD-TYPE MAN STANDS NEAR THE DOOR WEARING A SUIT AND SUNGLASSES. THE BAND, IN CASUAL CLOTHES, ARE FACING THE BACK OF A STATELY LEATHER OFFICE CHAIR ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DESK.
 
The chair slowly spins around to reveal RAME of the record label GLKingdom and former bassist of VK band Vidoll. RAME is wearing a charcoal suit and a black tie.
 
RAME
Thank you for meeting me. Let's discuss how we can resolve this unfortunate... 'incident'.
 
KAI
Well...
 
The members of Undeux look at each other nervously.
 
AL
Well, we want to keep going. We were hoping, you know, that maybe you knew a vocalist who would be interested...
 
RAME laughs softly.
 
AL (CONT'D)
...in joining the band.
 
RAME
Yes, yes. That can all be arranged. I was speaking more about what to do with Riku.
 
LUCHAT
Wha...?
 
KOJI
We still haven't heard from him.
 
AL
Well, other than the pizza thing.
 
LUCHAT
Yeah, what a dick.
 
RAME pulls a white envelope from a drawer.
 
RAME
First, he quits the band and no-shows despite promising me he'd keep performing till the summer.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Then, he hides and doesn't return any of my calls or texts. And finally...
 
RAME opens the letter contained in the envelope.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
...I get a letter from a lawyer claiming that the record deal you all signed was invalid and Riku not showing up was not a breach of contract at all.
 
The members of Undeux are fidgeting in their seats but do not say anything.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Our friend Riku needs a lesson in respect and honor.
 
KOJI
What do you...?
 
RAME nods at the large man standing by the door. The bodyguard nods back and exits the room.
 
RAME
Let's not worry about Riku any longer.
 
The members of Undeux look slightly afraid but don't move or speak.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Now, about finding you guys a new vocalist... have you heard of the band QEDDESHET?
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT FIVE
 
EXT. A GRIMEY TOKYO ALLEYWAY. IT IS RAINING LIGHTLY -- EVENING
 
RIKU runs around a corner and places his hands on his knees to try to catch his breath. He is looking from side to side very nervously. RIKU starts walking quickly, while often looking over his shoulder, toward one end of the alley.
 
As RIKU approaches a large man in a dark suit appears at the end of the alley that RIKU is headed toward. RIKU,
panicked, turns and begins running in the opposite direction.
 
RIKU is sprinting and splashing through puddles of the alley. As he nears the corner he appeared from originally another man in a suit emerges holding a black handgun.
 
RIKU
No! Please...
 
The second suited man emotionlessly aims the gun at RIKU and pulls the trigger. The man wipes the gun with his pocket square and lays the gun down beside Riku's body. The suited men walk away quickly but confidently.
 
OVERHEAD SHOT:
Camera slowly pans upward as the blood from RIKU's gunshot mixes with the water his body is lying in. Camera pans upward until it is above the roofline and even the silhouette of RIKU's lifeless body has disappeared from view.
 
CUT TO:
 
INT. UNNAMED TOKYO LIVE HOUSE IN THE MIDDLE OF A PERFORMANCE.
 
The band Undeux are walking out onstage to a pulsing techno track. A new, unidentified vocalist comes out last to lots of shouting from the crowd. The intro track ends and a drum fill signals the beginning of Undeux's first song. The new vocalist crouches over and unleashes an imperfect but earnest pig-squeal as the guitars kick in.
 
The camera finds RAME at the rear of the club watching dispassionately. The large suited man from his office approaches and whispers something into his ear that is unheard over the band's performance.
 
One corner of RAME's lips fold upward into a wry smile.
FADE TO BLACK:
TITLE CARD: fin.
 

A Dramatic Retelling of the Time the Dude from Undeux Went Missing but then Ordered a Pizza With the Band's Line Account
 
by The Reverend
 
 
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
 
EXT. TOKYO ALLEYWAY, ENTRANCE TO IKEBUKURO BLACK HOLE -- EVENING
CUT TO:
 
INT. BACKSTAGE DRESSING ROOM
 
The vanity shelves are filled with various makeup and hair products. Members from various indies VK bands are milling about; applying makeup, styling hair, strumming vacantly on guitars. As we pan to the rear corner the members of Undeux are half in costume chatting while getting dressed.
 
(If writing is visible it is in Japanese. All speech is in English.)
 
AL (GUITAR)
Can you believe this asshole? He was supposed to be here like two hours ago? What if he doesn't show?
 
Luchat turns away from the mirror while affixing feathers to his wig.
 
LUCHAT (DRUMS)
Can any of you guys sing?
 
AL
Riku couldn't sing! Anyone willing to get up there and just kinda shriek occasionally while pointing into the audience and making up some furi?
 
Koji is sitting on the floor applying fake blood to his face.
 
KOJI (BASS)
No can do. You guys are already making me play bass; I've got enough to try and remember.
 
AL
Damnit.
 
Kai walks through the door in full stage makeup buttoning his bloody white shirt.
 
KAI (GUITAR)
Hey has anyone heard from...
 
AL
No.
 
KOJI
No.
 
LUCHAT
Nope.
 
KAI
Damnit.
 
AL
Alright we can't not go on stage now...
 
Al spots a couple of boxes (formerly containing hairspray bottles) near the corner of the room and raises his eyebrows furtively.
 
AL (CONT'D)
I've got an idea!
 
CROSSFADE from Al cutting one of the boxes with a pair of scissors to the band performing on stage with a 3-foot tall cutout of a person taped to a mic stand instead of a vocalist. The cutout has been splattered with fake blood.
 
FADE TO BLACK as the band performs.
 
 
ACT TWO
 
EXT. A NONDESCRIPT APARTMENT COMPLEX IN EDOGAWA. TWO DAYS LATER. -- NIGHT
CUT TO:
 
INT. A SMALL JAPANESE APARTMENT WITH LOTS OF BAND POSTERS ON THE WALL. SOME FLOWERS/CARTOON PLUSHES/PRODUCTS THAT INDICATE IT IS A WOMAN'S ROOM ARE VISIBLE. A 20-SOMETHING GIRL IS LOUNGING ON THE BED MESSING WITH HER CELL PHONE.
 
RIKU is sitting Indian-style on the floor with a laptop on his lap. There is some hard (but not offensively brutal) rock playing on his laptop speakers.
 
RIKU (VOCALS, UNDEUX)
You hungry babe?
 
GIRL on the bed does not look up or to check whether or not her response is heard.
 
GIRL
Hmm?
 
RIKU
Want to go out?
 
GIRL
Ehh.
 
RIKU
Well *I'm* hungry. Let's go grab some food.
 
GIRL
I don't get paid till Friday, I'm kinda broke.
 
RIKU has stood up and is rifling through the small cupboard and refrigerator.
 
RIKU
Damn, me too. I'm sick of instant noodles though, I'm gonna order some pizza. Whatchu want on your half?
 
GIRL
Where you ordering from?
 
RIKU
That Italian place downstairs. You can just hit 'em up on Line to order.
 
GIRL
Corn and mayo!
 
RIKU
Gross, fine.
 
RIKU grabs his laptop and starts typing.
 
SFX: PAN OUT THROUGH WINDOW TO WIDE SHOT OF APARTMENT BUILDING WITH GATHERING THUNDERSTORM IN THE BACKGROUND.
 
MUSIC: DRAMATIC ORCHESTRAL HITS.
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT THREE
 
EXT. SAME EDOGAWA APARTMENT COMPLEX. TWO HOURS LATER. -- NIGHT
 
INT. SAME APARTMENT. MOSTLY FINISHED PIZZA/BOX SIT ON THE TABLE. GIRL IS STILL MINDLESSLY PLAYING WITH PHONE BUT LAYING WITH HEAD ON FOOT OF BED.
 
RIKU is finishing a slice of pizza as he sits down at his computer again, looking very satisfied.
 
MUSIC: OMINOUS BUT FAINT
 
RIKU is reading intently on computer when his face drops and grows pale. He instinctively covers his mouth with his hand while continuing to scroll.
 
RIKU
Oh fuck.
 
GIRL
Huh?
 
RIKU
Oh fuck oh fuck.
 
GIRL looks up from phone at RIKU. She is still lying on the bed.
 
GIRL
What's up?
 
RIKU stands and begins pacing on the small apartment floor.
 
RIKU
Oh man this is not good... I was logged into the band's account when I ordered that pizza!
 
GIRL
Didn't you quit that band?
 
RIKU
I did! But I guess I hadn't logged out and into my own Line on my laptop. Shit! I didn't show up to our last show those guys are gonna be so pissed at me!
 
GIRL sits up.
 
GIRL
Why were they expecting you at their show?
 
RIKU
Well, I quit the band... but didn't really tell them it would be *immediately*. They've been texting me non-stop.
 
GIRL
Oh my god, you idiot.
 
RIKU
I was trying to let them down easy!
 
GIRL
Just pay them back.
 
RIKU
I'm not worried about the money!
 
GIRL
Is this really that big a deal?
 
RIKU
Oh my god yes, you don't fuck with Rame and get away with it. I need to call my lawyer.
 
GIRL
*Your* lawyer? Who do you think you are? You definitely don't have some lawyer on retainer.
 
RIKU
I... you know what I mean!
Seriously, I could be in some shit.
 
SFX: PAN OUT THROUGH WINDOW TO WIDE SHOT OF APARTMENT WHILE RIKU IS PACING AND DIALING A NUMBER ON HIS CELL PHONE. IT IS RAINING HARD AND A SINGLE CROW IS CAWING ON SOME POWER LINES BELOW THEIR APARTMENT WINDOW.
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT FOUR
 
EXT. AN UNIDENTIFIED AVERAGE TOKYO STREET. MANY PEOPLE ARE GOING ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS IN STORES ON THE STREETS -- DAY
 
INT. A LUXURIOUSLY APPOINTED OFFICE. THE FOUR NON-VOCALIST MEMBERS OF UNDEUX SIT ON ONE SIDE OF A LARGE WOODEN DESK. A LARGE BALD BODYGUARD-TYPE MAN STANDS NEAR THE DOOR WEARING A SUIT AND SUNGLASSES. THE BAND, IN CASUAL CLOTHES, ARE FACING THE BACK OF A STATELY LEATHER OFFICE CHAIR ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DESK.
 
