Outnumbered

Greetings, MH! Another month, another batch of recommended tracks from the amazing ORZ team! 
Check them out and let us know what you think!
 
(We apologize if some videos aren't available due to region restrictions!)
 
@plastic_rainbow's Picks
"天上天下" by ARCHEMI.
"Tenjou Tenge" by ARCHEMI.

Using religious themes like Hotokesama - which refers to Buddha - worship and spiritual enlightenment along with a heavy and aggressive sound, ARCHEMI. stands out from most VK bands. They recently gained a new drummer and now continue as a 4 member band once again. Although their new drummer Maya previously performed in a visually brighter band, Aloud, his fast-paced drumming works well with ARCHEMI.'s tumultuous force. Their newest single includes three equally good tracks - the fourth one being an SE - , of which "Tenjou Tenge" is the most refreshing. Instead of rehashing their overdone but brainwashing-in-a-good-way Hotokesama worship, the shouting of 'soiya soiya soiya', the beating of taiko drums, and flute in "Tenjou Tenge" evoke a traditional Japanese spirit. That being said, ARCHEMI. still have their furious bang down with the highly addictive heavy metal riffs and rushed drumming. Listening to ARCHEMI. is like following an underground cult, and the enthralling chants and head bursting screams spewed by Isami will drag you into a dark and calamitous spiritual adventure between heaven and earth. If you've never heard of ARCHEMI., you are totally missing out.
 
"鮮やかな矛盾" by NoGoD
"Azayakana Mujun" by NoGoD

Picking up in quality again, the year so far has been looking good for NoGoD after the blasting release of Missing several months ago. They continue their successful streak by dropping another outstanding track that is "Azayakana Mujun". It brings back the softer and more poignant sound reminiscent of their indie days. Or to be more specific, I'd say that it carries the very essence of their album Mugenkyou, which was when the band peaked. Danchou's vocals become most effective when he exerts his voice in a wistful way, which he has not done in a while until very recently. In "Azayakana Mujun", the intro begins instantly with Danchou's passionate vocals, but later includes calming spoken word as well. One thing that NoGoD always excel at is the ability to contrast the silent and loud moments in a compelling way. You can especially hear this when the powerful guitar solo follows right after Danchou's soft spoken words backed up by tranquil guitar melodies. If you thought NoGoD would never produce anything as good as what they did in their heyday, I recommend that you check out "Azayakana Mujun" and think again.
 
"昏睡" by SCAPEGOAT
"Konsui" by SCAPEGOAT

With their sound growing sharper each time, SCAPEGOAT has put out a killer tune yet again. Unlike their previous songs, however, the intensity and beauty of "Konsui" will surely make you listen to it nonstop. Shifting between a heavy and slow tempo, the track manifests the very feeble moment of being torn between life and death. It opens with heavy guitars and the muttering of Haru's sullen voice, giving it a sinister quality. Then, as if a helping hand reaches out to you, the trickling piano miraculously opens a door of light to illuminate a groovy ballad. The mellow guitars and soft bass lines plucked from a double bass barely border on art-kei, and Haru's compelling vocals breathe out a transient repose until all hell breaks loose again. Continuing as they are, I expect that SCAPEGOAT will keep on delivering stellar tracks such as "Konsui".
 
"青年ナイフ" by ニトロデイ
"Seinen Knife" by Nitro Day

I bring you another great YouTube find, and one that shows a lot of promise! Nitro Day is a very young indie rock band that began activities just last year. Despite being new to the scene they are already growing fast, and with good reason. "Seinen Knife" demonstrates all of the stunning talent from the young 4-piece band. Right from the beginning, the striking high-pitched guitar notes and smooth bass lines lead you to their robust and dynamic sound. The unique and emotive vocals, which might be too nasal for some, are the front wheel that drives the band's gripping momentum, while the more laid-back drummer keeps them in pace. They are one of those bands that can only make you think 'they’re cool' as you listen in awe. If I have to describe their sound though, they are like an alternative noise rock band with an emo and punk edge. Nitro Day are already receiving comparisons with huge J-indie acts like Number Girl and Bloodthirsty Butchers and could be the next band to lead the increasingly stagnant scene. I insist that you give them a listen now.
 
