Ito

Day 13: The fin. - Days With Uncertainty

Release Date: 2014-12-03
Label: HIP LAND MUSIC
Genre: dream pop, shoegaze, rock

Impressions from @fitear1590:

One of the earliest surprises of this review year managed to be one of my absolute favorites! Clearly with an affinity for more Western indie tastes, The fin. is a bit of an anomaly in the J-indie world, where angular indie and math-rock stylings are king. But they embrace it! With their gentle and dreamy, synth-kissed style of indie pop completely matching their aesthetic (see the gorgeous cotton candy-filtered PV below), they truly are the whole package. "Night Time" is so unbelievably catchy that it has the potential to be the new indie hit, like Grizzly Bear's "

". And guess what, The fin. performs completely in English, so whatever xenophobic obstacles keeping 99% of Japanese bands from gaining more overseas acclaim is no longer an excuse!

Highlights: Night Time, You Can See It In the Blue, Silver From Over the River, The End of the Island

Impressions from @beni:

I was quick to fall head over heels for this alternative rock band. This instant attraction can only be blamed on the fact that The fin. are eerily similar to a few of the best bands the UK has to offer when it comes to indie rock like The 1975. While I certainly hadn't forgotten about this masterpiece of an album, it was our dear @fitear1590 that remembered to put this up for the 2015 running, so first goes the props to him. When it comes to the band getting thanks and appreciation, it must be said that if my ears aren't deceiving me, their lyrics are entirely English, making them even more appropriate for muchly deserving wide spread fame. While there isn't too much to distingush each track to the other, the fluidity of the whole album is perfect. The album's length and amount of tracks is spot on for the kind of sound they're doing, as it doesn't go too quick or too slowly. If you're looking for something whimsical and captivating to take you away to another place, then stop right here because this is certainly worth any amount of your days.

Highlights: Night Time, Illumination, You Can See It In The Blue and Till Dawn

Sample song:

Buy the album:
CDJapan | iTunes

 

speaking of production, I had quite the opposite impression than @Ito (listening on HiFiMan HE400 btw). The low-mids, high-bass/treble approach he described would be the typical "scooped" way of things, generally associated with black-metal, particularly second-wave-norwegian and the lofi-likes. This Album on the other had has, in my opinion, a much more natural sounding feel, and a much more balanced mix of the instruments, pretty much an aesthetic you would otherwise more expect from a post-rock production. As a matter of fact I am fairly certain you could, without changing anything on the recording/mixing-setup, go straight on recording a russian circles album or sth alike.

I wish I could feel this way - I do want to take a crack at this one with my speaker system and see if that changes my feeling about it...got to wait for a day the gf is gone since there is no way it would fly with her home lmao.

As far as sounding like RC in terms of production, I would have to disagree with that. As someone who has listened to all together way too much of their music and am always going back to their work, their production has never bothered me in the same was Rigen did. Well, maybe Empros a bit, but even that one I like quite a bit more.

Day 12 - COHOL - 裏現 (Rigen) posted!

Day 12: COHOL - 裏現 (Rigen)

Release Date: 2015-05-29
Label: Osmose Records
Genre: Depressive Black Metal

Impressions from @Zeus:

If one desires a panoramic view of what black metal has to offer today, look no further than COHOL. 裏現 is 39 minutes of the rawest - and surprisingly well produced - black metal Japan's produced all year. It's difficult to appreciate the beauty at first; tremolo picking, blast beats, and screeching vocals are not my first idea of "beautiful". In addition, the five years since their widely acclaimed 2010 album 空洞 has seen the band shave away their influences, automatically making 裏現 a less approachable album from the start. But within the depressive madness there are fleeting moments of tranquility, sadness, lament, and all sorts of negative emotions which paint a panorama of modern suffering wrapped in a most overwhelming, crushing atmosphere. When remarking on how many things are done right, one realizes how much of a rarity it is to get such a no-frills, straightforward black metal release. This album's so good, I think we may be referencing it as a staple of the genre sooner than we think.