The chair slowly spins around to reveal RAME of the record label GLKingdom and former bassist of VK band Vidoll. RAME is wearing a charcoal suit and a black tie.
 
RAME
Thank you for meeting me. Let's discuss how we can resolve this unfortunate... 'incident'.
 
KAI
Well...
 
The members of Undeux look at each other nervously.
 
AL
Well, we want to keep going. We were hoping, you know, that maybe you knew a vocalist who would be interested...
 
RAME laughs softly.
 
AL (CONT'D)
...in joining the band.
 
RAME
Yes, yes. That can all be arranged. I was speaking more about what to do with Riku.
 
LUCHAT
Wha...?
 
KOJI
We still haven't heard from him.
 
AL
Well, other than the pizza thing.
 
LUCHAT
Yeah, what a dick.
 
RAME pulls a white envelope from a drawer.
 
RAME
First, he quits the band and no-shows despite promising me he'd keep performing till the summer.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Then, he hides and doesn't return any of my calls or texts. And finally...
 
RAME opens the letter contained in the envelope.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
...I get a letter from a lawyer claiming that the record deal you all signed was invalid and Riku not showing up was not a breach of contract at all.
 
The members of Undeux are fidgeting in their seats but do not say anything.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Our friend Riku needs a lesson in respect and honor.
 
KOJI
What do you...?
 
RAME nods at the large man standing by the door. The bodyguard nods back and exits the room.
 
RAME
Let's not worry about Riku any longer.
 
The members of Undeux look slightly afraid but don't move or speak.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Now, about finding you guys a new vocalist... have you heard of the band QEDDESHET?
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT FIVE
 
EXT. A GRIMEY TOKYO ALLEYWAY. IT IS RAINING LIGHTLY -- EVENING
 
RIKU runs around a corner and places his hands on his knees to try to catch his breath. He is looking from side to side very nervously. RIKU starts walking quickly, while often looking over his shoulder, toward one end of the alley.
 
As RIKU approaches a large man in a dark suit appears at the end of the alley that RIKU is headed toward. RIKU,
panicked, turns and begins running in the opposite direction.
 
RIKU is sprinting and splashing through puddles of the alley. As he nears the corner he appeared from originally another man in a suit emerges holding a black handgun.
 
RIKU
No! Please...
 
The second suited man emotionlessly aims the gun at RIKU and pulls the trigger. The man wipes the gun with his pocket square and lays the gun down beside Riku's body. The suited men walk away quickly but confidently.
 
OVERHEAD SHOT:
Camera slowly pans upward as the blood from RIKU's gunshot mixes with the water his body is lying in. Camera pans upward until it is above the roofline and even the silhouette of RIKU's lifeless body has disappeared from view.
 
CUT TO:
 
INT. UNNAMED TOKYO LIVE HOUSE IN THE MIDDLE OF A PERFORMANCE.
 
The band Undeux are walking out onstage to a pulsing techno track. A new, unidentified vocalist comes out last to lots of shouting from the crowd. The intro track ends and a drum fill signals the beginning of Undeux's first song. The new vocalist crouches over and unleashes an imperfect but earnest pig-squeal as the guitars kick in.
 
The camera finds RAME at the rear of the club watching dispassionately. The large suited man from his office approaches and whispers something into his ear that is unheard over the band's performance.
 
One corner of RAME's lips fold upward into a wry smile.
FADE TO BLACK:
TITLE CARD: fin.
 

Great live report(s)!
 
I dislike any band making the audience kneel because then I stick out like a sore thumb (more than I already do) for being 2 seconds slower than everyone else 😅.
 
I like the triforce in the middle of all the pentagrams on that hoodie.

My second concert while in Tokyo! Starwave Records seem to have the most attractive bands for me, atleast atm. This was a Monday and pretty early. At first i didn't find the venue since the area has tons of sidealleys and it was such a rainy day, rushed with my umbrella like a maniac. I didn't have a pre-ticket so i went in normally with others and got one. Ruido K3 was a really nice venue in my eyes, really small but enough room cos it wasn't too crowded. There was a big DJ booth at the back and a bar, so i obviously went to use my drink ticket. I'm a beer guy, so glug lug.
 
 

 
Sooooo, let's start the talking.
 
シンデレラキャッスル 
 
After a little waiting the show started. Cinderella Castle was the first band to perform, it was a trio, apparently? They had a drummer but he didn't look like a real member, more like regular drummer ossan. This band was totally unknown for me so i didn't know what to expect, the vocalist had a cute face and silver x purple hair and seemed utterly energetic.
The songs were your basic oshare-ish vk but alot of hopping from side to side, only a few girls participated. Both guitarists looks were a little traditional japanese inspired.
They played 4 songs in total, and at some point a big horsemask appeared and was put on the mic stand, hehe. Vocalist also shared some bread with the audience, how kind.
Their buppan didn't get a single buy/customer 😕 
 
ギルティア
 
Alright, Guiltia was a big chance compared to the first band, finally some ikemen with leather and straps! Don't know their songs either but they were pretty good and heavy.
The bassist had a birthday so we congratulated him, of course! He was really seducing the front row, haha. 
 
マーブル
 
Marble was apparently a one-man show and a project. He had a speaking booth in the middle of the stage and was wearing nice renaissance blazer with flowers and embellishments. The music was pretty electronic, even techno-like here and there. He also did some nazi salutes as furis, it was cool, lol.
 
 
ЯｅＶＥＬＬＩＯＮ　ＧЯＩＥＦ
 
Yosh, time for the next one. Revellion was good, i did like them! The vocalist wasn't very outstandingly gifted but it was alright. The pig screams were better than melodic singing. The bassist was crushed in a really tight dress, corset and a pink Hatsune Miku-wig. I don't think i would listen to their music that much in my free time but the live was good to watch! Heres a pic with the boys, i went to hangout near the table to wait for next band and talked a little with them, since "why not?"
 
 

 
ラヴェーゼ
 
Ooooooh myyy gooooood, i wasn't prepared for them to play next. I was chilling on the floor in the back, and got up like a phoenix and rushed to the front, since there was a free spot, thank you jesus. They were fucking amazing, definetely my favourite of the event selection. Well hmmm what can i tell, Serah was pointing at me and demanded me for more action since i think i froze for a second just jawdropped, lol. Went for it. Sadly very short list, so happy they played my favourite 未完ノ刻ト悲愴ノ渦! Can't wait for the new single.
 

 
ノクト & DaturA
 
Haven't listened to them at all before so i was like "meh", let's see. Memories of these bands are kind of minimal and faint, so idk what to tell. 
I guess they were alright. Noctos ETERNITY was def better live than the horrendous pv they made. I relate to the vocalist for liking Westwood & leopard print.
DaturA's vocalist was super sexual and was rubbing his crotch all the time, a little Lycaon's Yuuki, if i may say  I enjoyed them!
 
 
 

 
UNDER FALL JUSTICE
 
The utter minute they opened the curtains everyone went on their knees and hold their hands like prayer. Did the same. I've been getting into them more & more some months before this live. They were really good, 何も信じていない  was such a highlight of the set since i've been banging that shit like 24/7 on my phone. Hot nihilist boys, what can i say. 
Very dark and gorgeous.
 

 
 
Scarlet Valse 
 
At this point when waiting for them i was getting kinda hungry and tired, the event started at 15.00 and i didn't properly feed myself before. Almost considred of leaving without seeing them. Thank God i didn't. It seems like their band concept changes alot, or at least the appearance? I was like "wtf" when Kakeru came to the stage and had the good judy black feather hat on. I don't need glasses yet but i rubbed my eyes a little asking myself "Is that Kyouki?" Hi Grieva, please come back, bitches. Their set was really good and they had the most fans, as you can see from the pic above, waiting with the towels on the stage handles. Lunatic Mind was really cool. The final climaxed into a banger of all bands with gyakudai and rose throwing etc. Saya also jumped to the audience and came to pick me up into the dive ❤️ Boy, i'll come if called. Feed me a cracker before  Great live, great event, satisfied in every way.
 
 
 
 
I got myself this nice & soft parka (been wearing it quite much already) from La Baiser and 5 chekis, got some nice ones but no Saya 😢 Next time, then!
Ripped my leather joggers while jumping and everything but it was worth it! Bye!
 

Shoutout to @helcchifor the awesome banner btw!

A Dramatic Retelling of the Time the Dude from Undeux Went Missing but then Ordered a Pizza With the Band's Line Account
 
by The Reverend
 
 
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
 
EXT. TOKYO ALLEYWAY, ENTRANCE TO IKEBUKURO BLACK HOLE -- EVENING
CUT TO:
 
INT. BACKSTAGE DRESSING ROOM
 
The vanity shelves are filled with various makeup and hair products. Members from various indies VK bands are milling about; applying makeup, styling hair, strumming vacantly on guitars. As we pan to the rear corner the members of Undeux are half in costume chatting while getting dressed.
 
(If writing is visible it is in Japanese. All speech is in English.)
 
AL (GUITAR)
Can you believe this asshole? He was supposed to be here like two hours ago? What if he doesn't show?
 
Luchat turns away from the mirror while affixing feathers to his wig.
 
LUCHAT (DRUMS)
Can any of you guys sing?
 
AL
Riku couldn't sing! Anyone willing to get up there and just kinda shriek occasionally while pointing into the audience and making up some furi?
 
Koji is sitting on the floor applying fake blood to his face.
 
KOJI (BASS)
No can do. You guys are already making me play bass; I've got enough to try and remember.
 
AL
Damnit.
 
Kai walks through the door in full stage makeup buttoning his bloody white shirt.
 