"Sorry, I Am Not" by SHE TALKS SILENCE

SHE TALKS SILENCE is a minimal noise and shoegaze DIY solo project led by Minami Yamaguchi that began way back around 2009. She's had a few supporting members in the past, but has been working completely solo again starting this year after her drummer left to pursue her own music path. In the early days of SHE TALKS SILENCE, Minami was very rough in her music writing, but has improved greatly over the years with better production as well. The newest song she wrote, "Sorry, I Am Not", comes from an album of the same title released this month, which also compiles her older songs from when the drummer was still around. In "Sorry, I Am Not", Minami sings in her whispery style, as she always does, accompanied by eerie guitar melodies, a constant bass drum, and clattering noises, making it one of her more haunting songs. Still, there remains a tangible sweetness from her gentle voice that floats like an angel's feather amidst the dark atmosphere. I admit that the choppy bass lines do need some polishing, but the simple melodies and mellowness of noise as expressed by SHE TALKS SILENCE may be for you if you've never heard of them.
 
@qotka's Pick
"雨” by 游彩
"Ame" by Yusai

While desperately searching, which is what I call mindlessly droning through YouTube these days, for some new decent angura-kei to heal my weaboo heart, I ran into a band called Zin on several occasions. Zin were a sweet yet hardly memorable mixture of that traditional-Japanese-sound infused rock and oshare-kei pop. This fragile bunch disbanded late last year only to reemerge as Yusai a few months later, sporting a more leathery look and slight stage-name changes.  "Ame" is Yusai's second single and it paves their way into a darker, somewhat more sophisticated form of existence. The intro almost sounds like a generic start to a nu-metal anthem, but it breaks down into a solid, mid-tempo ballad that elegantly mixes in a sequence of electric shamisen chords without making it sound forced or artificially glued onto the track. But what made me go back for a ridiculous number of listens this past month was Rui Amane's laid-back vocals. His voice is not exceptional but he knows how and when to use it, keeping it on the low side for most of the track and saving those miserable, characteristically v-kei wails only for when they're really called for to create maximum impact. Another thing to notice about "Ame" is the great bass work, especially after the first chorus. If you like your bass strong and distinct, I recommend listening to this one with headphones on. Only time will tell what will become of Yusai in the long run, but they're definitely off to an interesting (re)start.  
 
@emmny's Pick
"虚言癖" by DAMY
"Kyogenheki" by DAMY

I don't think it's any surprise that the more 'heavy' or 'abare' styled bands are more or less flopping lately, as the songwriting tends to be subpar compared to more melody-loving bands. It's a problem DAMY had suffered from in the past as well, with sloppy song structures and messy playing made up for only by the pure aggression and despair conveyed by the band. They have hinted at their abilities with "Obutsu" from their last album, but never quite hit that peak again. Every once in a while, a bop comes out of the indies scene so damn good that everyone--ghost writers, bandmen, fans of other bands--are left clutching their pearls, permanently shook. Much to everyone's surprise, mine included, "Kyogenheki" is that song. They've definitely got a new ghost writer stepped their game up all the way around and wrote a cohesive, heavy-yet-melodic banger that doesn't sound like a DEZERT song but definitely keeps that influence obvious.  The most notable change here is in the percussion and vocals department, with Ryo taking out the over-the-top zetsubou vocalizations and replacing it with Chiaki's signature sing-talk-whatever while still keeping his whine in there. Miharu, once a roadie for DEZERT is starting to show off his chops, with an incredibly rhythmic drum line and sharp little frills and fills that definitely recall his mentor's drumming style. I don't have enough good things to say about this, DAMY have definitely established themselves as serious contenders.
 