Highlights: 下部構造 – Infrastructure-, 暗君 – Chaos Ruler –, 地に堕ちる – Depressive –, 病の元型 – Arche Pathogen –

Impressions from @Ito:

This album is difficult - on one hand, I think it is truly badass. Musically I think this is some of the best black metal I have listened to all year. It's expressive and intense, yet it knowns when to slow down and and pull back to create a wonderful mood (Depressive being probably the best example of this). Sadly there is one huge miss that diffuses this explosive album for me - sonically it is a bit of a mess. I know this is contrary to Zeus saying that he enjoyed the production - and maybe it is a difference of listening mediums (Myself on AKG K7XXs and Zeus on Sennheiser HD 600 - both great open back headphones, but with different characteristics), but the low mids/high bass space just ends up feeling way too crowded and the heavy sections just feel muddy. The drummer often plays fast paced double bass and snare sections that just end up like someone is running an outboard motor over the recording. I know for some people, music is king, and if that is the case for you, this album is gold. If you are like me though, so much of the joy is sucked out of this album that I really just don't end up appreciating it that way I normally would.

Highlights: Depressive, Arche Pathogen

Sample song:

Buy the album:
CDJapan | Bandcamp

Day 11 - DEZERT - 「暫定的オカルト週刊誌①」(Zanteiteki occult shuukanshi (1)) posted!

Day 11: DEZERT - 「暫定的オカルト週刊誌①」(Zanteiteki occult shuukanshi (1))

Release Date: 2015-04-25
Label: Mad Face Records
Genre: Metalcore, visual kei

Impressions from @Peace Heavy mk II:

While not completely new material, dark-rock-meets-nu-metal band DEZERT gifted us a collection of most of their live-distributed materials: how nice of them! This album contains some of their earliest works, such as “Sister,” and “「秘密」(Himitsu)”. Like their hard-hitting album of 2014, this album contains many powerful and downright eerie numbers, as well as some vague themes around food. While I had heard a good deal of material on here before it was released, more than half of the content was new to me since their original forms are hard to come by. Some highlights for me include the series of correct knife technique songs (anything starting with “包丁の正しい使い方”), and “「秘密」(Himitsu),” which draws more than a little inspiration from The GazettE's “Headache Man,” and the new song, “ゴシック (GOTHIC).”


It’s not often that bands rerelease many of their rare-er content, but who wouldn’t expect a band named DEZERT to not be super sweet?

Highlights: ゴシック, 包丁の正しい使い方-思想編-

Sample song:

Buy the album:
As this was live-limited release at DEZERT's one man TSUTAYA O-WEST on 2015-04-25 and was limited to 1000 copies, there is no way to purchase this particular release.

I can agree with that - my first listen was kind of like "eh," but I have grown to love it. I suppose seeing them live certainly helps though.

Day 10 - Envy - Atheist's Cornea posted!

Day 10: Envy - Atheist's Cornea

Release Date: 2015-07-10
Label: Temporary Residence Limited, Sonzai Records
Genre: post-rock, metalcore, hardcore

Impressions from @Ito:

After many years of silence, Envy decided to remind us that they still alive and well in the best way possible. While I have always enjoyed their music. Atheist's Cornea managed to feel like a wonderful blend of all their previous work and manages to make all of the tracks stand out on their own. Ranging from light post-rock fairs with spoken words to blasting hardcore with raspy screams, that one thing that sticks out to me is how genuine it all feels. One might think that after over 20 years, a band might not have that same passion, but Envy bucks that thought with the genuine feelings and pure excitement that every track seems to exude. I found myself looping this album for hours on end. Now let's just hope that it doesn't take Envy another 5 years to give us another album.

