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!
ウミユリ (umiyuri) 1st mini album will come in 2 types:
"飢え"(ue) (live-limited, 500 copies, 2315 yen; released on August 19)
[tracklist]
1.テディイベアの娼年 (teddy bear no shonen) (composed by aie(the god and death stars…etc))
2.浪漫致死ズム (roman chishi zumu) (composed by 結生 (yuu) (MERRY))
3.Ever after (composed by Velo(ex-Moran))
4.Shoe sore (composed by ザク (zaku))
5.クチナワ (kuchinawa) (composed by yuya (Develop One's Faculties))
"餓え" (ue) (general release, 2500 yen, released on September 13)
1.Hunger (composed by yuya (Develop One's Faculties))
2.Judge gavel (composed by 源 依織 (Minamoto Iori) (ex-Femme Fatale))
3.浪漫致死ズム (composed by 結生 (yuu) (MERRY))
4.Ever after (composed by Velo(ex-Moran))
5.クチナワ (composed by yuya (Develop One's Faculties))
6.アマノ花談 (amano hana-dan) (composed by 4ge (ex-Fatima))
I went to their show at Shinyokohama NEW SIDE BEACH!! yesterday. I’ve written a short report for you guys while it’s still fresh in my mind. I also have a couple more drafted: 7/16, 6/25, 6/11, 3/30, 2/5 (the Tokyo oneman). I’ve been pretty busy recently so I’m not sure when I’ll get around to posting those though. Sorry for keeping you guys hanging.
Also, an update re: my shopping service for the upcoming release:
unfortunately, there’s a limit as to how many CDs I can buy at one live. I can only buy two of each CD, so the next time I go (8/20) I can only get one copy of Namae ga nai for myself, one for one of you guys, and two of the compilation CD for you guys unless I can get one of my friends to help out. If not, I’m seeing them again 8/29 and can get two more copies then. I’ll keep you guys updated.
coldrain have done a three in a row post on their blog, I translated or tried most of it:
1st. Their new full album will be called "FATELESS" and will be released on October 11th, the album will feature a two LIVE CDs from their 10th Anniversary Tour in Nagoya on it's limited edition. Other infos such as full tracklist, art cover will come soon.
2nd. From 2017.10.29 to 2017.12.08 they will be perfoming a 2MAN Tour called, "FATELESS" guests will be announced later. They will be performing on 2018.02.08 a Oneman live, which probably will be closing the "FATELESS" Tour.
3rd. Their new song called "ENVY" (which will be included on their newest album) will have their MV shooting on first half of August.
coldrain have done a three in a row post on their blog, I translated or tried most of it:
1st. Their new full album will be called "FATELESS" and will be released on October 11th, the album will feature a two LIVE CDs from their 10th Anniversary Tour in Nagoya on it's limited edition. Other infos such as full tracklist, art cover will come soon.
2nd. From 2017.10.29 to 2017.12.08 they will be perfoming a 2MAN Tour called, "FATELESS" guests will be announced later. They will be performing on 2018.02.08 a Oneman live, which probably will be closing the "FATELESS" Tour.
3rd. Their new song called "ENVY" (which will be included on their newest album) will have their MV shooting on first half of August.
coldrain have done a three in a row post on their blog, I translated or tried most of it:
1st. Their new full album will be called "FATELESS" and will be released on October 11th, the album will feature a two LIVE CDs from their 10th Anniversary Tour in Nagoya on it's limited edition. Other infos such as full tracklist, art cover will come soon.
2nd. From 2017.10.29 to 2017.12.08 they will be perfoming a 2MAN Tour called, "FATELESS" guests will be announced later. They will be performing on 2018.02.08 a Oneman live, which probably will be closing the "FATELESS" Tour.
3rd. Their new song called "ENVY" (which will be included on their newest album) will have their MV shooting on first half of August.
coldrain have done a three in a row post on their blog, I translated or tried most of it:
1st. Their new full album will be called "FATELESS" and will be released on October 11th, the album will feature a two LIVE CDs from their 10th Anniversary Tour in Nagoya on it's limited edition. Other infos such as full tracklist, art cover will come soon.