 
@helcchi's Pick
"⚪︎と×" by ザアザア
"Maru to Batsu" by Xaa-Xaa

Xaa-Xaa are exceptionally adept at writing ballads, with Kazuki's soulful voice compellingly conveying emotion and psychological conflict. Their newest release "Maru to Batsu", continues their creative streak. While "Maru to Batsu" might not be as haunting as 2015's "Yukidokei" nor as sorrowful as last year's "Shizuku", those upbeat tunes still hit you with sentimentality, for they are sure to evoke a wave of nostalgia. Working early 00s melodicism into a repeating chorus that's strongly reminiscent of "endless loop" by ROUAGE, and with a sound that's manifesting in Kagerou's influence, "Maru to Batsu" is an injection of all the feels. Let this song transport you back into the past.
 
 @tetsu_sama69's Pick
"burst" by Zill

I have an extreme weakness when it comes to anything Cra gets herself wrapped up in, even if it usually only ends up being something temporary. I am hoping that Zill is something that ends up having a much longer lifetime, as their first release Adam is already overflowing with potential. All three tracks on the single are very strong, but "burst" ended up getting my attention. It's got a catchy rhythm that gives you such a rush of energy it's hard to sit still while listening to it. The breakdowns give "burst" the chance for you to enjoy a fair bit of headbanging fun between the melodic full course meal that Zill delivers. If you find yourself thirsting for a visual band that relies purely on musical prowess instead of synths and metalcore, then Zill will definitely sate your tastes.
@The Reverend's Pick
"Dystopia -Vanishing Point-" by Boris

You know how songs get labeled 'epic' just cause they're kinda longer than normal? Even though Boris often deserve it, I am going to purposefully not levy that trite praise on the penultimate track from their new album Dear (even though it is twelve minutes long!)
 
The first half of "Dystopia" is really just a chance to set the stage for the climactic guitar solo that makes up the last five minutes of the song. Kind of like someone shushing you because the good part of a a movie they've already seen is coming up soon. And what a guitar solo it is! It sounds like a savant who has never actually touched a musical instrument got handed a guitar; the first couple minutes are full of awkward tone and fits and starts while this hypothetical 6-string genius gets comfortable with the instrument prior to unleashing some magic. But as soon as it comes together, boy is this song powerful! Alternatively, I'd compare it to those baby giraffes that stumble around immediately after being born, but before you know it are galloping confidently with their mothers.
 
Not quite the usual doom/noise dirge preferred by Boris when they write such long songs, "Dystopia" is certainly full of melancholy, but is also undeniably beautiful. Check this one out if you've been scared off by how *dense* the band usually is!
 
@CAT5's Pick
"声飛行" by Gutevolk
"koe hikou" by Gutevolk 

It's been seven years since singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Gutevolk (Hirono Nishiyama) released an album, but she's back in full effect with the leading track from her upcoming release titled, Gutevolk no koe hikou -Hello Tiny People!I Will Catch You-. "koe hikou" sports a prominent, pop-style beat, which instantly sets it apart from the subtle instrumental subtlety of Nishiyama's past works. Outside of that, however; this is vintage Gutevolk. Whispery, dreamlike vocals? Check. Whimsical, childlike melodies? Yep. Colorful, beautifully layered instrumentation? Of course! All the charm of Nishiyama's lighthearted indie-pop has remained perfectly intact over nearly a decade of radio-silence. The album sounds set to be a winner!
 
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Thanks for checking out our recommendations this month! If you have any thoughts on the list, or if you have any recommendations of your own, we look forward to seeing your comments below!
 

Greetings, MH! June felt a little slow for some of us, but nonetheless, here is our latest batch of recommended tracks!  Check them out and let us know what you think!
 
(We apologize if some videos aren't available due to region restrictions!)