Highlights: Blue Moonlight, Ticking Time and String, Two Isolated Souls

Impressions from @Zeus:

It's become a rule that when bands active in a scene for over a decade exert enormous influence over it. When musicians are seen as pioneers of a new sound, they are continuously tasked with continuing without burning out or losing the qualities which made them shine. It's a perplexing problem that Japanese hardcore titans Envy have dealt with twice, and they seem to have an answer with Atheist's Cornea. It's been a solid five years since their last proper album - 2010's Recitation feels like ages ago with rare appearances now and again on compilations - but the band is as Envy-sounding as ever. Contrasting dynamics backed by technical excellence play a huge part in pushing Atheist's Cornea forward and the mixture of hardcore, screamo, and post-rock that Envy is known for still feels fresh. This is what allows the album to start with heavily overdriven guitar and abrasive vocals courtesy of Tetsuya Fukagawa only to slide back into more contemplative territory with "Shining Finger". Fukagawa also has many opportunities to showcase his clean and harsh vocals, displaying a range and control betrayed by his rather one-dimensional harsh vocals. Songs like "Footsteps in the Distance" and "An Insignificant Poem" successfully bring these two sides of Envy together and show us best what they are all about. As an entire package, Atheist's Cornea is another great album from a band that's never disappointed.

Highlights: Blue Moonlight, Shining Finger, Two Isolated Souls

Sample song:

Buy the album:
iTunes | Bandcamp

Day 9 - FACT - KTHEAT posted!

Day 9: FACT - KTHEAT

Release Date: 2015-03-04
Label: maximum10
Genre: post-hardcore, metalcore, hardcore

Impressions from @doombox:

It's hard to tell if the songs on KTHEAT were written knowing they would be for FACT's final album or not. But the decision to completely self-produce it gives the songs an edge their previous albums haven't had in quite some time. These tracks continue to build from the change in direction they started with WITNESS last year, and focus on a tangible energy only a live show can create. KTHEAT manages to come extremely close too, with a balanced production that feels compact but not muddy from instruments fighting among each other for the spotlight. Everything comes together in wonderful, chaotic harmony.

 

KTHEAT -an abbreviation for the first initial of each member's name: Kazuki, Takahiro, Hiro, Eiji, Adam, and Tomohiro- stands out in FACT's discography from the fist-pumping first note of "The Way Down" (which ORz recommended as a Best New Track for March) and powers its way through the total of eleven tracks, hardly slowing enough for you to catch your breath until the pop-punk reminiscent 'easycore' bounce of "Over" hits and winds down into the surprise post-rock and noise influenced slow build of "Haze". KTHEAT works hard to take much of FACT's typical melodic hardcore songwriting down new avenues and still pull from their earlier albums. Songs like "Wait" and "Feel" would be just as at home on The Fine Day Never Last or Never Turn Out The Light... It's obvious KTHEAT wasn't made to broaden their appeal to new markets, even though the push of genre-blending would be to its advantage. Instead, it's an ode to the band exploring their own interests and sharing them with us one last time solely for the pure enjoyment of it. 

 

Highlights: The Way Down, Worm, <3 Attack, Over

Sample song:

Buy the album:
iTunes | CDJapan

Thoughts on the list so far:

Everything so far has been stuff that I haven't checked out this year, so I am really going to be basing my quick impression based on the PV we posted with them

Coldrain

I skipped this album since I am done with being bored by Coldrain. I honestly stand with that thought - the PV didn't do anything for me.

Chara

It's been a while since I have listened to Chara - I am hoping that the rest of the songs on the album are more exciting than the PV track which I felt was kind of a snoozer.

Suiyoubi no Campanella

I already made some comments on the track in the best new tracks thread - "Now this is interesting. There are certainly things that I feel don't work in this track, but its overall uniqueness and charm win out."

Pelican Fanclub

While I can't say that I am love with this track, I do did the sound these guys are producing and I want to check in to it more.

Kidori Kidori 

Not really my speed if I'm honest

IX-NINE-

I haven't been keeping up with the VK scene as much lately, so this bad has never really been on my radar. I can certainly understand people being put off by the vocals, and they are kind of on the weaker side, but some how not enough for me to be put off by them. I really enjoyed the vibe of the sample song. For sure going to be checking out more of these guys.

Grieva

The earlier Grieva stuff that I've listened to hasn't ever really done anything for me - I don't know if this changes anything for me. Though that youtube song was so compressed that it is hard to tell XD

for example you sell the sea

Besides having a terrible band name, I can really get behind this band. Song in the PV could have clipped like the first minute or so, but other than that, it was great.

