Yukimoto

SET-LIST at 2015/08/08:
 
01.NEXT⇒
02.GARAKUTA PARADE
03.STEP▲BY▼STEP
04.Gossip
05.sweet/rouge
06.明日世界が終わっても(ashita sekai ga owattemo)
07.桜花日-サクラハナビ-(sakurahanabi)
08.マリオネットとドレス(marionette to dress)
09.色彩Polaroid.(shikisai Polaroid.)
10.セツナキャンドル(setsuna candle)
11.浮遊グラフィック(fuyuu graphic)
12.あの影の中で(ano kage no naka de)
13.21g
14.彩花唄-いろはうた-(irohauta)
15.シネマシンドローム(cinema syndrome)
16.CHANGE!
17.衝動(shoudou)
18.D.O.P.E
19.PHASE
20.LiNE
21.180
 
EN1
01.Drama
02.NuAGE
03.ユメオイプラネット(yumeoi planet)
 
 
it appears that their LAST LIVE DVD will be released
 

Do find that the SE's were out of placce or I guess not needed at all. For SE's I usually look forward to the one's that lead kind of cleverly into the start of the next song. I think those one's are cleverly done but that's just me. Moudoku didn't quite do that for me I felt I guess they could've put Rui as the first track and maybe dropped moudoku all together. But I guess as a fan most people would grab it just to have everything they have so I guess thats why you chose the regular or the limited edition. I guess for this release the limited editions would've been the safest bet.
 
I do like that they kept the same kind of somber melancholy sound through out the whole release, so that it seemed like that had a clear planned out style they were going for on the release. The order of songs was actually great for the first 3 tracks just like you said feeding one into the next except the SE.
 
Only thing is I think my favorite track was Kairi. It had everything, like the peak of somberness, the screams, the vibrato, basically everything complied into that one song and love the chorus too.
 
Like you said ACME is probably my least favorite of the lot. I think "Kodoku no Catacombe" shouldve came after "Until.." and hmm let me see
 
1)Kasane
2)VENOMS
3)kairi
4)Until...
5)Kodoku no Catacombe
 
I think that would've been a solid track list and would've gotten them a higher score. ACME could've been placed on a single of similar value. Think I would rate the mini a 3.5/5 probably a 4.5 or 5 if the above list had happen. Anyways, that's what I think.
 
Love the review

Do find that the SE's were out of placce or I guess not needed at all. For SE's I usually look forward to the one's that lead kind of cleverly into the start of the next song. I think those one's are cleverly done but that's just me. Moudoku didn't quite do that for me I felt I guess they could've put Rui as the first track and maybe dropped moudoku all together. But I guess as a fan most people would grab it just to have everything they have so I guess thats why you chose the regular or the limited edition. I guess for this release the limited editions would've been the safest bet.
 
I do like that they kept the same kind of somber melancholy sound through out the whole release, so that it seemed like that had a clear planned out style they were going for on the release. The order of songs was actually great for the first 3 tracks just like you said feeding one into the next except the SE.
 
Only thing is I think my favorite track was Kairi. It had everything, like the peak of somberness, the screams, the vibrato, basically everything complied into that one song and love the chorus too.
 
Like you said ACME is probably my least favorite of the lot. I think "Kodoku no Catacombe" shouldve came after "Until.." and hmm let me see
 
1)Kasane
2)VENOMS
3)kairi
4)Until...
5)Kodoku no Catacombe
 
I think that would've been a solid track list and would've gotten them a higher score. ACME could've been placed on a single of similar value. Think I would rate the mini a 3.5/5 probably a 4.5 or 5 if the above list had happen. Anyways, that's what I think.
 
Love the review

Do find that the SE's were out of placce or I guess not needed at all. For SE's I usually look forward to the one's that lead kind of cleverly into the start of the next song. I think those one's are cleverly done but that's just me. Moudoku didn't quite do that for me I felt I guess they could've put Rui as the first track and maybe dropped moudoku all together. But I guess as a fan most people would grab it just to have everything they have so I guess thats why you chose the regular or the limited edition. I guess for this release the limited editions would've been the safest bet.
 
I do like that they kept the same kind of somber melancholy sound through out the whole release, so that it seemed like that had a clear planned out style they were going for on the release. The order of songs was actually great for the first 3 tracks just like you said feeding one into the next except the SE.
 
Only thing is I think my favorite track was Kairi. It had everything, like the peak of somberness, the screams, the vibrato, basically everything complied into that one song and love the chorus too.
 
