DeithX252

Artist: 雨のパレード (Ame no Parade) Album: new place 1. new place 2. encore 3. bam 4. inst/□ 5. 僕≠僕 6. 夜の匂い 7. YES 8. AM4:29
Rating: | WAIT WUT? NON-VISUAL VISUAL ROCK?!?!
 
If you thought Visual Kei was the only musical paradigm in Japan where you could find bands with a strong emphasis on, well, visuals, then you're wrong! Up-and-coming indie outfit Ame no Parade offer an entirely immersive "art-rock" experience. The quartet consists of Kohei Fukunaga (vocals), Mineho Osawa (drums), Kosuke Yamasaki (guitar), and Ryosuke Korenaga (bass). Additionally, they have their very own in-house creative staff - a painter, a fashion designer, and a jewelry artist. With this inventive ensemble, the band has a firm foot in the music arena as well as the art world, which lands them atypical gigs at places like fashion shows and art galleries. But for a band with such a dynamic focus, how do they hold up on a strictly musical basis?

new place, Ame no Parade's third and latest mini album, is the perfect place to explore this question. It's their second release under the highly esteemed indie label Zankyo Records, and for most indie-heads, that's an automatic sign of quality. As musicians, they're as competent as any other bands on the roster. Drummer Mineho is especially ingenious. Having previously played in jazz bands, she brings a certain eccentric grace that perfectly accentuates their post-rock leanings.

Kohei's singing is also a pleasant draw for the band. He has that typical, effeminate vocal tone that you can find in any number of radio-ready Japanese indie-rock bands (think plenty, people in the box, dry as dust, etc), but his delivery is pristine and soulful enough to distinguish him from his peers. Kosuke and Ryosuke are no slouches either, as the former makes clever use of effects pedals to create different guitar tones and variations without straying from the band's sound, and the latter's buttery basslines are the icing on the cake.

When these four coalesce, they're easily capable of making magic, but that's not always a guarantee. Title track and album opener "new place" is an excellent example of when they get it right, though. As soon as the song starts, the melody of the opening riffs and Kohei's catchy "ooh"s and "woo"s are enough to make you think that you're about to hear the latest EDM hit, but as soon as Mineho's drums kick in, you realize that you're in for something a bit different. Whether it's the subtle, yet deviceful drumming, the minimalistic and calculated guitar, or Kohei's piercing vocal lines - Ame no Parade's strength lies in taking the familiar and repainting it from different musical palettes. The result is usually atmospheric pop with the combined ingenuity of indie-rock, post-rock, and math-rock. In addition to "new place", "encore" and "僕≠僕 (boku≠boku)" are the tracks where this style of songwriting works best.

But even with such a potent formula, the band doesn't always replicate the same results. The 'sparse-verse-to-explosive-chorus' structure that was established in the opening track is recycled throughout the first leg of the album and wears especially thin by the third track "bam" - a song with much less impact than its title insinuates. "YES" and "夜の匂い (Yoru no Nioi)" are more amorphous in design, but the melodies are demure at best, and neither Mineho's intricate percussion nor Kohei's crooning is enough to sustain interest. With these tracks, it feels like the band was more interested in establishing atmosphere rather than engaging the listener. Furthermore, the instrumental interlude "inst/□" seems like an unnecessary prelude to the song that follows, and the final track "AM4:29" is five minutes of ambience with no intrinsic value other than sounding like 'a good way to close the album'.

All in all, new place is a decent release from a promising young band. It's got some good songs and a few potential growers, but your experience with it depends on just how much you'll be able to tap into and appreciate the band's aesthetic. They've certainly got the chops to make compelling music, but for now, it seems like they're more focused on curating than creating.