2nd. From 2017.10.29 to 2017.12.08 they will be perfoming a 2MAN Tour called, "FATELESS" guests will be announced later. They will be performing on 2018.02.08 a Oneman live, which probably will be closing the "FATELESS" Tour.
3rd. Their new song called "ENVY" (which will be included on their newest album) will have their MV shooting on first half of August.
satoshi & ちょび (Chobi) (ex-DIV) new project, "Twelve Apostles" has formed!
Starting in August, they will hold a series of live shows based on the twelve apostles (so, 12 events total), in which each of their session bands will perform. Chobi's lineup(s) has not yet been determined.
vistlip had their 10TH ANNIVERSARY LIVE tonight at zepp tokyo!!!!!
here's the setlist
1. SINDRA
2. My second B-day
3. I am...
4. -OZONE-
5. 墜落
6. ORDER MADE
7. THEATER OF ENVY
8. Dead Cherry
9. FIVE BARKIN ANIMALS
10. WIMP
11. Edy
12. MONOGRAM
13. Sara
14. alo[n]e
15. drop note.
16. Idea
17. STRAWBERRY BUTTERFLY
18. B
19. HEART ch.
20. SIREN
21. LION HEART
i don't have time to do a detailed review of the album for now, but i share @Mihi's sentiments for the most part - which was kinda unexpected because i think anfiel attracts us in really different ways. for one, i don't bop to heir catchy/aggressive sound as much as i immerse myself in their melodic/bittersweet mood like in Step by step and Aqua (not to mention my ridiculous bias for ballads like 冬桜 and 指切り).
as for the album itself:
i did not like ルピナスアンハピネス at all (this is literally the only song so far in anfiel's discography i can't bring myself to press 'Like' on my foobar), and A.C.T.C was also weird to me. Scar sounded like the anfiel i'd REALLY like, until the middle section when Shogo sounds like he's struggling with the crescendo - i have no idea why they did not choose to re-record that part. there are some moments that stood out like the title track and ひだまりアンサンブル which were pretty nice; and i actually really enjoyed RIP.
that said, i think it's normal for bands to try their hand at something new and maybe this will turn out to be a good experience for them in the long run. also, speaking for myself, the album doesn't make me love the band any less cos i know the anfiel songs i fucking LOVE will always be there and this album just felt more like a missed opportunity to love them even more (if that makes sense?)
i'll try to type up a longer post soon but in the meantime i'm interested to hear what others think!
Thanks!! I'm really glad I stayed too! I was actually considering leaving after Anfiel cos I was so peeved. I'M GLAD I DIDN'T! haha oh! and Ryota posted another pic after I went to sleep. This is from after Neverland's set when Anfiel came back out to join them on stage
Shogo had his arm around Ryota and was like "wow you're really sweaty" and Ryota was like "AM I?" and rubbed his sweaty face all over Shogo haha <333333333 Oh and Shogo picked up some ribbonish thing that Ryota usually wears I guess? And put it around his neck and put it in his mouth while Ryota was talking and was like "wait, can I say something? This is really salty... Ryota's sweat is really salty" ahaah
But yeah, Shogo and Ryota seem like they're pretty close! I really hope they do a 2man tour! but hopefully I won't have to deal with that one annoying Neverland gya haha
yakihiko reacted to CAT5 in Recommended Tracks: July 2017!
yakihiko reacted to suji in Hitomi (ex-Moran) new solo project, "ウミユリ" (umiyuri) 1st mini-album + 雨や雨 (ameyasame) oneman live
yakihiko got a reaction from Visutox in coldrain new album release
yakihiko got a reaction from doombox in coldrain new album release
yakihiko got a reaction from Yukimoto in coldrain new album release
yakihiko got a reaction from rekzer in coldrain new album release
yakihiko got a reaction from zaa_zaa in THE★WORLD CollectionS [the R Project]
yakihiko got a reaction from Aferni in RAZOR new single "LIQUID VAIN" release
yakihiko got a reaction from suji in Hitomi (ex-Moran) new solo project, "ウミユリ" (umiyuri) 1st mini-album + 雨や雨 (ameyasame) oneman live