Like you said ACME is probably my least favorite of the lot. I think "Kodoku no Catacombe" shouldve came after "Until.." and hmm let me see
 
1)Kasane
2)VENOMS
3)kairi
4)Until...
5)Kodoku no Catacombe
 
I think that would've been a solid track list and would've gotten them a higher score. ACME could've been placed on a single of similar value. Think I would rate the mini a 3.5/5 probably a 4.5 or 5 if the above list had happen. Anyways, that's what I think.
 
Love the review

I kind of like it - the preview is just alright, but I appreciate how they're going this route instead of the vampire stuff that got old for me back in the mid-00s - some of their best work comes out when they stop with the Anne Rice nonsense. Genetic World had the least of it, so it is still my favorite D album.
 
I think it's cool how all of them are well into their 30s/40s and still going all out on their visuals. They are the only band (that I can think of at the moment) that jumps from subdued looks to outrageous ones like this with each release. Respect. (And the look is fabulous.)

when it comes to music, art, literature, etc., your excitement is fully justified by your own subjective experience of the aesthetic object itself. it doesn't matter that you can't find anyone who feels exactly the same way as you (even though that might be nice), because your excitement shouldn't be contingent on their excitement in the first place. why should that be the case? there's also no such thing as not being allowed to be excited (what does that even mean..?).
 
when people who reasonably differ from your position explain why they don't like something, it's always better to take what they say as an invitation to understand why they don't like x, instead of why you are wrong to like x. this distinction is important because for most intents and purposes, aesthetic statements remain in the realm of the descriptive and don't enter the prescriptive (e.g. "so-and-so ought to like/dislike x"). (an interesting digression: the Emotivists were a group of philosophers who collapsed this difference and asserted that all moral statements such as 'murder is wrong' are effectively nothing but statements about personal taste--needless to say their arguments weren't taken very seriously at all.)
 
alternatively you can ignore everyone who disagrees with you and resist the temptation to engage with them.
 
honestly if i'm only allowed to get excited over releases that have been "approved" by other people i'd be out of this forum long ago. and if there's one thing i've learned it's that agreeing to disagree is one of the most important skills of surviving the Internet without risking a severe stroke.
 
 
p.s.: i like the song!

