featured list Top 10: PLASTICZOOMS - Song Edition

[beni 2149]

Top 10 - Song Edition

If you're new to an artist, you might want some recommendations before you dive into their whole discography, and what better way to help you out on that than to present to you a handful of favourite songs from across a band/artist's whole work? You might be wanting a heads up, especially those with a hefty discography, or just a starting point to lead you to the best spot and work your way down from there. Whatever the case, here's a personal list of my favourites by Gothic rockers PLASTICZOOMS.

 

This list is ranked, so the numbers are meant as a specific order in this case. I hope this proves to be helpful for any members who are interested in trying them out, or even encourage other fans to make their own lists in response on whatever PLASTICZOOMS related they might want to also do.

PLASTICZOOMS

Vocalist Sho Asakawa, guitarist Taiyo Ikeda, bassist Jun Yokoe, drummer Yuta Kurata, and keyboardist Shinpei Morishige make up the band. Their style can be described as alternative, shoegaze rock, but they touch upon many different sounds with each release ranging from post punk to electronic. They also have just as much of a focus on their appearance as they do sound. They're well known for their Gothic appearance, and are more popular overseas than in Japan due to this and their almost Visual Kei-esque attire. They have even collaborated with fashion label Discovered, had a photo shoot exhibited by professional photographer Nao Takeda, and appeared in "The Reality Show", a magazine where they worked with photographer Nobuyoshi Akari and designer Jill Sander. Sho himself has a brand called Venus Eccentric and is a DJ. PLASTICZOOMS are a very active band that are constantly evolving as musicians. In an interview, Sho has even compared the band to a chameleon in that they change "color from time to time" with each release. While this is certainly true, as evident with their first album (Charm) being especially punk influenced while their second (Starbow) has more of a pop sound, they continue to get better and better in my eyes. 

 

10. SWAN

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We start with the slowest song on the list, and what I find to be their most beautiful piece. The female vocalization before the chorus and end really strikes a chord, and immediately makes this unforgettable because it's not often you hear anyone apart from Sho (save this comment on number eight too).It's a lullaby track, and a true work of art. Really touching base on their signature shoegaze tendencies, it's an 'easy on the ears' tune to lose yourself in. The end of the tune is truly magnificent and is often why I come back to "SWAN", being an explosive and emotional closing to the track only intensifying my love for it. 

 

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9. SAVAGE

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Now for something spooky. Seriously, I'd play this one on Halloween if I had speakers to blast it out and give it the intensity it deserves. I find "SAVAGE" to be their darkest song, lyrically and tonally, but that's also why I think this is the best starting point for anyone who hasn't tried them before. The image to their sound is so complimentary and the PV's artistic flare is a perfect watch. This really is "SAVAGE" but in the best way possible, from the edgy sound to the overall punk influence, everything hits the nail on the head to make for one hell of a cool display sure to have gained them more fans with this song alone. With lines such as " I'm under the control of my DNA. I get sick of my heartbeats. I can't help it. My veins are keeping to move my arms and legs." and "I'll never happen again. Don't worry, calm down.", "SAVAGE" isn't playing around with that name of a track. Undoubtedly depressing and centered around being forced to question ones own existence (by their own mother in fact), this tune wouldn't usually be my cup on tea because of the lyrics alone, but you can't help but embrace this hard and dark scene expected from these lads when they excel like this.

 

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8. THE MORNING SUN

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"THE MORNING SUN" stands out for many reasons, the first one being that it's a gem of a 'grower' song. I didn't have any sort of opinion on it until I started playing it more and more, especially when I checked out its PV. "THE MORNING SUN" was late to the PV party but thankfully it got what it deserved some time after the Secret Postcard EP was released. What I love about this song is the message you can take away from it. With its final lyrics being "Colors I've never seen, bloom into my sight Facing, gazing at you, I can even feel the sunlight. Locks blocking the door, will break away Walk hand in hand with your sorrow", the encouragement of the saying 'tomorrow still comes' reminds you to carry on though each and every "sorrow" you may have. From 2:36 to the end of the track is truly what magic is all about. The uplifting empowerment and quiet positivity of this soft rock ballad is what makes this song so precious and almost worth of all my tears. From its lyrics to the melody, "THE MORNING SUN" is a surprisingly memorable song that leaves a powerful, lasting impression.