KAI (GUITAR)
Hey has anyone heard from...
 
AL
No.
 
KOJI
No.
 
LUCHAT
Nope.
 
KAI
Damnit.
 
AL
Alright we can't not go on stage now...
 
Al spots a couple of boxes (formerly containing hairspray bottles) near the corner of the room and raises his eyebrows furtively.
 
AL (CONT'D)
I've got an idea!
 
CROSSFADE from Al cutting one of the boxes with a pair of scissors to the band performing on stage with a 3-foot tall cutout of a person taped to a mic stand instead of a vocalist. The cutout has been splattered with fake blood.
 
FADE TO BLACK as the band performs.
 
 
ACT TWO
 
EXT. A NONDESCRIPT APARTMENT COMPLEX IN EDOGAWA. TWO DAYS LATER. -- NIGHT
CUT TO:
 
INT. A SMALL JAPANESE APARTMENT WITH LOTS OF BAND POSTERS ON THE WALL. SOME FLOWERS/CARTOON PLUSHES/PRODUCTS THAT INDICATE IT IS A WOMAN'S ROOM ARE VISIBLE. A 20-SOMETHING GIRL IS LOUNGING ON THE BED MESSING WITH HER CELL PHONE.
 
RIKU is sitting Indian-style on the floor with a laptop on his lap. There is some hard (but not offensively brutal) rock playing on his laptop speakers.
 
RIKU (VOCALS, UNDEUX)
You hungry babe?
 
GIRL on the bed does not look up or to check whether or not her response is heard.
 
GIRL
Hmm?
 
RIKU
Want to go out?
 
GIRL
Ehh.
 
RIKU
Well *I'm* hungry. Let's go grab some food.
 
GIRL
I don't get paid till Friday, I'm kinda broke.
 
RIKU has stood up and is rifling through the small cupboard and refrigerator.
 
RIKU
Damn, me too. I'm sick of instant noodles though, I'm gonna order some pizza. Whatchu want on your half?
 
GIRL
Where you ordering from?
 
RIKU
That Italian place downstairs. You can just hit 'em up on Line to order.
 
GIRL
Corn and mayo!
 
RIKU
Gross, fine.
 
RIKU grabs his laptop and starts typing.
 
SFX: PAN OUT THROUGH WINDOW TO WIDE SHOT OF APARTMENT BUILDING WITH GATHERING THUNDERSTORM IN THE BACKGROUND.
 
MUSIC: DRAMATIC ORCHESTRAL HITS.
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT THREE
 
EXT. SAME EDOGAWA APARTMENT COMPLEX. TWO HOURS LATER. -- NIGHT
 
INT. SAME APARTMENT. MOSTLY FINISHED PIZZA/BOX SIT ON THE TABLE. GIRL IS STILL MINDLESSLY PLAYING WITH PHONE BUT LAYING WITH HEAD ON FOOT OF BED.
 
RIKU is finishing a slice of pizza as he sits down at his computer again, looking very satisfied.
 
MUSIC: OMINOUS BUT FAINT
 
RIKU is reading intently on computer when his face drops and grows pale. He instinctively covers his mouth with his hand while continuing to scroll.
 
RIKU
Oh fuck.
 
GIRL
Huh?
 
RIKU
Oh fuck oh fuck.
 
GIRL looks up from phone at RIKU. She is still lying on the bed.
 
GIRL
What's up?
 
RIKU stands and begins pacing on the small apartment floor.
 
RIKU
Oh man this is not good... I was logged into the band's account when I ordered that pizza!
 
GIRL
Didn't you quit that band?
 
RIKU
I did! But I guess I hadn't logged out and into my own Line on my laptop. Shit! I didn't show up to our last show those guys are gonna be so pissed at me!
 
GIRL sits up.
 
GIRL
Why were they expecting you at their show?
 
RIKU
Well, I quit the band... but didn't really tell them it would be *immediately*. They've been texting me non-stop.
 
GIRL
Oh my god, you idiot.
 
RIKU
I was trying to let them down easy!
 
GIRL
Just pay them back.
 
RIKU
I'm not worried about the money!
 
GIRL
Is this really that big a deal?
 
RIKU
Oh my god yes, you don't fuck with Rame and get away with it. I need to call my lawyer.
 
GIRL
*Your* lawyer? Who do you think you are? You definitely don't have some lawyer on retainer.
 
RIKU
I... you know what I mean!
Seriously, I could be in some shit.
 
SFX: PAN OUT THROUGH WINDOW TO WIDE SHOT OF APARTMENT WHILE RIKU IS PACING AND DIALING A NUMBER ON HIS CELL PHONE. IT IS RAINING HARD AND A SINGLE CROW IS CAWING ON SOME POWER LINES BELOW THEIR APARTMENT WINDOW.
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT FOUR
 
EXT. AN UNIDENTIFIED AVERAGE TOKYO STREET. MANY PEOPLE ARE GOING ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS IN STORES ON THE STREETS -- DAY
 
INT. A LUXURIOUSLY APPOINTED OFFICE. THE FOUR NON-VOCALIST MEMBERS OF UNDEUX SIT ON ONE SIDE OF A LARGE WOODEN DESK. A LARGE BALD BODYGUARD-TYPE MAN STANDS NEAR THE DOOR WEARING A SUIT AND SUNGLASSES. THE BAND, IN CASUAL CLOTHES, ARE FACING THE BACK OF A STATELY LEATHER OFFICE CHAIR ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DESK.
 
The chair slowly spins around to reveal RAME of the record label GLKingdom and former bassist of VK band Vidoll. RAME is wearing a charcoal suit and a black tie.
 
RAME
Thank you for meeting me. Let's discuss how we can resolve this unfortunate... 'incident'.
 
KAI
Well...
 
The members of Undeux look at each other nervously.
 
AL
Well, we want to keep going. We were hoping, you know, that maybe you knew a vocalist who would be interested...
 
RAME laughs softly.
 
AL (CONT'D)
...in joining the band.
 
RAME
Yes, yes. That can all be arranged. I was speaking more about what to do with Riku.
 
LUCHAT
Wha...?
 
KOJI
We still haven't heard from him.
 
AL
Well, other than the pizza thing.
 
LUCHAT
Yeah, what a dick.
 
RAME pulls a white envelope from a drawer.
 
RAME
First, he quits the band and no-shows despite promising me he'd keep performing till the summer.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Then, he hides and doesn't return any of my calls or texts. And finally...
 
RAME opens the letter contained in the envelope.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
...I get a letter from a lawyer claiming that the record deal you all signed was invalid and Riku not showing up was not a breach of contract at all.
 
The members of Undeux are fidgeting in their seats but do not say anything.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Our friend Riku needs a lesson in respect and honor.
 
KOJI
What do you...?
 
RAME nods at the large man standing by the door. The bodyguard nods back and exits the room.
 
RAME
Let's not worry about Riku any longer.
 
The members of Undeux look slightly afraid but don't move or speak.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Now, about finding you guys a new vocalist... have you heard of the band QEDDESHET?
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT FIVE
 
EXT. A GRIMEY TOKYO ALLEYWAY. IT IS RAINING LIGHTLY -- EVENING
 
RIKU runs around a corner and places his hands on his knees to try to catch his breath. He is looking from side to side very nervously. RIKU starts walking quickly, while often looking over his shoulder, toward one end of the alley.
 
As RIKU approaches a large man in a dark suit appears at the end of the alley that RIKU is headed toward. RIKU,
panicked, turns and begins running in the opposite direction.
 
RIKU is sprinting and splashing through puddles of the alley. As he nears the corner he appeared from originally another man in a suit emerges holding a black handgun.
 
RIKU
No! Please...
 
The second suited man emotionlessly aims the gun at RIKU and pulls the trigger. The man wipes the gun with his pocket square and lays the gun down beside Riku's body. The suited men walk away quickly but confidently.
 
OVERHEAD SHOT:
Camera slowly pans upward as the blood from RIKU's gunshot mixes with the water his body is lying in. Camera pans upward until it is above the roofline and even the silhouette of RIKU's lifeless body has disappeared from view.
 
CUT TO:
 
INT. UNNAMED TOKYO LIVE HOUSE IN THE MIDDLE OF A PERFORMANCE.
 
The band Undeux are walking out onstage to a pulsing techno track. A new, unidentified vocalist comes out last to lots of shouting from the crowd. The intro track ends and a drum fill signals the beginning of Undeux's first song. The new vocalist crouches over and unleashes an imperfect but earnest pig-squeal as the guitars kick in.
 
The camera finds RAME at the rear of the club watching dispassionately. The large suited man from his office approaches and whispers something into his ear that is unheard over the band's performance.
 
One corner of RAME's lips fold upward into a wry smile.
FADE TO BLACK:
TITLE CARD: fin.
 

A Dramatic Retelling of the Time the Dude from Undeux Went Missing but then Ordered a Pizza With the Band's Line Account
 
by The Reverend
 
 
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
 
EXT. TOKYO ALLEYWAY, ENTRANCE TO IKEBUKURO BLACK HOLE -- EVENING
CUT TO:
 
INT. BACKSTAGE DRESSING ROOM
 
The vanity shelves are filled with various makeup and hair products. Members from various indies VK bands are milling about; applying makeup, styling hair, strumming vacantly on guitars. As we pan to the rear corner the members of Undeux are half in costume chatting while getting dressed.
 
(If writing is visible it is in Japanese. All speech is in English.)
 
AL (GUITAR)
Can you believe this asshole? He was supposed to be here like two hours ago? What if he doesn't show?
 
Luchat turns away from the mirror while affixing feathers to his wig.
 
LUCHAT (DRUMS)
Can any of you guys sing?
 
AL
Riku couldn't sing! Anyone willing to get up there and just kinda shriek occasionally while pointing into the audience and making up some furi?
 
Koji is sitting on the floor applying fake blood to his face.
 
KOJI (BASS)
No can do. You guys are already making me play bass; I've got enough to try and remember.
 