@helcchi's Picks
"vainglory" by MEIDARA

In February, a mysterious masked band released a disruptive trailer, raising speculation on whether at least the vocalist was an established member of the scene. The speculation was soon dispelled when it was revealed that the band were relative newcomers having regrouped from previously disbanded Galumia, however their music has left a lasting impression on me. "vainglory" might be the most overlooked of the three songs on MEIDARA’s debut single, with its softer sound and slower pace yet this ambitious little number doesn’t scrimp on expressiveness. With Yagami’s powerful voice, an anthemic chorus and a half-minute guitar solo, this song is fitting for an ending track as "vainglory" closes out an excellent debut on a high note.
 
"蜉蝣の夢" by FIXER
"Kagerou no Yume" by FIXER

An atmospheric ballad that is pretty in its simplicity and not often synonymous with FIXER. The 4-minute emotion-filled song features a beautiful chorus that is punctuated by discordant guitars, distorted vocals and distant screaming, emanating a sense of unrest and culminating in a soaring climax. This song would also work well unplugged, and whilst many will find it mediocre, I think it’s got enough charm earn itself a spot in a playlist for rainy days. Besides, one of the last ballads that Jey sang was the remarkable but off-tune "Dears" by RevieЯ so I’ll take it.
 
"Omelas" by JILUKA

JILUKA have upped the ante with their release of the explosive “Omelas" - faster, louder and are you kidding me. The premise of the song is possibly a nod to Ursula K. Leguin’s short fiction "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas”, with the cave and caged scenery of the PV  illustrating the hidden atrocity that lies beneath the utopian city of Omelas wherein a single child must be locked away in the darkness and kept in a state of perpetual filth and misery as a social contract to maintain the city’s peace and happiness. The production quality of the PV is a feast for the eyes with outstanding cinematography while the gripping powerplay between the guitar and drums weaves an intricate auditory story that is diabolically mesmerising.

@emmny's Pick
 
"ドラマチックな恋心" by SAVAGE
"Dramatic na koigokoro" by SAVAGE

If you're ever curious as to what a dry month (some of us) had for June and for all of 2017...this sums it up. SAVAGE are that friend with benefits that you have known for a bit too long to give up on so you text occasionally and meet up once in a blue moon for mediocre sex but somehow it's all kind of fun and cute? That's a lie, SAVAGE are actually the herpes you get after the fact but it's kind of cool because you knew you were gonna end up with something so you might as well consider it a parting gift. In fact, SAVAGE as a strand of herpes would be like...antibiotic-resistant or something because these guys actually won't die and keep rehashing the same shit over and over. Luckily for some of us with questionable taste, it's all in good fun. I've been on a SAVAGE kick since they've been coming through with their six city oneman tour digest footage on their YT channel, quelling my curiosity for live audio from them. They sound sharp live, at least in comparison to their studio output, and threw a surprisingly solid show by the looks of it. "Dramatic..." was the track that looked especially engaging; I always heard it in the snippets and was like "hey, I should probably listen to the full track" but didn't get around to it until now. Their weirdly psychedelic take on visualcore that has taken off in the past year is in full effect here and oddly intoxicating. June was dry, but SAVAGE made it somehow worthwhile...and that's one thing I don't regret from our affair!
 

@fitear1590's Picks
"セクシーホモサピエンス" by クウチュウ戦
"Sexy Homosapiens" by Koochewsen

These days, Koochewsen is one band that I can truly count on. Accompanying the release of their '1st love album,' whatever that means, they released the PV for "Sexy Homosapiens." The song title should be apparent enough, but this band always keeps it entertaining and their PVs never disappoint. If I had to sum up this particular video in one phrase, I'd go with: 'bathtub guitar solos.' "Sexy Homosapiens" is a fine and prog-alicious introduction to Koochewsen's wacky world, so do yourself a favor and try them out.