 

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7. Witch

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"Witch" is one of PLASTICZOOMS' most rocking tunes, and super approachable for those who enjoy such bands with an indie sound. It has insanely fluid verses and a kick ass chorus, with the shoegaze genre being a main attraction.  Sho's vocals sound like they're in the background while the music brings most of the impact and is more than a welcome change of pace. For myself who pays most attention to the vocals, this arrangement was something different and I ended up loving the song for its melody more so than Sho for once. "Witch" sure does cast some kind of spell on its listener!

 

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6. WOODS UNDER THE MOOD IN THE LOOP

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It's very likely that my love for this track came because I had let this song play each time after my number two spot which followed after it on the album they both appeared beside on. It's quick paced and super catchy, with an instantly recognizable intro and an energetic chorus to accompany the speedy delivery. Sho's monotone vocals are really shown off in this song and works effortlessly with its chirpy sound, making for a really eccentric melody. The guitar solo especially during the last bridge is something you'll end up wanting to repeat all on its own.

 

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5. P A R A D E

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"P A R A D E" is very similar to my next pick, lyrically. With a more modern sound compared to their other popular numbers, "P A R A D E" manages to be a colorful shoegaze number - just check out that beautiful PV! You just can't say no to some Sho romancing: "What taught me to count love was your ten thin fingers, you know" "Ah, What can I give you back? I can only stand here by your side". "P A R A D E" is the pleasant, passionate electropunk number they have under their belts, and is something you might want to try playing when you're out and about with your beloved (this is certainly my track of choice for such a moment!). With Sho's staple neurotic lyrical tendencies still apparent with the line "Broken down by a fear of living, I grasp onto something more precious now", it comes off as very honest and human, further making this not just fairy tale sounding, but also true and relatable.

 

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4. ILLUMINATION

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This song is one of two main highlights of their recent mini-album Secret Postcard (save for my number one spot), and as the opening number, you're going to get quickly attached and addicted to it. With an old school, techno sound that encourages you to get up on your feet and jiggle to the music, "ILLUMINATION" really will brighten up your day. It's a super feel good song with sweet and romantic lyrics, accompanied with a wonderfully shot PV of what seems to be YOHIO's sister (don't take me seriously on that comparison), and is one you'll be lost without on those clear blue days and depressing evenings. Still prizing their typical old and funky style, with cheesy synth and bass lines, lyrics like the very last repeated lines of "Stay as you are By my side, forever" will be sure to keep playing in your head, forcing you to moonwalk whether you like it or not.

 

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3. PINK SNOW

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One of the more recent favourites of mine I had discovered when getting through their discography, "PINK SNOW" isn't just one of my top three picks, but it's also my favourite PV from them. The contrast of the studio shots to outdoor pondering is gorgeous, and that camera work and effects would make any ex-photography student jealous. "PINK SNOW" really is fitting for a Winter tune to cozy up to, or even as a sweet and summery number thanks to its chill and soothing arrangement! "PINK SNOW" comes off as a possible hit even over here, sounding accessible to both pop and rock fans alike no matter what your native language or favored genre is. With harmonic melodies both with Sho's vocal delivery and music, the whole song is a gorgeously crafted masterpiece of pure bliss. 

 

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2. Cry. Distance.