AL
Damnit.
 
Kai walks through the door in full stage makeup buttoning his bloody white shirt.
 
KAI (GUITAR)
Hey has anyone heard from...
 
AL
No.
 
KOJI
No.
 
LUCHAT
Nope.
 
KAI
Damnit.
 
AL
Alright we can't not go on stage now...
 
Al spots a couple of boxes (formerly containing hairspray bottles) near the corner of the room and raises his eyebrows furtively.
 
AL (CONT'D)
I've got an idea!
 
CROSSFADE from Al cutting one of the boxes with a pair of scissors to the band performing on stage with a 3-foot tall cutout of a person taped to a mic stand instead of a vocalist. The cutout has been splattered with fake blood.
 
FADE TO BLACK as the band performs.
 
 
ACT TWO
 
EXT. A NONDESCRIPT APARTMENT COMPLEX IN EDOGAWA. TWO DAYS LATER. -- NIGHT
CUT TO:
 
INT. A SMALL JAPANESE APARTMENT WITH LOTS OF BAND POSTERS ON THE WALL. SOME FLOWERS/CARTOON PLUSHES/PRODUCTS THAT INDICATE IT IS A WOMAN'S ROOM ARE VISIBLE. A 20-SOMETHING GIRL IS LOUNGING ON THE BED MESSING WITH HER CELL PHONE.
 
RIKU is sitting Indian-style on the floor with a laptop on his lap. There is some hard (but not offensively brutal) rock playing on his laptop speakers.
 
RIKU (VOCALS, UNDEUX)
You hungry babe?
 
GIRL on the bed does not look up or to check whether or not her response is heard.
 
GIRL
Hmm?
 
RIKU
Want to go out?
 
GIRL
Ehh.
 
RIKU
Well *I'm* hungry. Let's go grab some food.
 
GIRL
I don't get paid till Friday, I'm kinda broke.
 
RIKU has stood up and is rifling through the small cupboard and refrigerator.
 
RIKU
Damn, me too. I'm sick of instant noodles though, I'm gonna order some pizza. Whatchu want on your half?
 
GIRL
Where you ordering from?
 
RIKU
That Italian place downstairs. You can just hit 'em up on Line to order.
 
GIRL
Corn and mayo!
 
RIKU
Gross, fine.
 
RIKU grabs his laptop and starts typing.
 
SFX: PAN OUT THROUGH WINDOW TO WIDE SHOT OF APARTMENT BUILDING WITH GATHERING THUNDERSTORM IN THE BACKGROUND.
 
MUSIC: DRAMATIC ORCHESTRAL HITS.
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT THREE
 
EXT. SAME EDOGAWA APARTMENT COMPLEX. TWO HOURS LATER. -- NIGHT
 
INT. SAME APARTMENT. MOSTLY FINISHED PIZZA/BOX SIT ON THE TABLE. GIRL IS STILL MINDLESSLY PLAYING WITH PHONE BUT LAYING WITH HEAD ON FOOT OF BED.
 
RIKU is finishing a slice of pizza as he sits down at his computer again, looking very satisfied.
 
MUSIC: OMINOUS BUT FAINT
 
RIKU is reading intently on computer when his face drops and grows pale. He instinctively covers his mouth with his hand while continuing to scroll.
 
RIKU
Oh fuck.
 
GIRL
Huh?
 
RIKU
Oh fuck oh fuck.
 
GIRL looks up from phone at RIKU. She is still lying on the bed.
 
GIRL
What's up?
 
RIKU stands and begins pacing on the small apartment floor.
 
RIKU
Oh man this is not good... I was logged into the band's account when I ordered that pizza!
 
GIRL
Didn't you quit that band?
 
RIKU
I did! But I guess I hadn't logged out and into my own Line on my laptop. Shit! I didn't show up to our last show those guys are gonna be so pissed at me!
 
GIRL sits up.
 
GIRL
Why were they expecting you at their show?
 
RIKU
Well, I quit the band... but didn't really tell them it would be *immediately*. They've been texting me non-stop.
 
GIRL
Oh my god, you idiot.
 
RIKU
I was trying to let them down easy!
 
GIRL
Just pay them back.
 
RIKU
I'm not worried about the money!
 
GIRL
Is this really that big a deal?
 
RIKU
Oh my god yes, you don't fuck with Rame and get away with it. I need to call my lawyer.
 
GIRL
*Your* lawyer? Who do you think you are? You definitely don't have some lawyer on retainer.
 
RIKU
I... you know what I mean!
Seriously, I could be in some shit.
 
SFX: PAN OUT THROUGH WINDOW TO WIDE SHOT OF APARTMENT WHILE RIKU IS PACING AND DIALING A NUMBER ON HIS CELL PHONE. IT IS RAINING HARD AND A SINGLE CROW IS CAWING ON SOME POWER LINES BELOW THEIR APARTMENT WINDOW.
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT FOUR
 
EXT. AN UNIDENTIFIED AVERAGE TOKYO STREET. MANY PEOPLE ARE GOING ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS IN STORES ON THE STREETS -- DAY
 
INT. A LUXURIOUSLY APPOINTED OFFICE. THE FOUR NON-VOCALIST MEMBERS OF UNDEUX SIT ON ONE SIDE OF A LARGE WOODEN DESK. A LARGE BALD BODYGUARD-TYPE MAN STANDS NEAR THE DOOR WEARING A SUIT AND SUNGLASSES. THE BAND, IN CASUAL CLOTHES, ARE FACING THE BACK OF A STATELY LEATHER OFFICE CHAIR ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DESK.
 
The chair slowly spins around to reveal RAME of the record label GLKingdom and former bassist of VK band Vidoll. RAME is wearing a charcoal suit and a black tie.
 
RAME
Thank you for meeting me. Let's discuss how we can resolve this unfortunate... 'incident'.
 
KAI
Well...
 
The members of Undeux look at each other nervously.
 
AL
Well, we want to keep going. We were hoping, you know, that maybe you knew a vocalist who would be interested...
 
RAME laughs softly.
 
AL (CONT'D)
...in joining the band.
 
RAME
Yes, yes. That can all be arranged. I was speaking more about what to do with Riku.
 
LUCHAT
Wha...?
 
KOJI
We still haven't heard from him.
 
AL
Well, other than the pizza thing.
 
LUCHAT
Yeah, what a dick.
 
RAME pulls a white envelope from a drawer.
 
RAME
First, he quits the band and no-shows despite promising me he'd keep performing till the summer.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Then, he hides and doesn't return any of my calls or texts. And finally...
 
RAME opens the letter contained in the envelope.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
...I get a letter from a lawyer claiming that the record deal you all signed was invalid and Riku not showing up was not a breach of contract at all.
 
The members of Undeux are fidgeting in their seats but do not say anything.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Our friend Riku needs a lesson in respect and honor.
 
KOJI
What do you...?
 
RAME nods at the large man standing by the door. The bodyguard nods back and exits the room.
 
RAME
Let's not worry about Riku any longer.
 
The members of Undeux look slightly afraid but don't move or speak.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Now, about finding you guys a new vocalist... have you heard of the band QEDDESHET?
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT FIVE
 
EXT. A GRIMEY TOKYO ALLEYWAY. IT IS RAINING LIGHTLY -- EVENING
 
RIKU runs around a corner and places his hands on his knees to try to catch his breath. He is looking from side to side very nervously. RIKU starts walking quickly, while often looking over his shoulder, toward one end of the alley.
 
As RIKU approaches a large man in a dark suit appears at the end of the alley that RIKU is headed toward. RIKU,
panicked, turns and begins running in the opposite direction.
 
RIKU is sprinting and splashing through puddles of the alley. As he nears the corner he appeared from originally another man in a suit emerges holding a black handgun.
 
RIKU
No! Please...
 
The second suited man emotionlessly aims the gun at RIKU and pulls the trigger. The man wipes the gun with his pocket square and lays the gun down beside Riku's body. The suited men walk away quickly but confidently.
 
OVERHEAD SHOT:
Camera slowly pans upward as the blood from RIKU's gunshot mixes with the water his body is lying in. Camera pans upward until it is above the roofline and even the silhouette of RIKU's lifeless body has disappeared from view.
 
CUT TO:
 
INT. UNNAMED TOKYO LIVE HOUSE IN THE MIDDLE OF A PERFORMANCE.
 
The band Undeux are walking out onstage to a pulsing techno track. A new, unidentified vocalist comes out last to lots of shouting from the crowd. The intro track ends and a drum fill signals the beginning of Undeux's first song. The new vocalist crouches over and unleashes an imperfect but earnest pig-squeal as the guitars kick in.
 
The camera finds RAME at the rear of the club watching dispassionately. The large suited man from his office approaches and whispers something into his ear that is unheard over the band's performance.
 
One corner of RAME's lips fold upward into a wry smile.
FADE TO BLACK:
TITLE CARD: fin.
 

A Dramatic Retelling of the Time the Dude from Undeux Went Missing but then Ordered a Pizza With the Band's Line Account
 
by The Reverend
 
 
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
 
EXT. TOKYO ALLEYWAY, ENTRANCE TO IKEBUKURO BLACK HOLE -- EVENING
CUT TO:
 
INT. BACKSTAGE DRESSING ROOM
 
The vanity shelves are filled with various makeup and hair products. Members from various indies VK bands are milling about; applying makeup, styling hair, strumming vacantly on guitars. As we pan to the rear corner the members of Undeux are half in costume chatting while getting dressed.
 
(If writing is visible it is in Japanese. All speech is in English.)
 
AL (GUITAR)
Can you believe this asshole? He was supposed to be here like two hours ago? What if he doesn't show?
 
Luchat turns away from the mirror while affixing feathers to his wig.
 
LUCHAT (DRUMS)
Can any of you guys sing?
 
AL
Riku couldn't sing! Anyone willing to get up there and just kinda shriek occasionally while pointing into the audience and making up some furi?
 