Support the band! Purchase new place @ CDJapan
Purchase new place @ HMV
Purchase new place @ iTunes JP

A trend being popular in the west doesn't necessarily equate to being "worldwide".
And where did I say EDM originated in America? If we're speaking strictly about the music, then "Electronic dance music" is a pretty broad, umbrella term that could refer to a variety of different styles. But if we're talking about EDM in reference to the American Mainstream, then yeah, the term itself was coined by the American media/industry, and is often used to describe a more narrow field of sounds.

Being a post hardcore x electronic band is okay, but mixed with pop rock? Only FFTH can do it! |
 
Fear From The Hate is a senior band from Garimpeiro Records (an indie loud music label). Being an electronicore in the beginning, they didn't fear to expand their music to other genre, such as pop, rock, punk, and even jazz. Although they changed members so many times, they keep producing music and active. "RETURNERS" is their latest mini album, as their comeback, because they bring the usual theme for their music: electronic and post hardcore!
 
The mini album contain 7 track (with 2 SE), 2 tracks already heard from their latest singles, 1 retake track, and 2 new tracks. After the first SE, they sent us with MEBIUS, a catchy and well made post hardcore track, combined with pop rock chorus, this track is a dope! It's like an anisong music, combined with scream, electronic, in a proportional. The most memorable moment is the guitar melodies in the end of the song. After this track, you will hear Silverwalker, from their latest single, it bring intense drumming and bleep bloop, epic breakdown. It rather has boring riff in the beginning and repeatable gang shout vocal. But, this version is better than the single IMO.
 
The next song is King Boy & Queen Girl, let's dance! Another catchy song with rap in the beginning, let you dance in the middle, and headbang! Honestly I didn't expect the heavy breakdown in a super catchy song lol. Then you can hear Alice, unique track from them, Disney x Post hardcore XD. First I hearing this, the track is very blend, but it's growing on me. Same with Silverwalker, I enjoy the album version than the single. After dramatic SE, you can hear Human VS.Creature, a retake track from their earlier mini album Cursed Screamers For All The Frozen Tears. This track changed better, with progressive sound and without autotune in vocal. If you missed the earlier FFTH, this kind of sound is what they did in the earlier.
 
Overall I like this mini album, very dope, the most disappointed thing only the few new tracks, I hope for full album! The vocalist Lidy can sing well without autotune, and I think they need second guitarist to fill in the rhythm/melodies, and bring more complicated sound. RETURNERS exceed 1961, not just being a pop rock sound, but bring their own color to post hardcore.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8Dm5C1DLEg

「Story of Hope」

http://www.storyofhope.info/
 

1. Intro
2. Historia (feat. Kazuki Kadowaki from DECEMBER EVERYDAY)
3. Take my hand (Re-rec)
4. Foliage
5. your colors, your feelings
6. from Despair to Hope (Re-rec)

2015.04.15 RELEASE / ¥1,400 (Tax in) / GR-41
 

 

 
Can't wait until the release, really promising band with cute vocalist

「Story of Hope」

http://www.storyofhope.info/
 

1. Intro
2. Historia (feat. Kazuki Kadowaki from DECEMBER EVERYDAY)
3. Take my hand (Re-rec)
4. Foliage
5. your colors, your feelings
6. from Despair to Hope (Re-rec)

2015.04.15 RELEASE / ¥1,400 (Tax in) / GR-41
 

 

 
Can't wait until the release, really promising band with cute vocalist

nice live btw, I want to buy the dvd

so wild lol

so wild lol

Being a post hardcore x electronic band is okay, but mixed with pop rock? Only FFTH can do it! |
 
Fear From The Hate is a senior band from Garimpeiro Records (an indie loud music label). Being an electronicore in the beginning, they didn't fear to expand their music to other genre, such as pop, rock, punk, and even jazz. Although they changed members so many times, they keep producing music and active. "RETURNERS" is their latest mini album, as their comeback, because they bring the usual theme for their music: electronic and post hardcore!
 