"ラビリンス" by MONDO GROSSO featuring 満島ひかり
"Labyrinth" by MONDO GROSSO featuring Hikari Mitsushima

Clicking around the related and recommended videos on YouTube can be a surprisingly rewarding experience. My favorite Japanese find this month comes from DJ/producer MONDO GROSSO featuring J-pop vocalist Hikari Mitsushima. The dreamy house-style beats mesh perfectly with her delicate voice. But what brings it all together for me is the gorgeous PV. Filmed in a single shot (I'm a sucker for ambitious one-takes) in Hong Kong at night, the video brilliantly captures all the vibrant lights and colors while the camera glides through an urban market and residential area. The splendid visuals all mask the fact that Hikari isn't exactly the most graceful dancer!

"ガブリエル" by Yeti
"Gabriel" by Yeti

Yeti may have built a following with their sprightly indie rock, but PV track "Gabriel" from their sixth mini album ハウル (Howl) sees the band broaching a ballad-oriented style. Call me a sap, but I'm loving it. They don't lose all their energy though, as the choruses pulse with power pop momentum. Also, since the subject of Yeti's VK status is a hot topic around these parts, let's consider a few things. With the video's church setting and the random white kid (classic VK PV tropes), as well as the song's general composition and Satoshi's quivery whispered delivery at the beginning of the third chorus, is this song a step (or at least a nod) towards their VK roots? In any case, this song is just one facet of their sonic palette (see plastic's review of "Mujuuryoku").
 

@plastic_rainbow's Picks
 
"See Inside" by PASSing truth DRIVE


PASSing truth DRIVE was a random find when I browsed through the youtube channel of a J-indie record label called 'KiliKili Villa'. The song "See Inside" comes off of their new album Ha and opens with a dizzying echo of the voice, signaling the strangeness that comes ahead. What we have here are some peculiar acoustic guitars, a funky digitized voice, an eerie saxophone and basically a mix of nujazz/trip hop and folk into one. There is also an avant-garde side to it as the video for the song showcases the aesthetics from old black and white films like 'A Trip to the Moon'. Watching the video while listening to the song is a must in order to fully experience the uncanny storytelling. The repetitive whispering of 'see inside' and the monotonous rap section generates a sense of dark horror as you watch the robotic men march without purpose. PASSing truth DRIVE have been around for years, forming in 1992 and to my surprise used to perform with the well-known punk band Eastern Youth. Despite an apparently punkier sound in their earlier years, they have decided to break away from those roots this time around into something more experimental and jazzy, which may not be for everyone but can be pleasing to the ears if you have an open mind.

"雨中遊泳" by Plastic Tree
"Uchuu Yuuei" by Plastic Tree

Sure enough, Plastic Tree always stay rooted to their signature sound and "Uchuu Yuuei" is like any other fruit that flourishes from that tree. In celebration of their 20th anniversary since their major debut it's not a negative thing to say that the track recycles all of their previous material because it pays homage to their pre-2010 works. Particularly, "Uchuu Yuuei" is reminiscent of "Tsumetai Hikari" and "Yuki Hotaru" as it creates a similar kind of solitude and coldness emanated from Ryutaro's mournful singing. On top of that, the emotive guitar riffs and skip of the piano immerse you into the shivering rain of loneliness, which is essentially what the ballad strives to express. Even though Plastic Tree have not done anything totally impressive in a while, the beauty and sadness of "Uchuu Yuuei" is still worth a listen. And seeing how they continue to stand vigorously even after over twenty years, Plastic Tree will surely not wither away just yet.
 
"無重力" by Yeti
"Mujuuryoku" by Yeti

If you thought Yeti were going to put out another mini album entirely composed of soft alternative rock, think again. Howl blesses us with two tracks that characterize a heavier sound, one of them being "Mujuuryoku". If you listen to the first few seconds you would have never thought that it was written by Yeti, who claim to be no longer involved with the VK scene. Yet, the slow and metal infused opening practically sounds like something you'd hear from a heavier VK ballad, until Satoshi's delicate vocals come in and you remember that oh wait, this is Yeti that I'm listening to. Satoshi's vocals work well against the heavy backdrop, but in a matter of 'un duex trios' the track reverts back to Yeti's soft sound and lays out a serene ballad. It was honestly a tough pick between the two heavier tracks and I recommend VK listeners, as well as all listeners, to check out "Aun" also, which unlike "Mujuuryoku" does not transition to a ballad and is more edgy. It would be great if Yeti experiment more with this heavier sound and I look forward to what they'll be putting out next.