Koji is sitting on the floor applying fake blood to his face.
 
KOJI (BASS)
No can do. You guys are already making me play bass; I've got enough to try and remember.
 
AL
Damnit.
 
Kai walks through the door in full stage makeup buttoning his bloody white shirt.
 
KAI (GUITAR)
Hey has anyone heard from...
 
AL
No.
 
KOJI
No.
 
LUCHAT
Nope.
 
KAI
Damnit.
 
AL
Alright we can't not go on stage now...
 
Al spots a couple of boxes (formerly containing hairspray bottles) near the corner of the room and raises his eyebrows furtively.
 
AL (CONT'D)
I've got an idea!
 
CROSSFADE from Al cutting one of the boxes with a pair of scissors to the band performing on stage with a 3-foot tall cutout of a person taped to a mic stand instead of a vocalist. The cutout has been splattered with fake blood.
 
FADE TO BLACK as the band performs.
 
 
ACT TWO
 
EXT. A NONDESCRIPT APARTMENT COMPLEX IN EDOGAWA. TWO DAYS LATER. -- NIGHT
CUT TO:
 
INT. A SMALL JAPANESE APARTMENT WITH LOTS OF BAND POSTERS ON THE WALL. SOME FLOWERS/CARTOON PLUSHES/PRODUCTS THAT INDICATE IT IS A WOMAN'S ROOM ARE VISIBLE. A 20-SOMETHING GIRL IS LOUNGING ON THE BED MESSING WITH HER CELL PHONE.
 
RIKU is sitting Indian-style on the floor with a laptop on his lap. There is some hard (but not offensively brutal) rock playing on his laptop speakers.
 
RIKU (VOCALS, UNDEUX)
You hungry babe?
 
GIRL on the bed does not look up or to check whether or not her response is heard.
 
GIRL
Hmm?
 
RIKU
Want to go out?
 
GIRL
Ehh.
 
RIKU
Well *I'm* hungry. Let's go grab some food.
 
GIRL
I don't get paid till Friday, I'm kinda broke.
 
RIKU has stood up and is rifling through the small cupboard and refrigerator.
 
RIKU
Damn, me too. I'm sick of instant noodles though, I'm gonna order some pizza. Whatchu want on your half?
 
GIRL
Where you ordering from?
 
RIKU
That Italian place downstairs. You can just hit 'em up on Line to order.
 
GIRL
Corn and mayo!
 
RIKU
Gross, fine.
 
RIKU grabs his laptop and starts typing.
 
SFX: PAN OUT THROUGH WINDOW TO WIDE SHOT OF APARTMENT BUILDING WITH GATHERING THUNDERSTORM IN THE BACKGROUND.
 
MUSIC: DRAMATIC ORCHESTRAL HITS.
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT THREE
 
EXT. SAME EDOGAWA APARTMENT COMPLEX. TWO HOURS LATER. -- NIGHT
 
INT. SAME APARTMENT. MOSTLY FINISHED PIZZA/BOX SIT ON THE TABLE. GIRL IS STILL MINDLESSLY PLAYING WITH PHONE BUT LAYING WITH HEAD ON FOOT OF BED.
 
RIKU is finishing a slice of pizza as he sits down at his computer again, looking very satisfied.
 
MUSIC: OMINOUS BUT FAINT
 
RIKU is reading intently on computer when his face drops and grows pale. He instinctively covers his mouth with his hand while continuing to scroll.
 
RIKU
Oh fuck.
 
GIRL
Huh?
 
RIKU
Oh fuck oh fuck.
 
GIRL looks up from phone at RIKU. She is still lying on the bed.
 
GIRL
What's up?
 
RIKU stands and begins pacing on the small apartment floor.
 
RIKU
Oh man this is not good... I was logged into the band's account when I ordered that pizza!
 
GIRL
Didn't you quit that band?
 
RIKU
I did! But I guess I hadn't logged out and into my own Line on my laptop. Shit! I didn't show up to our last show those guys are gonna be so pissed at me!
 
GIRL sits up.
 
GIRL
Why were they expecting you at their show?
 
RIKU
Well, I quit the band... but didn't really tell them it would be *immediately*. They've been texting me non-stop.
 
GIRL
Oh my god, you idiot.
 
RIKU
I was trying to let them down easy!
 
GIRL
Just pay them back.
 
RIKU
I'm not worried about the money!
 
GIRL
Is this really that big a deal?
 
RIKU
Oh my god yes, you don't fuck with Rame and get away with it. I need to call my lawyer.
 
GIRL
*Your* lawyer? Who do you think you are? You definitely don't have some lawyer on retainer.
 
RIKU
I... you know what I mean!
Seriously, I could be in some shit.
 
SFX: PAN OUT THROUGH WINDOW TO WIDE SHOT OF APARTMENT WHILE RIKU IS PACING AND DIALING A NUMBER ON HIS CELL PHONE. IT IS RAINING HARD AND A SINGLE CROW IS CAWING ON SOME POWER LINES BELOW THEIR APARTMENT WINDOW.
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT FOUR
 
EXT. AN UNIDENTIFIED AVERAGE TOKYO STREET. MANY PEOPLE ARE GOING ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS IN STORES ON THE STREETS -- DAY
 
INT. A LUXURIOUSLY APPOINTED OFFICE. THE FOUR NON-VOCALIST MEMBERS OF UNDEUX SIT ON ONE SIDE OF A LARGE WOODEN DESK. A LARGE BALD BODYGUARD-TYPE MAN STANDS NEAR THE DOOR WEARING A SUIT AND SUNGLASSES. THE BAND, IN CASUAL CLOTHES, ARE FACING THE BACK OF A STATELY LEATHER OFFICE CHAIR ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DESK.
 
The chair slowly spins around to reveal RAME of the record label GLKingdom and former bassist of VK band Vidoll. RAME is wearing a charcoal suit and a black tie.
 
RAME
Thank you for meeting me. Let's discuss how we can resolve this unfortunate... 'incident'.
 
KAI
Well...
 
The members of Undeux look at each other nervously.
 
AL
Well, we want to keep going. We were hoping, you know, that maybe you knew a vocalist who would be interested...
 
RAME laughs softly.
 
AL (CONT'D)
...in joining the band.
 
RAME
Yes, yes. That can all be arranged. I was speaking more about what to do with Riku.
 
LUCHAT
Wha...?
 
KOJI
We still haven't heard from him.
 
AL
Well, other than the pizza thing.
 
LUCHAT
Yeah, what a dick.
 
RAME pulls a white envelope from a drawer.
 
RAME
First, he quits the band and no-shows despite promising me he'd keep performing till the summer.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Then, he hides and doesn't return any of my calls or texts. And finally...
 
RAME opens the letter contained in the envelope.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
...I get a letter from a lawyer claiming that the record deal you all signed was invalid and Riku not showing up was not a breach of contract at all.
 
The members of Undeux are fidgeting in their seats but do not say anything.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Our friend Riku needs a lesson in respect and honor.
 
KOJI
What do you...?
 
RAME nods at the large man standing by the door. The bodyguard nods back and exits the room.
 
RAME
Let's not worry about Riku any longer.
 
The members of Undeux look slightly afraid but don't move or speak.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Now, about finding you guys a new vocalist... have you heard of the band QEDDESHET?
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT FIVE
 
EXT. A GRIMEY TOKYO ALLEYWAY. IT IS RAINING LIGHTLY -- EVENING
 
RIKU runs around a corner and places his hands on his knees to try to catch his breath. He is looking from side to side very nervously. RIKU starts walking quickly, while often looking over his shoulder, toward one end of the alley.
 
As RIKU approaches a large man in a dark suit appears at the end of the alley that RIKU is headed toward. RIKU,
panicked, turns and begins running in the opposite direction.
 
RIKU is sprinting and splashing through puddles of the alley. As he nears the corner he appeared from originally another man in a suit emerges holding a black handgun.
 
RIKU
No! Please...
 
The second suited man emotionlessly aims the gun at RIKU and pulls the trigger. The man wipes the gun with his pocket square and lays the gun down beside Riku's body. The suited men walk away quickly but confidently.
 
OVERHEAD SHOT:
Camera slowly pans upward as the blood from RIKU's gunshot mixes with the water his body is lying in. Camera pans upward until it is above the roofline and even the silhouette of RIKU's lifeless body has disappeared from view.
 
CUT TO:
 
INT. UNNAMED TOKYO LIVE HOUSE IN THE MIDDLE OF A PERFORMANCE.
 
The band Undeux are walking out onstage to a pulsing techno track. A new, unidentified vocalist comes out last to lots of shouting from the crowd. The intro track ends and a drum fill signals the beginning of Undeux's first song. The new vocalist crouches over and unleashes an imperfect but earnest pig-squeal as the guitars kick in.
 
The camera finds RAME at the rear of the club watching dispassionately. The large suited man from his office approaches and whispers something into his ear that is unheard over the band's performance.
 
One corner of RAME's lips fold upward into a wry smile.
FADE TO BLACK:
TITLE CARD: fin.
 

A Dramatic Retelling of the Time the Dude from Undeux Went Missing but then Ordered a Pizza With the Band's Line Account
 
by The Reverend
 
 
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
 
EXT. TOKYO ALLEYWAY, ENTRANCE TO IKEBUKURO BLACK HOLE -- EVENING
CUT TO:
 
INT. BACKSTAGE DRESSING ROOM
 
The vanity shelves are filled with various makeup and hair products. Members from various indies VK bands are milling about; applying makeup, styling hair, strumming vacantly on guitars. As we pan to the rear corner the members of Undeux are half in costume chatting while getting dressed.
 
(If writing is visible it is in Japanese. All speech is in English.)
 
AL (GUITAR)
Can you believe this asshole? He was supposed to be here like two hours ago? What if he doesn't show?
 
Luchat turns away from the mirror while affixing feathers to his wig.
 
LUCHAT (DRUMS)
Can any of you guys sing?
 