Day 8 - for example you sell the sea - たとえば海を売るなら (Tatoeba umi wo urunara) posted!

Day 8: for example you sell the sea - たとえば海を売るなら (Tatoeba umi wo urunara)

Release Date: 2015-02-22
Label: Hamabe Records
Genre: Indie, post rock, screamo

Impressions from @fitear1590:

I'll be the first to admit that post-rock is not one of my favorite genres--I tend to get bored by it. Once in a blue moon, however, an album comes along and takes me by storm. Tatoeba umi o urunara (by the way, the Japanese translation of the strange phrase "for example you sell the sea") is one such album. Everything about this band is a bit of a mystery, from their name to the fact that they only have 84 listeners on last.fm. The band's musical approach, however, is sure to take you on one hell of a ride. Capitalizing on expansive compositions and a roller coaster of emotions, for example you take the sea will capture your attention. While admittedly, the five songs do begin to meld together, I don't consider that a bad thing with this band, because they have created such an immersive listen. One of the better bands that you might have overlooked this year!

Highlights: 青 (ao), obedient youth kindof tableau

Impressions from @doombox:

This album may have been the biggest surprise of the year for me, as I checked it out on a whim trying to diversify my playlists. The silly band name and unassuming album cover really don't prepare you for the emotional onslaught this band is capable of. Songs on たとえば海を売るなら(tatoeba umi o urunara) are fully embellished stories that take their time and every avenue available to create each track's unique vision that runs them well past the 5 minute mark. for example you sell the sea aren't afraid to take the listener from a dream to a nightmare and back again with their atmospheric and emotional take on post-rock, sprinkles of screamo and indie rock also help add multiple layers of texture to the all-too-short five track gem. If you like your artists to think outside of the box and care more about where a song takes you than how much of it you can sing along to, this album is something you absolutely need to try out.

Highlights: 青(ao), 負債(fusai), obedient youth kindof tableau

Sample song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iwQXeZ0Imw

Buy the album:
OTOTOY | iTunes (JP)

Ito's quick unfiltered thoughts! Watch as I lose my ability to think and describe!
 
Green = mhmm
Yellow = hmmm
Orange = uhhhhh
Red = uuuugh

VK
Develop One's Faculties - "insert memory"
A case of annoying vocals hampering a great track. I want to like this, but there is just something about those vocals that I find grating.

GRIMOIRE-グリモア- - "ぼくとタルパ (boku to tulpa)"
Marginal VK with crappy production. I'll pass

umbrella - "軽薄ナヒト"
At least umbrella took the time to find a have decent sounding synth violin, even though I think it would do that song's characters wonders if they just paid someone to come in and actually record the parts. The chorus is pretty bland, but the rest of the song is fairly decent, just a bit stale imo.

yazzmad - "Re:ハルシオン (re:halcyon)"
I mean, it's art kei alright, but that doesn't give it an auto pass. There really isn't anything here that is interesting - the song just feels so bland. It's certainly not bad, just feel like the filler track you would normally skip on an album.

アカシジア (akathisia) - "Inner C"
Is it just me, or is the balance on this track just off? Like the guitars just feels so loud compared to everything else that I feel like it is all I am listening too (I wonder if the music player we are using is doing something to the tracks?). The song makes me feel like this band has promise, which makes me happy since I enjoy the idea of another all female VK band (man, those female vocals are refreshing). But I will give it another release or two...

the GazettE - "UGLY"
much heavy. very edgy. tries too hard in parts but is solid on others
 
 
 
Rock / Metal / Punk / Indie/ Alt
A Ghost of Flare - "Fall Asleep"
Feels like a song I have heard a 100 times before.

Day and Buffalo - "雷熊 (kaminari kuma)"
This had me intrigued until I hit the vocals. I feel like I would enjoy this more with different pairing of vocals...they sound so bored. Dig the instrumentals though. 

KANA-BOON - "PUZZLE"
I'm not sure how I felt on this one - gunna go with I liked it lol.

Mono - "Death in Reverse"
This song is tits.

fox capture plan - "In the Darkness"
this feels far more mature than their earlier work, and I still liked that.