@The Reverend's Pick
"最近じゃデパートのオリジナルソングにすら 幸せを感じるんだ" by The Mirraz
"Even the songs in the department store, can make me happy these days." by The Mirraz

The Mirraz have decided to dip their toes in the post-hardcore wading pool with their new single "Even the songs in the department store, can make me happy these days." The new track still features Shouhei's highly-caffeinated rapid-fire vocal delivery but tempers the energy a bit with a backdrop of slower, fuzzy melodies and purposeful yet dreamy drums and backup vocals.  There are still a lot of just *words* being yelped and sung every which way, but on this track they take on a twinge of emo-ness (see: the title) and appropriate urgency. If you're intrigued by the possibility of a punk love song filtered through the lens of At The Drive-In and The Novembers be sure to check the newest by The Mirraz.

@Disposable's Pick
"あましずくとマクガフィン" by グリモア
"Ama shizuku to McGuffin" by GRIMOIRE

How long has Grimoire been around, a year or two? Either way, you couldn't tell that by looking or listening to them. Their aesthetic concept, both musically and visually, is so sharp and defined that nobody sounds nor looks like they do and the production values are just unparalleled — and now in a very un-visual kei fashion we have an album for once. A crude description would be for you to imagine Pentagon at their most primordial, mixed in with a little bit of Mejibray (don't take that wrong, okay ) and Moran in a way that their style at its bare essence consists of brooding, stylised core riffs and RyNK's cute mischievous boy voice in a netherworld dark pastel carnival. Their signature is not being exactly lighthearted or jovial, but certainly an aversion to the heartrending blackness some of their contemporaries that might dabble in similar soundscapes and riffs in particular; it's a playful darkness that defines them. 
"あましずくとマクガフィン" stands out from the rest of their discography for a couple of reasons. It's slower paced, more inclined to rely on the atmosphere than their tracks have tended to in the past; a clear album opener within the visual kei tradition in this regard. It vaguely reminds me of similar tracks Mejibray has done, but fuck if their own style is beyond reproach at this point. What I think achieves this effect in particular is that RyNK's tone is always almost conversational, but especially in here to me he sounds like a child singing in his room next to scattered toys and posters, a visual effect further emphasised by the jingling riffs and their trademark samples of bells and the rest of it — flourishes so consistent with their aesthetic that one often doesn't even consciously catch them, because it's so comfortably ingrained into Grimoire's character. It's the music box variety of new visual kei that has once again transformed its imported riffing style seamlessly into its purposes and aesthetic vision.
 
 
Guest Recommendations:
@Ada Suilen's Picks
"Bad Blood" by Acid Black Cherry

I started to know Yasu with this project and I was literally hooked by his suggestive vocals and his unexpected versatility, making him one of the best singers around in the scene. This year for him marked an interesting achievement, as the project arrived at the tenth anniversary, and for the occasion came Acid Blood Cherry; considered a spin-off release, it can be defined in its entirety by this track, where the stronger point is the contrast between Yasu's bright vocals and screamo vocals by Tenji Nagano from Crack6, one of the many illustrious guests of the release, for a raging and unique rock track, suitable for each to hear.

"Sans Toi Mamie" by Ataru Nakamura

This song marks my own regret for not having listened to this singer before. Following up a blasting solo career and a brief but engaging phase with the visual kei band Decays, Ataru Nakamura releases her first mini-album, which is surely a worthy one, made of melting tones and of a gloomy depth, where this track is the peak; the powerful guitar in the background reinforces the struggling melody of this ballad, accompanied by a moving vocal interpretation, meaning that this singer will be one of my replays, and I hope even yours.
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Thanks for checking out our recommendations this month! And another big thanks to our guest contributor Ada Suilen! If you have any thoughts on the list, or if you have any recommendations of your own, we look forward to seeing your comments below!
 