AL
Riku couldn't sing! Anyone willing to get up there and just kinda shriek occasionally while pointing into the audience and making up some furi?
 
Koji is sitting on the floor applying fake blood to his face.
 
KOJI (BASS)
No can do. You guys are already making me play bass; I've got enough to try and remember.
 
AL
Damnit.
 
Kai walks through the door in full stage makeup buttoning his bloody white shirt.
 
KAI (GUITAR)
Hey has anyone heard from...
 
AL
No.
 
KOJI
No.
 
LUCHAT
Nope.
 
KAI
Damnit.
 
AL
Alright we can't not go on stage now...
 
Al spots a couple of boxes (formerly containing hairspray bottles) near the corner of the room and raises his eyebrows furtively.
 
AL (CONT'D)
I've got an idea!
 
CROSSFADE from Al cutting one of the boxes with a pair of scissors to the band performing on stage with a 3-foot tall cutout of a person taped to a mic stand instead of a vocalist. The cutout has been splattered with fake blood.
 
FADE TO BLACK as the band performs.
 
 
ACT TWO
 
EXT. A NONDESCRIPT APARTMENT COMPLEX IN EDOGAWA. TWO DAYS LATER. -- NIGHT
CUT TO:
 
INT. A SMALL JAPANESE APARTMENT WITH LOTS OF BAND POSTERS ON THE WALL. SOME FLOWERS/CARTOON PLUSHES/PRODUCTS THAT INDICATE IT IS A WOMAN'S ROOM ARE VISIBLE. A 20-SOMETHING GIRL IS LOUNGING ON THE BED MESSING WITH HER CELL PHONE.
 
RIKU is sitting Indian-style on the floor with a laptop on his lap. There is some hard (but not offensively brutal) rock playing on his laptop speakers.
 
RIKU (VOCALS, UNDEUX)
You hungry babe?
 
GIRL on the bed does not look up or to check whether or not her response is heard.
 
GIRL
Hmm?
 
RIKU
Want to go out?
 
GIRL
Ehh.
 
RIKU
Well *I'm* hungry. Let's go grab some food.
 
GIRL
I don't get paid till Friday, I'm kinda broke.
 
RIKU has stood up and is rifling through the small cupboard and refrigerator.
 
RIKU
Damn, me too. I'm sick of instant noodles though, I'm gonna order some pizza. Whatchu want on your half?
 
GIRL
Where you ordering from?
 
RIKU
That Italian place downstairs. You can just hit 'em up on Line to order.
 
GIRL
Corn and mayo!
 
RIKU
Gross, fine.
 
RIKU grabs his laptop and starts typing.
 
SFX: PAN OUT THROUGH WINDOW TO WIDE SHOT OF APARTMENT BUILDING WITH GATHERING THUNDERSTORM IN THE BACKGROUND.
 
MUSIC: DRAMATIC ORCHESTRAL HITS.
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT THREE
 
EXT. SAME EDOGAWA APARTMENT COMPLEX. TWO HOURS LATER. -- NIGHT
 
INT. SAME APARTMENT. MOSTLY FINISHED PIZZA/BOX SIT ON THE TABLE. GIRL IS STILL MINDLESSLY PLAYING WITH PHONE BUT LAYING WITH HEAD ON FOOT OF BED.
 
RIKU is finishing a slice of pizza as he sits down at his computer again, looking very satisfied.
 
MUSIC: OMINOUS BUT FAINT
 
RIKU is reading intently on computer when his face drops and grows pale. He instinctively covers his mouth with his hand while continuing to scroll.
 
RIKU
Oh fuck.
 
GIRL
Huh?
 
RIKU
Oh fuck oh fuck.
 
GIRL looks up from phone at RIKU. She is still lying on the bed.
 
GIRL
What's up?
 
RIKU stands and begins pacing on the small apartment floor.
 
RIKU
Oh man this is not good... I was logged into the band's account when I ordered that pizza!
 
GIRL
Didn't you quit that band?
 
RIKU
I did! But I guess I hadn't logged out and into my own Line on my laptop. Shit! I didn't show up to our last show those guys are gonna be so pissed at me!
 
GIRL sits up.
 
GIRL
Why were they expecting you at their show?
 
RIKU
Well, I quit the band... but didn't really tell them it would be *immediately*. They've been texting me non-stop.
 
GIRL
Oh my god, you idiot.
 
RIKU
I was trying to let them down easy!
 
GIRL
Just pay them back.
 
RIKU
I'm not worried about the money!
 
GIRL
Is this really that big a deal?
 
RIKU
Oh my god yes, you don't fuck with Rame and get away with it. I need to call my lawyer.
 
GIRL
*Your* lawyer? Who do you think you are? You definitely don't have some lawyer on retainer.
 
RIKU
I... you know what I mean!
Seriously, I could be in some shit.
 
SFX: PAN OUT THROUGH WINDOW TO WIDE SHOT OF APARTMENT WHILE RIKU IS PACING AND DIALING A NUMBER ON HIS CELL PHONE. IT IS RAINING HARD AND A SINGLE CROW IS CAWING ON SOME POWER LINES BELOW THEIR APARTMENT WINDOW.
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT FOUR
 
EXT. AN UNIDENTIFIED AVERAGE TOKYO STREET. MANY PEOPLE ARE GOING ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS IN STORES ON THE STREETS -- DAY
 
INT. A LUXURIOUSLY APPOINTED OFFICE. THE FOUR NON-VOCALIST MEMBERS OF UNDEUX SIT ON ONE SIDE OF A LARGE WOODEN DESK. A LARGE BALD BODYGUARD-TYPE MAN STANDS NEAR THE DOOR WEARING A SUIT AND SUNGLASSES. THE BAND, IN CASUAL CLOTHES, ARE FACING THE BACK OF A STATELY LEATHER OFFICE CHAIR ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DESK.
 
The chair slowly spins around to reveal RAME of the record label GLKingdom and former bassist of VK band Vidoll. RAME is wearing a charcoal suit and a black tie.
 
RAME
Thank you for meeting me. Let's discuss how we can resolve this unfortunate... 'incident'.
 
KAI
Well...
 
The members of Undeux look at each other nervously.
 
AL
Well, we want to keep going. We were hoping, you know, that maybe you knew a vocalist who would be interested...
 
RAME laughs softly.
 
AL (CONT'D)
...in joining the band.
 
RAME
Yes, yes. That can all be arranged. I was speaking more about what to do with Riku.
 
LUCHAT
Wha...?
 
KOJI
We still haven't heard from him.
 
AL
Well, other than the pizza thing.
 
LUCHAT
Yeah, what a dick.
 
RAME pulls a white envelope from a drawer.
 
RAME
First, he quits the band and no-shows despite promising me he'd keep performing till the summer.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Then, he hides and doesn't return any of my calls or texts. And finally...
 
RAME opens the letter contained in the envelope.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
...I get a letter from a lawyer claiming that the record deal you all signed was invalid and Riku not showing up was not a breach of contract at all.
 
The members of Undeux are fidgeting in their seats but do not say anything.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Our friend Riku needs a lesson in respect and honor.
 
KOJI
What do you...?
 
RAME nods at the large man standing by the door. The bodyguard nods back and exits the room.
 
RAME
Let's not worry about Riku any longer.
 
The members of Undeux look slightly afraid but don't move or speak.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Now, about finding you guys a new vocalist... have you heard of the band QEDDESHET?
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT FIVE
 
EXT. A GRIMEY TOKYO ALLEYWAY. IT IS RAINING LIGHTLY -- EVENING
 
RIKU runs around a corner and places his hands on his knees to try to catch his breath. He is looking from side to side very nervously. RIKU starts walking quickly, while often looking over his shoulder, toward one end of the alley.
 
As RIKU approaches a large man in a dark suit appears at the end of the alley that RIKU is headed toward. RIKU,
panicked, turns and begins running in the opposite direction.
 
RIKU is sprinting and splashing through puddles of the alley. As he nears the corner he appeared from originally another man in a suit emerges holding a black handgun.
 
RIKU
No! Please...
 
The second suited man emotionlessly aims the gun at RIKU and pulls the trigger. The man wipes the gun with his pocket square and lays the gun down beside Riku's body. The suited men walk away quickly but confidently.
 
OVERHEAD SHOT:
Camera slowly pans upward as the blood from RIKU's gunshot mixes with the water his body is lying in. Camera pans upward until it is above the roofline and even the silhouette of RIKU's lifeless body has disappeared from view.
 
CUT TO:
 
INT. UNNAMED TOKYO LIVE HOUSE IN THE MIDDLE OF A PERFORMANCE.
 
The band Undeux are walking out onstage to a pulsing techno track. A new, unidentified vocalist comes out last to lots of shouting from the crowd. The intro track ends and a drum fill signals the beginning of Undeux's first song. The new vocalist crouches over and unleashes an imperfect but earnest pig-squeal as the guitars kick in.
 
The camera finds RAME at the rear of the club watching dispassionately. The large suited man from his office approaches and whispers something into his ear that is unheard over the band's performance.
 
One corner of RAME's lips fold upward into a wry smile.
FADE TO BLACK:
TITLE CARD: fin.
 

A Dramatic Retelling of the Time the Dude from Undeux Went Missing but then Ordered a Pizza With the Band's Line Account
 
by The Reverend
 
 
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
 
EXT. TOKYO ALLEYWAY, ENTRANCE TO IKEBUKURO BLACK HOLE -- EVENING
CUT TO:
 
INT. BACKSTAGE DRESSING ROOM
 
The vanity shelves are filled with various makeup and hair products. Members from various indies VK bands are milling about; applying makeup, styling hair, strumming vacantly on guitars. As we pan to the rear corner the members of Undeux are half in costume chatting while getting dressed.
 
(If writing is visible it is in Japanese. All speech is in English.)
 
AL (GUITAR)
Can you believe this asshole? He was supposed to be here like two hours ago? What if he doesn't show?
 
