doombox

Dean can wipe the floor with me and my soul .
 
 

@fitear1590 I still need to hear more Japanese Breakfast material, so I'll listen to that album next. Thanks~ Also I'm already eagerly awaiting for the next grimoire release lol announcement in April hopefully?
 
@doomboxThey have their album 'sayonara darlin' on iTunes. I hope they add more stuff soon. Actually, yesterday I found out Rina Sawayama is doing a couple of gigs around here, so I'll be seeing her in May. Should be interesting! Glad you enjoyed reading my list
 

Tokyo Gegegay!! YES!!!! I love them and wish their songs were easier to buy. I could only find a couple on itunes last year. Maybe I need to check again to see if they updated. I wandered a bit into Japanese Breakfast and Rina Swayama too. Both have quality tunes.
 
This is an interesting mix, and it's cool you included OSTs. Thanks for getting in on the year in review wave. I love reading these.

Tokyo Gegegay!! YES!!!! I love them and wish their songs were easier to buy. I could only find a couple on itunes last year. Maybe I need to check again to see if they updated. I wandered a bit into Japanese Breakfast and Rina Swayama too. Both have quality tunes.
 
This is an interesting mix, and it's cool you included OSTs. Thanks for getting in on the year in review wave. I love reading these.

I have decided to join the late round-up squad and bring to you my favourite musical discoveries of 2017. 
Last year, I decided that I needed to really expand my horizons and hear what's out there besides visual kei. (gasp) It wasn't easy at first but once I stepped out into the vast world of music I came across some fantastic gems that I just wanted to share with everyone else. So here it is, my very personal list of stuff I think is worth a try (in no particular order).
 
 
ゲスの極み乙女。- 達磨林檎
 
The first time I listened to Gesu No Kiwami Otome, I thought I could tell exactly what they were about. The vocalist's style of singing screams "bowl cut, 10ft tall glasses and jeans that are too short for him" and I tend to approach this type of group with a negative mindset because they all sound the freakin' same. Anyways, I pushed through my prejudice to hear the whole album and my mind was blown. They're high energy, jazzy and quirky and sometimes such a sweet pop-rock that my ears bleed rainbows. Best of all is the acapela flourishes from the backing vocals which reminded me of the tv series Glee!  (my guilty pleasure). 
Favourite Track: 心地艶やかに  | Spotify
 
 
東京ゲゲゲイ 
 
They're my favorite discovery of '17. I just wanna get out on the street and preach the gospel of Tokyo Gegegay. Well, they're very gay. The frontman is a drag queen. It's pretty hard getting info on them if you don't speak Japanese, so I'd appreciate if anyone could share anything they know about this group! Their MVs are a must-watch because of their 10/10 dance performances. I'm so sorry for my shitty reviewing skills... I'll just let the experience speak for itself. 
Favourite Track: ダンスが僕の恋人 (warning: NSFW)
 
 
 
女王蜂 - Q
 
It's almost impossible to find any of their stuff on youtube unless you're in Japan, so this video is relevant because they re-recorded this song with DAOKO for their album Q. 女王蜂, aka Queen Bee are popular for Avu's vocal gymnastics, alternating from deep masculine growls to a feminine falsetto in a matter of seconds. This album though, isn't as extravagant as their previous work. It feels more polished and mature. I miss 'the old' 女王蜂 but change is always good and this release is definitely worth a listen.
Favourite Track: 雛市 | Spotify
 
 
モノクロパンダ - モノクロパンダ
 
Monoqlopanda are awkwardly charming. If they don't make you feel some kind of way you don't have a soul.
Favourite Track: 空の泳ぎ方 | Spotify
 
Japanese Breakfast - Soft Sounds from Another Planet
 
Another one of my goals for 2017 was to listen to more female fronted acts because I barely know any at all. 'Soft Sounds from Another Planet' was one that stood out to me simply because of how chill it is. Although they have that lo-fi vibe there's still plenty of room for experimentation so that their sound doesn't become stale.
Favorite Track: Diving Woman | Spotify
 
Rina Sawayama - RINA
 
This lady here will take you right back to the tacky era of the early 2000's pop/ R&B except with a futuristic twist and a more palatable sound. Actually this release mixes a lot of elements from 80s pop music all the way through to the late 90s. Glistening synths, strong vocal melodies and punchy drums give way to dreamy soundscapes. Her lyrics for this album are all about cyber isolation and other phenomena that me and you as millenials who experienced the infancy of the internet and social media can relate to. It's catchy af and her voice reminds me of all j-pop divas that I used to like back in the day. There's a lot of influences to this album and it comes together to create something very nostalgic yet modern.
Favourite Track: 10-20-40 | Spotify
 