Best New Tracks: March 2015

Best New Tracks is a new series brought to you by MH's Official Reviewers (ORZ)! Every month we'll be recommending brand-new Japanese songs from the recently passed month, so stay tuned! Feel free to comment or discuss any of this month's picks and even offer your own as well!

@fitear1590's picks:
"The Crow" by a crowd of rebellion

"Eternal Dream" by CROSS VEIN

"Daze" by Cuushe

"scenes (Live, featuring NAOKI & RUPPA)" by ユナイト (UNiTE.)

"一騎討ち (ikkiuchi)" by 女王蜂 (ziyoou-vachi)

@CAT5's picks:
"はちみつ (hachimitsu)" by CHARA

"一番星 (ichiban boshi)" by DAOKO

"ブラインド (blind)" by ハイスイノナサ (haisuinonasa)

"waiting for you" by シベールの日曜日 (Sundays & Cybele)

"WINDLESS DAY" by シャムキャッツ (siamese cats)

"宙を撃て (chu wo ute)" by ヤマジカズヒデ (Yamaji Kazuhide)

's picks:
"The Way Down" by FACT

"Just Give Me The Rock 'N' Roll Music" by WHITE ASH

"煙たい" (Kemutai) by 片平里菜 (Rina Katahira)

"カオスリロン" (CHAOS RIRON) by Plastic Tree

"A Malice of Rider" by a crowd of rebellion

"INAZUMA" by ALSDEAD

"曼陀羅" (Mandara) by OZROSAURUS

"Broken faith" by waterweed

@beni's picks:
"歌謡曲 (Kayoukyoku)" by 大森靖子 & THEピンクトカレフ (Seiko Oomori & The Pink Tokarev)

"神様の悪戯 (Kamisama no Itazura)" by SuG

"Secret Garden" by Chara

"ETERNAL SLEEP" by THE BLACK SWAN

"Gimme U" by 倖田來未 (Koda Kumi)

"World is mine." by vistlip

"あらかじめ语られるロマンス (Arakajime Katarareru Romance)" by 乃木坂46 (Nogizaka46)

"シーサイドスリーピング (Seaside Sleeping)" by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

"My Room" by きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ (Kyary Pamyu Pamyu)

See you next month!

FLASH FAB REVIEW SUTAATO~!
 
TRACK JUAN: Emit. - It's a great song but after about halfway through it starts to feel like the words are being forced to the melody~. I like it though~. 4/5
 
TRACK DU: MONSTER - GREAT DANCE METAL FUSION~. It actually reminds me a lot of the stuff Yusa did in Legendary Six Nine and some earlier THE KIDDIE b-sides featuring auto-tune and screams~. What a throwback~. It's better than Emit. fo sho~. 5/5
 
Track SURII: Liner - It's pretty. Kinda catchy. Definitely not their greatest. 3.5/5
 
AND NOW THE SONG I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR FOREVER. IT'S DEFINITELY GOING TO BE GREAT.
 
Track Fo: FUNNY BUNNY - Sexy electro sounds layer until auto tuned vocals come in. OH MY GOD IT'S SO GREAT. ;O; Definitely THE KIDDIE. 500/5
 
EETZ FUNNY BUNNY OUT OF TEN OVERALL OK.

@Velovelo: I'd never heard of The Red Paintings, but am quite impressed by the track you shared. Guess I'll be looking for more from them. Thanks!
 
For those out there that enjoy good rock/indie instrumental music, I really recommend El Ten Eleven.
 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGAdyT__jbA
 
This band is mind-blowing, especially live. And I have no fucking idea why barely anybody knows them! WTF. Seriously, if you like prog rock and don't give them a spin, you should feel BAD. And I mean it.