Luchat turns away from the mirror while affixing feathers to his wig.
 
LUCHAT (DRUMS)
Can any of you guys sing?
 
AL
Riku couldn't sing! Anyone willing to get up there and just kinda shriek occasionally while pointing into the audience and making up some furi?
 
Koji is sitting on the floor applying fake blood to his face.
 
KOJI (BASS)
No can do. You guys are already making me play bass; I've got enough to try and remember.
 
AL
Damnit.
 
Kai walks through the door in full stage makeup buttoning his bloody white shirt.
 
KAI (GUITAR)
Hey has anyone heard from...
 
AL
No.
 
KOJI
No.
 
LUCHAT
Nope.
 
KAI
Damnit.
 
AL
Alright we can't not go on stage now...
 
Al spots a couple of boxes (formerly containing hairspray bottles) near the corner of the room and raises his eyebrows furtively.
 
AL (CONT'D)
I've got an idea!
 
CROSSFADE from Al cutting one of the boxes with a pair of scissors to the band performing on stage with a 3-foot tall cutout of a person taped to a mic stand instead of a vocalist. The cutout has been splattered with fake blood.
 
FADE TO BLACK as the band performs.
 
 
ACT TWO
 
EXT. A NONDESCRIPT APARTMENT COMPLEX IN EDOGAWA. TWO DAYS LATER. -- NIGHT
CUT TO:
 
INT. A SMALL JAPANESE APARTMENT WITH LOTS OF BAND POSTERS ON THE WALL. SOME FLOWERS/CARTOON PLUSHES/PRODUCTS THAT INDICATE IT IS A WOMAN'S ROOM ARE VISIBLE. A 20-SOMETHING GIRL IS LOUNGING ON THE BED MESSING WITH HER CELL PHONE.
 
RIKU is sitting Indian-style on the floor with a laptop on his lap. There is some hard (but not offensively brutal) rock playing on his laptop speakers.
 
RIKU (VOCALS, UNDEUX)
You hungry babe?
 
GIRL on the bed does not look up or to check whether or not her response is heard.
 
GIRL
Hmm?
 
RIKU
Want to go out?
 
GIRL
Ehh.
 
RIKU
Well *I'm* hungry. Let's go grab some food.
 
GIRL
I don't get paid till Friday, I'm kinda broke.
 
RIKU has stood up and is rifling through the small cupboard and refrigerator.
 
RIKU
Damn, me too. I'm sick of instant noodles though, I'm gonna order some pizza. Whatchu want on your half?
 
GIRL
Where you ordering from?
 
RIKU
That Italian place downstairs. You can just hit 'em up on Line to order.
 
GIRL
Corn and mayo!
 
RIKU
Gross, fine.
 
RIKU grabs his laptop and starts typing.
 
SFX: PAN OUT THROUGH WINDOW TO WIDE SHOT OF APARTMENT BUILDING WITH GATHERING THUNDERSTORM IN THE BACKGROUND.
 
MUSIC: DRAMATIC ORCHESTRAL HITS.
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT THREE
 
EXT. SAME EDOGAWA APARTMENT COMPLEX. TWO HOURS LATER. -- NIGHT
 
INT. SAME APARTMENT. MOSTLY FINISHED PIZZA/BOX SIT ON THE TABLE. GIRL IS STILL MINDLESSLY PLAYING WITH PHONE BUT LAYING WITH HEAD ON FOOT OF BED.
 
RIKU is finishing a slice of pizza as he sits down at his computer again, looking very satisfied.
 
MUSIC: OMINOUS BUT FAINT
 
RIKU is reading intently on computer when his face drops and grows pale. He instinctively covers his mouth with his hand while continuing to scroll.
 
RIKU
Oh fuck.
 
GIRL
Huh?
 
RIKU
Oh fuck oh fuck.
 
GIRL looks up from phone at RIKU. She is still lying on the bed.
 
GIRL
What's up?
 
RIKU stands and begins pacing on the small apartment floor.
 
RIKU
Oh man this is not good... I was logged into the band's account when I ordered that pizza!
 
GIRL
Didn't you quit that band?
 
RIKU
I did! But I guess I hadn't logged out and into my own Line on my laptop. Shit! I didn't show up to our last show those guys are gonna be so pissed at me!
 
GIRL sits up.
 
GIRL
Why were they expecting you at their show?
 
RIKU
Well, I quit the band... but didn't really tell them it would be *immediately*. They've been texting me non-stop.
 
GIRL
Oh my god, you idiot.
 
RIKU
I was trying to let them down easy!
 
GIRL
Just pay them back.
 
RIKU
I'm not worried about the money!
 
GIRL
Is this really that big a deal?
 
RIKU
Oh my god yes, you don't fuck with Rame and get away with it. I need to call my lawyer.
 
GIRL
*Your* lawyer? Who do you think you are? You definitely don't have some lawyer on retainer.
 
RIKU
I... you know what I mean!
Seriously, I could be in some shit.
 
SFX: PAN OUT THROUGH WINDOW TO WIDE SHOT OF APARTMENT WHILE RIKU IS PACING AND DIALING A NUMBER ON HIS CELL PHONE. IT IS RAINING HARD AND A SINGLE CROW IS CAWING ON SOME POWER LINES BELOW THEIR APARTMENT WINDOW.
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT FOUR
 
EXT. AN UNIDENTIFIED AVERAGE TOKYO STREET. MANY PEOPLE ARE GOING ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS IN STORES ON THE STREETS -- DAY
 
INT. A LUXURIOUSLY APPOINTED OFFICE. THE FOUR NON-VOCALIST MEMBERS OF UNDEUX SIT ON ONE SIDE OF A LARGE WOODEN DESK. A LARGE BALD BODYGUARD-TYPE MAN STANDS NEAR THE DOOR WEARING A SUIT AND SUNGLASSES. THE BAND, IN CASUAL CLOTHES, ARE FACING THE BACK OF A STATELY LEATHER OFFICE CHAIR ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DESK.
 
The chair slowly spins around to reveal RAME of the record label GLKingdom and former bassist of VK band Vidoll. RAME is wearing a charcoal suit and a black tie.
 
RAME
Thank you for meeting me. Let's discuss how we can resolve this unfortunate... 'incident'.
 
KAI
Well...
 
The members of Undeux look at each other nervously.
 
AL
Well, we want to keep going. We were hoping, you know, that maybe you knew a vocalist who would be interested...
 
RAME laughs softly.
 
AL (CONT'D)
...in joining the band.
 
RAME
Yes, yes. That can all be arranged. I was speaking more about what to do with Riku.
 
LUCHAT
Wha...?
 
KOJI
We still haven't heard from him.
 
AL
Well, other than the pizza thing.
 
LUCHAT
Yeah, what a dick.
 
RAME pulls a white envelope from a drawer.
 
RAME
First, he quits the band and no-shows despite promising me he'd keep performing till the summer.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Then, he hides and doesn't return any of my calls or texts. And finally...
 
RAME opens the letter contained in the envelope.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
...I get a letter from a lawyer claiming that the record deal you all signed was invalid and Riku not showing up was not a breach of contract at all.
 
The members of Undeux are fidgeting in their seats but do not say anything.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Our friend Riku needs a lesson in respect and honor.
 
KOJI
What do you...?
 
RAME nods at the large man standing by the door. The bodyguard nods back and exits the room.
 
RAME
Let's not worry about Riku any longer.
 
The members of Undeux look slightly afraid but don't move or speak.
 
RAME (CONT'D)
Now, about finding you guys a new vocalist... have you heard of the band QEDDESHET?
 
FADE TO BLACK:
 
 
ACT FIVE
 
EXT. A GRIMEY TOKYO ALLEYWAY. IT IS RAINING LIGHTLY -- EVENING
 
RIKU runs around a corner and places his hands on his knees to try to catch his breath. He is looking from side to side very nervously. RIKU starts walking quickly, while often looking over his shoulder, toward one end of the alley.
 
As RIKU approaches a large man in a dark suit appears at the end of the alley that RIKU is headed toward. RIKU,
panicked, turns and begins running in the opposite direction.
 
RIKU is sprinting and splashing through puddles of the alley. As he nears the corner he appeared from originally another man in a suit emerges holding a black handgun.
 
RIKU
No! Please...
 
The second suited man emotionlessly aims the gun at RIKU and pulls the trigger. The man wipes the gun with his pocket square and lays the gun down beside Riku's body. The suited men walk away quickly but confidently.
 
OVERHEAD SHOT:
Camera slowly pans upward as the blood from RIKU's gunshot mixes with the water his body is lying in. Camera pans upward until it is above the roofline and even the silhouette of RIKU's lifeless body has disappeared from view.
 
CUT TO:
 
INT. UNNAMED TOKYO LIVE HOUSE IN THE MIDDLE OF A PERFORMANCE.
 
The band Undeux are walking out onstage to a pulsing techno track. A new, unidentified vocalist comes out last to lots of shouting from the crowd. The intro track ends and a drum fill signals the beginning of Undeux's first song. The new vocalist crouches over and unleashes an imperfect but earnest pig-squeal as the guitars kick in.
 
The camera finds RAME at the rear of the club watching dispassionately. The large suited man from his office approaches and whispers something into his ear that is unheard over the band's performance.
 
One corner of RAME's lips fold upward into a wry smile.
FADE TO BLACK:
TITLE CARD: fin.
 

For better or for worse, visual kei is something that's had an impact on my life.  I never thought groups of cross dressing Japanese men playing metal would be something that's stuck with me for so long, but throughout all the surprises, discoveries, disappointments, and developments I've stuck around in some capacity. I may not be as heavy into visual kei or Japanese music as I used to be, but there's a part of me that will always go back to the music I've enjoyed and another part of me that's always looking forward to new bands, activities, and trends. Here are five things I really enjoy about the scene which has kept me coming back again and again since 1999.
 

 

 
 

 
 


 
 
So those are all the things I like about visual kei. I'm sure I missed some. What do you like about visual kei?