きのこ帝国 (Kinoko Teikoku) - "ドライブ (drape)"
At first I really didn't like the pop approach this album took, but after I got over it and stopped trying to compare the shoegaze to pop rock and took it for what it is, I found that I really enjoyed this album. Not my favorite track on the album, though I do enjoy it.

シナリオアート (Scenarioart) - "ナナヒツジ (nana hitsuji)"
oh damn, I really like this. Such a fresh feel to it. But fuck you guys for making me out so much green in a row lo.

バックドロップシンデレラ (Backdrop Cinderella) - "激情とウンザウンザを踊る (gekijou to unzaunza wo odoru)"
Fun but not really for me.

ヒトリエ (Hitorie) - "シャッタードール (Shutter Doll)"


ペトロールズ (PETROLZ) - "Fuel"
Funky, though not quite my style.

マカロニえんぴつ (Macaroni Enpitsu) - "鳴らせ (narase)"
A bit too sugary and generic for my tastes.
 
 
 
Pop / Electronic / R&B / Hip-Hop / Other
BENI - "DEEP SWEET EASY"
Now we enter the section where it is going to take a lot more for me too like something since I am not really fans of most of these genres. This does not make the pass for me.

Jimanica - "Warp Stairs feat. 山田杏奈 (Anna Yamada)"
The vocals sound off  to me and I can't say there is anything about the rest of the music that makes up for it.
 
Qaijff - "After Rain"
Decent piano pop - much much else to say imo.

Rie a.k.a. Suzaku - "Passion"
Kind of sounds like a mess to be honest. That bass feels like it has no idea what it is suppose to be doing, and it like a nerd trying to hang out with the cool kids and just ends up looking stupid.

muffin - "6月の物語 (Story of June)"
I can dig it. 

いとうかなこ (Ito Kanako) - "Cherish"
Ito? Auto 10/10

legit though I actually dig her voice, though I feel the song is a bit too basic.

チャラン･ポ･ランタン (CHARAN-PO-RANTAN) - "メビウスの行き止まり (Mobius no Ikidomari)"
I have no idea what to think of this. Kind of reminds me of Wakusei Abnormal. 

ハジ→ (hazzie) - "記念日。(Kinenbi) feat. miwa"
I have never cared for this style of vocal lead pop over generic symphony and piano. It always feels just so uninspired - like we have the budget, let's check this type of song off of the box.

一十三十一 (HITOMITOI) - "ミステリートレイン (Mystery Train)"
It took everything in my power to not skip over this one after the first five seconds. Man, I can not stand this. Made it to the vocals just to make sure that it was 100% safe to jump off of this train.

原田ひとみ (Harada Hitomi) - "Overdrive"
 Calling these vocals overdone feels like an understatement. This dish tastes charred. I'll pass on this "Oberdry."

水曜日のカンパネラ (Suiyoubi no Campanella) - "西玉夫 (Nishi Tamao)"

Now this is interesting. There are certainly things that I feel don't work in this track, but its overall uniqueness and charm win out.

No Shave November results:

Though that sig has only gotten more painful XD

Day 7 - グリーヴァ (Grieva) - 妄想主義者ノ背徳。(Mousou shugisha no haitoku.) posted

Day 7: グリーヴァ (Grieva) - 妄想主義者ノ背徳。(Mousou shugisha no haitoku.)

Release Date: 2015-07-01
Label: MadWinK /Ains
Genre: Alternative metal, metalcore, visual kei

Impressions from @Peace Heavy mk II:

Grieva has had a very strong 2015. While their releases have been small (4 singles, an omnibus appearance, and this installation here), they have done nothing but improve with each CD they drop. Since the addition of their new drummer, their compositional style seems to have honed in on what they know they’re good at without relying too heavily on their controversial “I-wish-I-Were-Dir-en-Grey” gimmicks. 妄想主義者ノ背徳。is an example of doing exactly that, and is one of their best albums to date.