The mini album contain 7 track (with 2 SE), 2 tracks already heard from their latest singles, 1 retake track, and 2 new tracks. After the first SE, they sent us with MEBIUS, a catchy and well made post hardcore track, combined with pop rock chorus, this track is a dope! It's like an anisong music, combined with scream, electronic, in a proportional. The most memorable moment is the guitar melodies in the end of the song. After this track, you will hear Silverwalker, from their latest single, it bring intense drumming and bleep bloop, epic breakdown. It rather has boring riff in the beginning and repeatable gang shout vocal. But, this version is better than the single IMO.
 
The next song is King Boy & Queen Girl, let's dance! Another catchy song with rap in the beginning, let you dance in the middle, and headbang! Honestly I didn't expect the heavy breakdown in a super catchy song lol. Then you can hear Alice, unique track from them, Disney x Post hardcore XD. First I hearing this, the track is very blend, but it's growing on me. Same with Silverwalker, I enjoy the album version than the single. After dramatic SE, you can hear Human VS.Creature, a retake track from their earlier mini album Cursed Screamers For All The Frozen Tears. This track changed better, with progressive sound and without autotune in vocal. If you missed the earlier FFTH, this kind of sound is what they did in the earlier.
 
Overall I like this mini album, very dope, the most disappointed thing only the few new tracks, I hope for full album! The vocalist Lidy can sing well without autotune, and I think they need second guitarist to fill in the rhythm/melodies, and bring more complicated sound. RETURNERS exceed 1961, not just being a pop rock sound, but bring their own color to post hardcore.

Being a post hardcore x electronic band is okay, but mixed with pop rock? Only FFTH can do it! |
 
Fear From The Hate is a senior band from Garimpeiro Records (an indie loud music label). Being an electronicore in the beginning, they didn't fear to expand their music to other genre, such as pop, rock, punk, and even jazz. Although they changed members so many times, they keep producing music and active. "RETURNERS" is their latest mini album, as their comeback, because they bring the usual theme for their music: electronic and post hardcore!
 
The mini album contain 7 track (with 2 SE), 2 tracks already heard from their latest singles, 1 retake track, and 2 new tracks. After the first SE, they sent us with MEBIUS, a catchy and well made post hardcore track, combined with pop rock chorus, this track is a dope! It's like an anisong music, combined with scream, electronic, in a proportional. The most memorable moment is the guitar melodies in the end of the song. After this track, you will hear Silverwalker, from their latest single, it bring intense drumming and bleep bloop, epic breakdown. It rather has boring riff in the beginning and repeatable gang shout vocal. But, this version is better than the single IMO.
 
The next song is King Boy & Queen Girl, let's dance! Another catchy song with rap in the beginning, let you dance in the middle, and headbang! Honestly I didn't expect the heavy breakdown in a super catchy song lol. Then you can hear Alice, unique track from them, Disney x Post hardcore XD. First I hearing this, the track is very blend, but it's growing on me. Same with Silverwalker, I enjoy the album version than the single. After dramatic SE, you can hear Human VS.Creature, a retake track from their earlier mini album Cursed Screamers For All The Frozen Tears. This track changed better, with progressive sound and without autotune in vocal. If you missed the earlier FFTH, this kind of sound is what they did in the earlier.
 
Overall I like this mini album, very dope, the most disappointed thing only the few new tracks, I hope for full album! The vocalist Lidy can sing well without autotune, and I think they need second guitarist to fill in the rhythm/melodies, and bring more complicated sound. RETURNERS exceed 1961, not just being a pop rock sound, but bring their own color to post hardcore.

just read this, and awesome! Might check the release that I don't hear
 
Oh CAT5 you like FFTH's Mebius? That make me want to create a review thread, maybe soon

just read this, and awesome! Might check the release that I don't hear
 
Oh CAT5 you like FFTH's Mebius? That make me want to create a review thread, maybe soon

Best New Tracks: January 2015

Best New Tracks is a new series brought to you by MH's Official Reviewer team! Every month we'll be highlighting brand-new Japanese songs worth checking out, so stay tuned! Feel free to comment or discuss any of this month's picks and even offer your own as well!