Very special gig last night at Budapest's A38 venue. The return of the almighty Tormentor in all its original lineup glory! Warmup acts were Cult of Fire (pretty cool) and local post-black band Perihelion (not bad but kinda out-of-place imo), nice vibes all around. It was obvious tho that everyone came to see Attila Csihar & co of course and we weren't disappointed. I had some minor fears beforehand, of how well they would play after all those years, but they absolutely killed us all. Total old-school black/thrash inferno! All the fretboards of the guitars were blazingggg and Attila was a surely evil sight to behold (and to hear!). Tormentor I, Elisabeth Bathory, Beyond and Branded by Satan were my highlights of the night. Absolutely killer gig. Strongly thinking about attending Rockmaraton fest this year for a second helping of Tormentor, coupled with some Carpathian Forest.
 
Random pic from the gig (not mine):
 

 
More photos here if anyone's interested

Their new single 『PLUTO』 wiil be released on 2018.06.27. (3 songs ; 1500 yen)
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 

*Still* jealous you went to this! What good timing for a trip to Japan.
 
Did people recognize Tetsuya immediately? Or was there a bit of a pause till everyone heard his unique vocals??
 
(Happy he didn't actually leave... but not sure this kind of elaborate joke(?) should be encouraged haha.)

On April 1st, 2016 the news of Tetsuya's departure from the influential hardcore, screamo, and post-rock band envy brought great despair to many fans. He was the heart of the band that evoked intense feelings through his raw and emotive vocals. Fans lost hope in envy's future once Tetsuya left. Still, envy continued on without him and after being quiet for two years they finally announced a live performance with a new line-up for April 1st, 2018. Strangely enough, the live performance took place exactly two years after Tetsuya's departure. And even more strange is that both occurrences took place on April 1st which, as we all know, is the day of jokes and pranks. Back in 2016 we all hoped that Tetsuya's departure was an April Fools joke, but after not hearing anything we all accepted that it was the truth. So naturally, when envy announced a new line-up this year for April 1st as well, none of us speculated that it was a joke either. However, when the day arrived everything became clear.
 
The live show was titled 'Last Wish', after the name of envy's single released back in 2000, and took place at Daikanyama UNIT. I must thank @qotka for navigating to the live venue, which sits just south of Shibuya. Inside the live venue there is a floor level for lockers and merchandise, and once you go down another level you will find the live hall. The size of the hall was quite average with a capacity of 600 people. Given that most people were only here for envy not many people showed up at the beginning, but it gradually grew more packed after each band until we were shoulder to shoulder.
 
heaven in her arms was the first band to play, which I could already tell based on the white butterfly logo placed on the back of the stage. I had forgotten what the band looked like, but when the vocalist walked on stage with a black cap on I could clearly see the envy worship. I'm not well-versed in their discography so I couldn't recognize most of the songs they played but I do know that they played a few songs from their recent album 白暈 (White Halo). I'm certain they played "終焉の眩しさ" because I remember the opening with solemn crystal bells and pianos that later led to a burst of guitar riffs and drums. The live hall felt so still in that moment with the dark blue lighting, and feeling that transition from a stillness to a violent beat was a cool way to start the performance. The vocalist put a lot of emotion into his screams, but the spoken word sections were a little quiet and hard to hear from the blasting instruments. It was not as clear as it was on CD. Also, maybe it's because everything usually sounds louder during lives but I had trouble picking out the metal sound of heaven in her arms and I had the impression that they sounded a lot like envy, as I did when I first listened to them. In any case, they were amazing live and I would like to see them again. 
 
The next band that played was HELLBENT, which I thought was some band from the US when I quickly googled the name. Turns out that they're actually a really underground Japanese psychobilly band. I can't give a good review of them because I lost my spot during the intermission while taking a short bathroom break and did not have a good view of the stage when I came back. Their performance was quite intense though and the vocalist would pick up the mic stand every so often and swing it around on stage, at least from what I could see. They had a video playing in the background with mostly visuals of old vhs-looking forests, for some odd reason. For such a chaotic performance, I thought the visuals were not very fitting and it was just kind of strange.
 
I got my spot back closer to the stage once downy came on. It's unfortunate that I did not get to see them with Yutaka Aoki, who sadly recently passed away. It seems like they got a support guitarist for the remaining live shows that were scheduled this year, though I'm not sure who it is. I'm still fairly new to downy so I can't speak much for how much of an effect this has on their performance, but they were quite stellar nevertheless. Their performance felt much longer than the previous two bands as they played about 8 songs. Most of the songs they played were fast and maybe only one song was really slow. Robin Aoki sings just as good as he does on CD and the bass is super thick live! I didn't realize how killer the basslines were until I heard "曦ヲ見ヨ!" live. Such incredible skill and technique. During their whole performance they had abstract visuals playing in the background. A fiery red was used for intense and fast songs while tranquil blues or black and white were used for slower songs/sections. If you've seen any of their music videos, the live encapsulates the very same kind of mood, except that you're now physically standing in that dimension and taking in their dingy world. Outstanding performance.
 
At last, the curtain rose for envy. While standing in the darkness, I thought about their new line-up and kept on wondering what they would sound like without Tetsuya. Then, when the lights lit up and envy started playing, Tetsuya was standing right there on stage giving out his screams. The crowd instantly went wild and pushed everyone to the front. People were cheering all around and punching their fists to the air, you could feel the ecstasy and excitement everywhere. Out of all the non-VK lives I've seen this was the most energy I've seen from a crowd, but this is mostly speaking for the J-indie scene only as I'm sure some bigger Jrock bands have wild crowds as well, or maybe not I don't know. The pushing stopped after 2 minutes or so, but there were still a number of people cheering with their fists. When they performed "Footsteps in the Distance" Tetsuya cleverly declared his return during the spoken word section with the last few words being 'ただ一つ救えがあるなら僕はここに戻るよ' (If there is one way to be saved, I'll return here). At first I thought it was a message Tetsuya specifically had for the fans, but listening to the song again it's actually part of the song, therefore the cleverness in his return. Hearing him say that and knowing that he was really back was the highlight of the experience, and now as I listen to "Footsteps in the Distance" I will recall this memory every time. envy just isn't envy without Tetsuya after all. I couldn't get a view of all the members (including the new members) since the people who got pushed to the front blocked some of my view, but I did not feel that envy's sound changed much. Perhaps they'll bring in new ideas for the band in the future. I'd seen envy two times before, but I was absolutely stunned by the energy and emotion of this performance, even after I left the live venue.

| dududududuDODODOOOO "Ash"
 
 
Love them or hate them, there's no doubt in my mind that everyone has an opinion on Dir en grey's newest single. They've been more cagey about describing the track or releasing samples ahead of time this time around, but the news came dripping in little by little. I was apprehensive of the new single at first because "詩踏み" as a package was disappointing, but it turns out that this single speaks only good things about the next album.
 
The new single leaves a better impression on me with the first few listens. "詩踏み" was good, but not very memorable for me. "人間を被る" sounds like a mix between "un deux" and "咀嚼", inspired by the same feelings as "詩踏み" with different construction. This is not a bad thing as a fan of ARCHE. "人間を被る" shakes off a lot of the lethargy and awkwardness in the transitions between song sections. The track flows more naturally than "詩踏み" . I appreciate that Kyo is relying more on his mid-range and less on his extreme gutturals and shrieks because it gives the track more body. The ending feels purposefully unfinished and does not work as a substitute for an opening for "ash". 
 
Given Dir en grey's reputation for remakes, I dreaded what "Ash" would become. Luckily, we got a great remake this time. It sounds like the song it's supposed to cover. "Ash" now has four separate recordings - the 1997 version from Behind the Mask Vol. 2, the 1998 version on 「楓」～if trans･･･～, the 2000 B-side on 脈, and now the 2018 re-recording. It hurts that the track is only four and a half minutes long - the shortest version of all by a full minute - but it's a good four tracks. The meat and rhythm of the melody is the same, but I'm indifferent on the new lyrics. I'm too used to hearing the original ones. The constant use of vocal fry as backing vocals is another minor, annoying addition. The acoustic solo in the middle is the highlight of the single because it spices up the pacing of the single and sets the song up nicely for the electric guitar solo. The step-up technique at the end was preserved, but is also my least favorite out of all three versions of "Ash". It could have used more maniacal laughing at the end or more electronic effects to amp up the intensity. I have to say that I still prefer the 2000 version of this song the best, but at least it doesn't completely butcher the feel of the track a la "羅刹国" or "Obscure", so not all is lost.
 
The live version of "詩踏み" is a bonus to give the whole package some weight and to justify the price tag. As small of a comment as it is, Kyo sounds good here. Previous B-side live recordings were the epitome of filler because Kyo sounded terrible, and really left a bad impression on what the band was capable of live. Like I said, I didn't care too much about it upon initial release and I still don't care too much for it now. The track loses a bit of impact in its translation to disk, but for what it's worth the track sounds like it works amazingly well live. It's may even be more true for "人間を被る".
 
 

Spooky cooky visual-adjacent band FOXPILL CULT are releasing their 4th album, 死ぬ迄踊れ (Shinu made Odore) on August 8th, 2018. The CD will contain 14 songs and cost 2,500 yen.
 
Their twitter announcement described this album as "psychedelic  rock" and that it would be a return to their roots.
 
They will also hold a one-man show "Stations of the Cult 2" on August 24th, at 下北沢SHELTER (Shimo-Kitazawa SHELTER).

zoisite order!

I paid a visit to Vertigo Music, located in Grand Rapids, MI, for celebrating Record Store Day; this is my haul, influenced by a few familiar faces whom I caught up with during my time there. Can't wait to spin these beauties!
 
Starting from top left going clockwise:
 
Against Me!'s Shape Shift with Me Thursday's Kill the House Lights  Placebo's Without You I'm Nothing Turnstile's Time & Space Wolf Eyes' Undertow The World Is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die's Always Foreign

Just received those ♥