椎名林檎 - 人生は夢だらけ
 
Sheena Ringo is one of the top female artists in Japan ( at least she used to be, sharing the top three with queen Ayumi Hamasaki). Here in the forum you might remember a cover of one of her songs released by Sibile Bashir and that's how I discovered her. She might seem like a just another pop icon at first, but she has been experimenting with genres for years now. Her voice also has unique qualities that make her stand out from say, the likes of Utada Hikaru (no hate, I used to like her). She's not afraid to sound rough, belting out melodies and then going back to singing softly and in a fragile manner. This album is an example of her successful experimentation with various styles. I can't fault it. As far as I know she composes everything herself, the talented queen. 
Favourite Track: おいしい季節 | Spotify
 
tricot - 3
 
They're an all female band, which is why I decided to try them but they're a lot more than that. I can't put it into words lol As a listener I just feel the joy these musicians feel for their material come through each performance so give them a listen and feel with me. (ps. they're classed as math rock and I hear people love that genre)
Favourite Track: MUNASAWAGI | Spotify
 
グリモア - グリモワール
 
In case I haven't said it enough grimoire are at the top of my favorite bands due to the flawless year they had in 2017. Their first album is a statement, solidifying their dreamy-dark concept and sound perfectly and is packed with killer guitar riffs. They re-recorded two singles 'Never End' and ' Boku to Tulpa' and actually noticeably improved both of them, I mean, how often do we get successful re-recordings in the vk sphere? Vocalist Rynk is the weaker part of the band, but even his child-like voice has shown growth in the short time span from the album to their last single 'uranometoria' (srsly suisou no umi gave me chills). I think it's unfair to label them as another gimmicky spooky kei band, but if you're looking for that kind of thing grimoire is the best man-child act in the scene right now. (sorry baboo)
Favourite Track: あましずくとマクガフィン
 
DADAROMA - いいくすりと、わるいくすり
 
The single is a typical ddrm release, although a little better than their stuff previous to this. Ii kusuri might have the heaviness so many fans have been wanting but warui kusuri was the standout track for me. Yoshiatsu's voice is charged with emotion and reading the lyrics hit my inner fangirl right in the feels (it's about sharing an umbrella with someone who's in a bad place). Probably the best ballad they'll ever release.
Favourite Track: わるいくすり
 
ダウト - 伝統芸能
 
dauto has been around forever and this is their most energetic album to date. If you need something to cheer you up, look no further. Different from their previous album 'shingitai' it has more electro elements, it's like a battlefield of synths in the first track. But regardless, it's a fantastic release with all the good typical dauto stuff: BASS, positivity and delicious vocal work from kouki. That's right, kouki's vocals are beautiful as usual, sue me. (I won't include the pv because it's embarassing to watch)
Favourite Track: 禁じられた遊び
 
 
OSTs
 
The only thing I listen to more than visual kei are video game soundtracks, so I decided to include my favourites for any OST fans out there.
 
 
Let me know what you think of my list and feel free to recommend any OSTs you thought stood out in 2017!
 

The first music video reminds me of how I check out men on the streets XD. I'm digging the song tho ! The 最低 one is also cute AND THAT GUITAR IS SLAYING MY SOUL.
The album jacket cover looks so cute ;A;. Where were these guys and why am I late for this party.

New music video released
 
 

(I'm so sorry I couldn't help myself OTL)
 
And just to add something actually relevant to this thread...
 
Mejibray (I will never get the hype. I wanted them to be good, but I ended up liking about 3 songs. *shrug*)
Deviloof (Seeing them live traumatized me, I'm still not over it. They're probably better now but lord they were a mess.)
 

I've been blessed with ears and eyes for this.
 
 
 

(I'm so sorry I couldn't help myself OTL)
 
And just to add something actually relevant to this thread...
 
Mejibray (I will never get the hype. I wanted them to be good, but I ended up liking about 3 songs. *shrug*)
Deviloof (Seeing them live traumatized me, I'm still not over it. They're probably better now but lord they were a mess.)
 

(I'm so sorry I couldn't help myself OTL)
 
And just to add something actually relevant to this thread...
 
Mejibray (I will never get the hype. I wanted them to be good, but I ended up liking about 3 songs. *shrug*)
Deviloof (Seeing them live traumatized me, I'm still not over it. They're probably better now but lord they were a mess.)
 