's picks:
"Abyss" by Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas

"A HUNDRED SUNS" by BOOM BOOM SATELLITES

"KAKUMEI" by Silent Siren

"Closer" by Silhouette From The Skylit

"緑閃光 (midori senkou)" by LAMP IN TERREN

's picks: "Moonlight Station" by SEKAI NO OWARI

"Flowerwall" by Kenshi Yonezu

@fitear1590's picks: ネモフィラ (nemophila) by イツエ (itsue)

"Red Carnation" by Jupiter

"ストッキング (stocking)" by 吉澤嘉代子 (Kayoko Yoshizawa)

"アイリス (iris)" by 新川忠 (Tadashi Shinkawa)

@CAT5's picks:
"Enigmatic Feeling (2015 mix)" by 凛として時雨 (Ling Tosite Sigure)

"MEBIUS" by FEAR FROM THE HATE

"笑うドッペルゲンガー (warau doppleganger)" by 東京カランコロン (Tokyo Karankoron)

"月曜のメランコリー (getsuyo no melancholy)" by BOMI

"四角のトモダチ (Shikaku no tomodachi)" by 中納良恵 (Nakano Yoshie)

"想い想われ (omoiomoware)" by 福原希己江 (Fukuhara Kimie)

2015.03.18 (Wed) 藤原さくら / à la carte

￥1,800＋TAX　VICL-64288
01. Walking on the clouds
02. Cigarette butts
03. My Heartthrob
04. Just one girl ( Original Ver. )
05. We are You are
06. ありがとうが言える
 
Through Speedstar Records, let's see how this girl can survive in the major scene~
 
sample available here http://www.jvcmusic.co.jp/-/Discography/A024887/VICL-64288.html

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

I mention them by LTS or sometimes Sigure
 
Well, they were my first influence of experimental indie rock when I discovered the japanese indie rock scene. Their music gives me inspiration. Sadly, recently they are overhyped because of anime song. I don't know if they will become more well known or not, I am afraid because of it, their music quality is going down in the future

...I really thought it was only me who had that. ;; Well, this sucks! Hopefully your home page loads quicker. I always had the trouble when browsing tags. -.-
 
 
xD Oh wow, I wasn't at all!
I loved your xmas May one too! x'D I'm guessing you're a fan of Top Gear? I apologise if May is in something else because that is all I know he's from haha. My nan'd get along great with you if this is true. xD (thank you for the bigger version btw, I find it hilarious!)
 
 
It's like you've summed up my life. o.o
Great approach you have on this though. Keep it up!

gotta love this thread <3
 
Female fronted band must be more recognized because only Japan have cute female and can play decent music LOL XD. I will mention my favorite first:
 
aquarifa was my first discovery into japanese indie music, with their mini album "scene", I found Iwata Machi (recent voc) was a collaboration between Yui Hirasawa from K-ON! and indie rock LMFAO, but I enjoyed it so far! She can play guitar and compose music too. Even their first vocalist Arry is still my favorite until now, I hope this bands release more in the future.
 
While CAT5 mention unlimits for pop punk, I mention SCOTLAND GIRL! They are my fave pop punk band recently (even with awful engrish). I hope they release something new soon!
 
Must mention Foreground Eclipse even they were disbanded, because they are my first influence in post hardcore/metalcore and awesome doujin band. Merami (vo) take my attention with her cute vocal and do some post hardcore song (not usual combination) LOL
 
虚弱。 is one of my fave instrumental band, all girl, imagine that this girls compose play chilling instrumental songs, make your mind blown you away. Although their recent song is not good as earlier, but they are still decent.
 
7Years To Midnight have awesome female guitarist, watched they performed, and she is awesome! Maybe one of the great metalcore female guitarist in Japan
 
I want to mention Kinoko teikoku, tricot, and uchuu conbini, but they are already everyone favorites for now