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"Cry. Distance." is one hell of an obsession (ironic, I know) once you give it a listen. While my enjoyment of the song isn't its lyrics for once (it's truly a Yandere's dream of a song), the tempo of the tune is breathtaking. With the theme of obsession and a more modern yet violent take on the Romeo and Juliet story archetype, "Final kiss is to transfer poison from my lips to yours. In the end my hand on yours." "This is the happiest ending ever.", "Cry. Distance" is a somber yet bittersweet number in a way, and its sound doesn't help in loving this song to death. Taking their influence of techno and soft post-rock, it fuses together in "Cry. Distance" like its always been meant to. What appears to be lyrics delivered by both the male and female at different intervals, "Cry. Distance." is an example of musical storytelling done right. The juxtaposition of not so innocent lyrics " No other men can strangle me than you." "Because we had lived in a porn alone together." opposed to the playful synths and gorgeous band melodies of the song sure leaves an impression. This really is the height of perfection PLASTICZOOMS can achieve... or is it?

 

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1. Sleepwalker

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Can there possibly be something better than "Cry. Distance."? Yes, there can and is! Climbing into a spot on Monochrome Heaven's Top 25 Tracks of 2014, "Sleepwalker" has stayed with me as one of my most played songs ever since then by any artist. Its lyrics and sound are one of the most serene and romantic I've ever heard, and it never gets old. Everything you know and love about PLASTICZOOMS is implemented into this short but sweet tune, from their rocking guitars, gorgeous lyrics and delivery, and spots of oldschool techno influences. In the same way I love "Cry. Distance." because of its melody more so than the lyrics, I can safely say the same for "Sleepwalker": the whole feel of it is why I can't go a day without it. The lyrics are extremely similar to that of Plastic Tree; up for interpretation and abstract, " An empty bathroom, a white lizard on the wall". But with the chorus as "Come closer to me, let's dance as we wander around. Come closer to me, let's swim with nothing between us.", you really can't deny the beauty of Sho's delivery and the accompanying music. Can you believe this one doesn't have a PV? Where in God's name is it!? Gothic post-punk has never sounded so flaw-free.

 

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It was difficult just picking out ten PLASTICZOOMS tracks, who admittedly don't have that big of a discography compared to most, but even so there were two specific songs that unfortunately couldn't make it in that still deserves mentions.

"MONOCHROME" really can be the only reason you need to check out their second album CRITICAL FACTOR just because of how perfect it is of an opening to the release. The messy yet grungy execution and overall dark sound makes this one an instantly repeatable tune all on its own."The Shadow" is a fine example of how the band used to sound early one, and easily my firm favourite from their early discography. It's a hauntingly beautiful yet quite simple post-rock tune compared to their recent output.

 

So, do we have any other PLASTICZOOMS lovers in the house? Anything you'd like to add, or change, or comment on? Give us your thoughts below! Also feel free to suggest other artists you might want to see be ranked like so: song wise, release wise, PV wise, you name it! I hope you enjoyed!

[togz 2004]

This is one of my favorite posts of all time. <3

 

Great job with this @beni !!!

[bryyodt 15]

Good list! Definitely my favorite is Pink Snow and Shutter.

[reonebula 10]

 

Secret Postcard surely was one of the best PLASTICZOOMS works with tons of earcatchy tracks. I can see why some of Secret Postcard track got high place here lol

its too bad you didnt mention "Rubbers", it also a good upbeat solid song, one of my fav track on Critical Factor.

well, thanks for create this lovely post. lets see how many PLASTICZOOMS fans here~

 

PLASTICZOOMS are one of band that dragged me into general Post-Punk music btw 

[saltofstones 136]

17 hours ago, reonebula said:

 

PLASTICZOOMS are one of band that dragged me into general Post-Punk music btw 

 

 

This is exactly how it went for me too, I owe my introduction and appreciation of Post-Punk music to them and Lillies and Remains. And I agree SECRET POSTCARD is one of their best works.

 

As for the main post, that's a very convincing and well-written introduction to the band. It would definitely make me check them out if I had no idea who they were.

 

Not sure about the order, but my personal top 10 would look something like this:

1. Sleepwalker

2. Wire Tensioning Method

3. Witch

4. KMKZ

5. CRACK

6. Scent

7. Shooting Star

8. MANIAC (Michael Sembello cover)

9. B U G

10. LOVE