Artist: MEJIBRAY
Album: VENOMS.app
Release: 2015.08.05
VENOMS.app is MEJIBRAY's third mini-album to date and comes packed in a roller coaster release schedule featuring four other singles in 2015, two still to come. This is also the shortest of their mini-album releases, just 22 minutes (with MESSIAH.bat and Silvers.exe reaching 25 and 30 respectively). Upon a first listen, it felt deflating listless to me. Capitalized my Tsuzuku's vocals drifting into what could be called bored, droning, and decidedly safe. After a few days' listen however, I've developed a familiar fondness for each track and would say that there isn't a truly bad one to be found.
As for individual tracks;
Moudoku(Deadly Poison)(SE): An official CD release of MEJIBRAY's signature anthem and live intro. Also my first problem with the mini-album. I have personally never been interested in this track and in the back of my mind, the sound of it only makes me think of watching previews for their recent PVs repeatedly. IMO does nothing to inspire the mini-album or set the tone. Could be nothing more than a pleaser for live fans. (0/5)
VENOMS: Title and PV track as usual. Opening with the piano tune that was shown in the PV. Setting the tone for the album on it's own, symphonic theme sounding quite pleasant (it actually sounds like something I kept trying to write in middle school music when using keyboards lol). Pretty basic main guitar riff for a standard MEJIBRAY song. The verse is a bit dull and bored, but the harsh vocal section really sold me and the song takes it's time reaching the chorus which is an easy selling point. Sounds like something right at home on The 420, somewhat like Hungry Psychopath. This one was stuck in my head prior to release as expected. Could use more energy in some sections but is undeniably solid (4.0/5.0)
Kairi: The most ominous and intriguing of the album samples. Perhaps the most dramatic build we have heard from MEJIBRAY, somehow the symphonic sound over marching guitar rhythm sounds.. off? The actual melody is had to place and almost sounds as if the wrong key was struck. I'm sure this isn't the case but it makes the synth a bit hard to digest. This is one of those 'reverse' songs where the chorus features all harsh vocals after mostly soft clean singing. I like that this song carries the same air as VENOMS but even more somber. I did expect more from this track, suffers from listlessness as much as anything on this release. Even so, it takes it's risks and I like it. (4.0/5.0)
Until...: Strikes me as almost a direct follow up to Kairi (which in itself already follows VENOMS nicely) making feel like they belong together. This is my favorite song from the mini, I think it has a lot of the things that Kairi lacked. Yet another swaying, symphonic atmosphere surrounds the opening. This time accompanied by a twinkling, morose piano. One of my big draws to this song is the sense that Tsuzuku took more care in the vocals overall. More effort to delicately lay out the melodies and be consistent with his vibrato. The chorus is very strong and the song sports an equally strong guitar solo that DOESNT sound like a bunch of other MEJIBRAY solos (thank you). This one I think will stay with me the longest. MEJIBRAY at their current best (4.5/5.0)
ACME: MEJIBRAY's signature twangy guitar and bass choke into life sounding like an engine turning over and struggling before finally starting. High energy where it was mostly absent up until now. ACME is almost a textbook b-side for this band. Somewhat disappointed in the vocals here, though the melody is pleasant. There is too much hacking by Tzk on every other note. There isn't a whole lot to say about ACME that hasn't been said about recent b-sides already. There is some screaming, there is a solo, but both are likely heard before from anyone actively following them. I would have gone to a 3 or higher here but keeping in mind that this is a mini album and NOT a single, I expect a bit more when discerning what tracks deserve a spot on the list. Still a good listen (2.5/5.0)
Kodoku no Catacomb: Rolling guitar and bass riff into a cacophony familiar to MEJIBRAY fans. The vocals bounce back and fourth between speaking tone and Tsuzuku's dry, quiet harsh vocals (think XV). There isn't much more to this sub-3minute track until the chorus, which despite sounding out of place, has gotten stuck in my head more than most things from this mini. This is also most easily categorized and dismissed as a b-side, but I think it has a lot of it's own charm and I'll be returning to it for sure. (3.5/5.0)
Rui(Trouble)(SE): *Feels ripped off again* So they basically included the same SE twice on this mini album, once at the beginning of VENOMS and then for some reason again as it's own song at the end here. I truly cannot decide which SE is more frustrating to me. As much as I don't care at all for the live intro, I can't even think of a reason to justify the way Rui was just DUMPED here. (0/5.0)
VENOMS.app makes a lot of mistakes, has a lot of cool selling points and ultimately, like most of their releases, leaves me wondering exactly what is next for MEJIBRAY. I'm sure they realize this based on their release schedule. There is quite good material here, but I think the packaging is wrong, this could in fact be more of an extended single stretched out into a mini album. Thoughts?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0mcuOsv0N0

I can't believe people are so upset with a happy song and a colourful look and video. What did you all expect? For them to shift into this whole wannabe-metalcore movement? Thank God, no. They have been received terribly in the past few years simply because they stick to their idea of being and sounding different with every single release and it seems like it's always the same people complaining about this, the kind that can't appreciate "Nyanto Shippo-De?!" for its humour.
I am actually glad Asagi isn't straining himself on his voice with screams and whatnot and sings without too much effort on his jaw. They're a band that wants to perform, they want to release material and during a recovery this happens with baby steps.
Going with Trombe's point of view; if you don't care, don't read. And in this case, don't listen to it. And for anyone who wants a recent masterpiece by D, listen to "Dandelion," it should serve your needs.

I agree with you whole-heartedly. I felt like I didn't really find anything that I liked as much as yokusou from their first album which I think was the highlight of that album for me. When I first heard it I instantly liked it and couldn't wait to hear more from the band but I guess I wasn't as psyched anymore after hearing the mini. Maybe I'll give it another listen.

I agree with you whole-heartedly. I felt like I didn't really find anything that I liked as much as yokusou from their first album which I think was the highlight of that album for me. When I first heard it I instantly liked it and couldn't wait to hear more from the band but I guess I wasn't as psyched anymore after hearing the mini. Maybe I'll give it another listen.

I more or less agree with your sentiments here and probably would have rated it around the same thing. While I can't say that I was into these guys too deeply, their album from earlier this year did manage to leave an impression. I was hoping for some more melodic ventures like 'チャイルドマザー' and 'ひとり桜。', but found myself pretty underwhelmed in that regard. Nothing on here was downright unlistenable, though.
 
Fantastic review, Kellyさん! 