This mini album provides what all great minis should: decent length, replay value, and none of the tracks feel like filler. In the past, one of the critiques this band has received included having too many songs that seemed superfluous since they were more or less the same kind of song, just 2 tracks away from each other on the same album. Here, variety is no concern: from the melancholic “Art Play,” to the aggressive “腐『furan』乱,” this album covers a lot of territory. Its standout track, for me, is”自己精神殺害推進會.” Mixing The Kiryu-esque guitar work with crazy gang-vocals, this song came out of no where and is one of my all-time favorites.

Highlights: 自己精神殺害推進會, 密室104号室～暗イ部屋二僕ト君～

Sample song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fg3TkSRrXQs

Buy the album:
http://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/DAKAMWK-20'>CDJapan

Day 6 - IX-NINE- - VIDYA posted!

Day 6: IX-NINE- - VIDYA

Release Date: 2015-03-12
Label: Independent
Genre: Rock

Impressions from @fictioninhope:

IX-NINE- is a 2015 newcomer - though it’s members are not new to the scene - and they have maintained a strong musical presence throughout the year, especially when it comes to reaching out to a worldwide audience. Their debut mini-album VIDYA mixes instruments and electronics with a touch of tradition in the form of a koto, backing up vocalist IX’s crooning flawlessly. Upon seeing 5 out of 7 tracks clocked in at over 4 minutes I worried it would drag on, but thankfully that wasn’t the case. Opening track “Remembrance” kicks off the painting of a beautiful, dream-like state that continues to blossom with “壮美なゆらめき” and “Sky Burial.” “Dirge” is the perfect end to the image, stopping in the exact place it needs to yet still leaving you ready and waiting for the next adventure. While all the comparisons to mega-band sukekiyo aren’t unwarranted, IX has created what is in my opinion a calmer sound that I tend to prefer over Kyo’s almost excessive vocal experimentation.
 
Highlights: 壮美なゆらめき, Sky Burial, Dirge

Sample song:

amazing pics!

 

I like especially the last one

Thanks!

Here's another new one

Day 5 - Kidori Kidori - ![雨だれ] (amadare) posted!

Day 5: Kidori Kidori - ![雨だれ] (amadare)

Release Date: 2015-06-03
Label: Polka Dot records/HIP LAND MUSIC
Genre: Garage rock, indie

Impressions from @fitear1590:

Kidori Kidori was another surprise indie hit for me this year. They do the "bored pop" style--not unlike ミツメ (mitsume)--with a certain panache. Songs like "!" are just so understated, yet fully engrossing, trading in their cheery indie pop (more in line with doombox's first two highlighted tracks) for something more laid-back. The vocals are at their most natural here and the "choo choo" parts are catchy as hell. Meanwhile, the music plucks along at a leisurely pace. Throughout the album, there is also a Hispanophile quality with song titles like "コラソン (corazon)","テキーラと熱帯夜 (tequila to nettaiya)" and "Tristeza"; I see this is actually a trend in the band's discography. Whatever the case may be, Kidori Kidori seem intent on turning your frown upside down, even if it is in a deadpan manner!

Highlights: なんだかもう (nandaka mou), !

Impressions from @doombox:

Kidori Kidori have a special place in my heart as they are one of the few indie rock bands I can't seem to get enough of. There's just something about their jangly guitar riffs, incisive drum style, and vocalist Mash's monotone delivery that gives them a flavor all their own. Tracks like "あなぼこ(anaboko)" have a grungy, punk flair when Kidori Kidori kick it into overdrive, but the band waltzes just as easily into dreamy, psychedelic territory with "なんだかもう(nandaka mou)" on ! [雨だれ] (amadare). Yet, somehow Kidori Kidori manage to seamlessly fold these genres, and more, into their sound. This album was written with strong summertime vibes in mind which made it a perfect road trip soundtrack, and even as winter is fast approaching us now each track can magically whisk you right back to warmer months. ! [雨だれ] was definitely a breath of fresh air in 2015, or better yet, a sweet summer breeze!

Highlights: ホームパーティー (home party), あなぼこ(anaboko), !

Sample song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqfBnE1cxDU

Buy the album:
CDJapan | iTunes

Day 4 - Pelican Fanclub posted!