My body is ready. 

I'll send you a PM
 
DID YOU GUYS SEE THE NEW MV??? I'M DYING HEREEEE
 
 

Holy shit someone skipped breakfast!
 
Seriously though, opinions are opinions, MH is one of the few places I've seen where that's respected, don't ruin that!

Welcome to MH! We're always happy to have new members here, however, we do have rules - one being that we do not insult other members here. So I'd highly recommend taking a look at our forum rules before posting again. Thanks.
 
 
 

Are you really gonna try to act like your taste in music is better than someone else's when you just said yourself it's subjective? I don't know who hurt you but maybe step away from the forum and take a few deep breathes before spreading any more of this negativity. Thanks.

Are you really gonna try to act like your taste in music is better than someone else's when you just said yourself it's subjective? I don't know who hurt you but maybe step away from the forum and take a few deep breathes before spreading any more of this negativity. Thanks.

Shin, Purple Stone,and L.O.V.E ♥♥♥♥♥♥
 
Lots of good bands on this list I wanted to check out but never found the time so these videos are incredibly convenient. I love this layout style. Thanks for sharing your faves with us.  

hi!! i know it's almost march, but in the spirit of "tradition" here are my end-of-year lists, which i've almost forgotten to do if it weren't for some friends who have been asking  
 
as the title of this post implies, here are the releases i enjoyed most from 2017 without staking any claim for them being the "best." in fact it's likely that you'll either love most of them or hate all of them as i have scant patience for artificially padding my lists in some vague interest of showcasing "variety."
 
there are 3 lists in total: top 10 albums & mini albums, top 10 singles, top 10 limited releases (i.e. distros, live-limited, digital releases, etc.) i apologize for not having time to write comments for individual releases as i used to, but i'll be delighted to know your thoughts if you have any (either specific or general) so feel free to leave a comment below <333
 
 
Top 10 Albums & Mini Albums
 
In this list I omitted best albums or compilations of sorts. I figured this is the only way to avoid a situation where the list is dominated by a bunch of disbanding bands pitting their entire discographies against one another (glamhaze, BLESSCODE, Astaria, BLaive, etc.) which is frankly quite ridiculous. This also means, sadly, that Purple Stone's album is out, even if i fucking love it ;_;
 
overall this is the weakest list among the three. there were a lot of releases in the bracket that ranges from 'enjoyable' to 'very good' but there wasn't one that really blew the rest out of the water. and yes, i potentially hear shouts of 'is this even vk??' but i'm not about to wade into that debate lol. btw shin is sexy, yup
 
 
 
Top 10 Singles
 
as always this is where all the competition lies. GARAK'S, Acephale, DEVIZE, Dangan no LIMIT, IGGY, LAVANS, CLOWD, Jack+MW all put out releases that didn't make the list but had songs that i'd be happy to loop on end for a couple of weeks.
 
 
 
Top 10 Limited Releases
 
aka "the great depression." honestly, making this list every year is always an emotionally draining experience. this year is without doubt the worst: of the 10 bands here, only 1.5 survives today (anfiel, and sheepsleep in their new lineup without kairu). everyone else is gone T____T still, i continue to do it because a lot of bands here are particularly close to my heart and i think of this as a way of paying tribute to how huge a part these bands/bandmen have played in my life. #1 here is also #1 of the year for me.
 
 
 
thank you for reading/listening!!  
 
 

This doesn't solve anything, just distracts you and gives you more problems.
 
Long time no see @Kira_Uchihawelcome back! There's a lot of good advice in this thread. My depression never really goes away, it's just something I've learned to manage living with. Things I've learned: It's okay to let all of your emotions out when you feel them (some days I cry a lot, some days I don't feel anything at all) so just go with it. Put yourself first, even if it feels selfish sometimes, life is short so don't sacrifice what little happiness we can find. A lot of people take sabbaticals from school or work for mental health. Sometimes you get burnt out and want to quit but a little time off/vacation really works wonders, and not everyone works at the same pace even if school tries to force it on everyone. Exercise and music are great hobbies to keep, they're both proven to release dopamine in your brain, so they will help with stress a lot. 
 
My inbox is still open if you ever want to chat. 
 

Who was genderqueer? Sasha, Violet or Jinkx?  I thought all of them deserved it >_>

I agree, I'd like to see them get experimental with the formula. It's getting stale. 

Drag kings or some foreign queens *cough*Kaya*cough* would be awesome.