Artist: 黒百合と影 (Kuroyuri to kage) Album: アケスケ羞恥録 (Akesuke shuuchiroku) 1. 「便所」 (Benjyo) 2. ぺど。(Pedo.) 3. ティシューの空箱 (Tissue no karabako) 4. 児童公園 (Jidouyuuen) 5. 高田馬場えいりあん (Takadanobaba alien) 6. ぼくのともだち。 (Boku no tomodachi.) 7. 花と骨 (Hana to hone)
Rating: | Quantity over quality strikes again.
 
Forming only last year, delightfully dark 黒百合と影 return with a new mini album after their last full length won over a plethora of cynics. Their style is equal parts doom and gloom musically, lyrically, and aesthetically. This time around they decided to up the ante by increasing their creepy factor and centering their concept for this release around children and the loss of innocence. アケスケ羞恥録's titles like "ぺど。", "児童公園", which translates to 'playground', and "ぼくのともだち。" meaning 'my friend' should start to bring some very specific imagery to mind.

Part of what I love about 黒百合と影 is their use of nu-metal groove and sludge metal overtones to give a distinct sound in the sea of visual indies bands battling it out for your attention. Just when I thought nu-metal was getting phased out of the scene, they came and made it awesome again! So after having a great appreciation for the approach taken on the last album I was beyond pumped to take this one out for a spin. Though, when my hype settled down and I fully digested this new batch of songs, I ended up enjoying this album less with each listen. Actually, the more I listen to it, the more I hear where the band simply 'phoned it in'.

This mini feels rushed and devoid of much inspiration, frankly. The opening track, "便所" felt so much like an old Coal Chamber song that it was distracting. A quick listen to "Loco" and the first minute will show you what I'm talking about. I ain't calling it plagiarism, but there are some undeniable similarities going on here underneath that layer of violin synth. I'm just sayin'. At other times, certain members' shortcomings are highlighted when they seemed much less conspicuous before. I can appreciate vocalist Karasuna Mei's drive to push his vocals in new directions, but songs like "ティシューの空箱" and "ぼくのともだち。" sacrifice vocal control for extra levels of emotion and it becomes more cringe worthy than engrossing. Both start off pleasant enough but soon lose their focus, and being part of the host of songs on this album suffering from extremely cut and paste construction doesn't help them to engage the listener, either. It all begins to blend into other songs you've already heard this band make before.

That's not to say a couple of songs don't fight their way out of the murk. My favorite pick off of the album is "ぺど。", and while it doesn't reinvent the wheel, the song is one of the only ones on the album that felt thoroughly conceptualized from first note to last. It plays off of the band's signature sound, then proceeds to add a creep-tastic music box and venomous machine-gun guitar riffs into the mix. The song has fist-pumping highs and somber lows that all compliment and build off of each other. "児童公園" is also a highlight with some sexy slap bass from K that snaps it out of the same-y territory right away. The call-back style vocals are a nice, quirky addition that make the song more memorable than its comrades.

It is a tad unfortunate that nothing on the album compares to 黒百合と影's previous work, though I wouldn't call any of it unlistenable, by any means. However, as much as I do love the 90s, they should consider leaving just a little more of it back where they found it. They seem to have hit the proverbial wall for creativity for now, but I will be holding out hope that it returns in the future. This is a group of talented musicians, but maybe it's time they took a break and got real honest with themselves about their own strengths and weaknesses.


Support the band! Purchase アケスケ羞恥録 @ CDJapan
Purchase アケスケ羞恥録 @ HMV
Purchase アケスケ羞恥録 @ JP iTunes

Wow the latter part of the song reminds me of Fear, and Loathing in Las Vegas.

It's probably cheaper to fly to Japan and attend their live to purchase this than to buy it from auctions.

their new maxi single "「最終電車」(saishuudensha)" will be released at 2015/09/02 (1,350yen)
 
[track list]
01.「最終電車」(saishuudensha)
02.アパシー・ヒューマン(apathy human)
 
 
"「最終電車」(saishuudensha)" is jazz taste and melancholic, and "アパシー・ヒューマン(apathy human)" is dark and heavy

I love the song and also love the little story they added to the PV

Mix Speaker's,Inc.×ペンタゴン(pentagon) will hold their halloween 2-man live at Takadanobaba AREA at 2015/10/31
 

RAKKA MUSIC VIDEO <3
 
https://vimeo.com/135378470

Possibly my favourite track from their latest releases.

Love it. I think I prefer this over マイム and スロウ

So before it becomes a 'he said she said' type of conversation we can all remember that opinions are like assholes and there's no need to shove one in anyone's face.