Uchuu Sentai Noiz
Truly, this Japanese band took me by surprise. It's almost like they serenaded me with music and took me by the hand to make me fall for them. Well, of course I haven't completely given myself (Masato is veeeery close though) since they have to make me eager to listen to their songs first. Nonetheless, the live performance/concert was a blast.
"Angel LOVE BEAM!" -Taka
(ano daw?) -JUNKO
I have to admit that I had my hesitations to watch this concert since I was not a fan of Uchuu Sentai Noiz, and mainly because the entrance ticket for the Best of Anime convention, where they performed as a special guest, was effing expensive. I later realized that if you're after a concert of a Japanese band in an anime convention, which rarely happens in the Philippines, this price is actually fair and cheap: 190 php for a one-day pass. I sound like such a miser with this excuse, but hey, I was in a tight budget with prior expenses for a book and two tickets for a high-end (quite) art exhibit. In addition to my hesitations, I am not familiar with the band, except for a few information I retained from Mao's stories back then at how the gang is crazy but with good music to boast. I remember recognizing one of their songs from the line-up that night, but even that one song I do not recall the title.
Anyhow, as with Filipino time or thorough Japanese sound-check, rehearsal, or make-up, I dunno which of these elements made me sit like a Buddha in waiting of Nirvana's gate to open. The supposed 6:00-ish schedule became 8:00-ish. I could've eaten dinner, go another round in the book fair downstairs, and smoke a few sticks before stage lights started to dim, and the show began.
At this point, as I am not familiar with Uchuu Sentai Noiz, well, I'd at least share/record my impression of their music, performance, and image as a band.
Despite not being an active listener of VK anymore (to be honest, I was nit-picking bands in the VK genre even way back), I still appreciated this kind of rock. More so, Uchuu Sentai Noiz's music have wonderful mix of pop, rock, punk, and even hip-hop to some extent.
Speaking of hip-hop, the rapping is handled by vocal and guitar man of Noiz, Masato, who also selfishly sapped all my attention that night.
This image is as real as how I saw him mostly that night. A bit far, a bit blur, but clearly enticed and centered on the target. LOL
Well, mine and Jho's attention, that is. Yes, we share the admiration! Some of our friends who got to work with them did admit that without all the make-up, he isn't as hot as we make him to be from our stance, but what the heck, aside from his seemingly-handsome face, he's sexy (licking his fingers, his guitar, KISSING ANGEL TAKA ON TOP OF ANGEL TAKA ON STAGE LIVE WITH CAMERAS AND ALL OF US GAGGING WITH FJ.ZDBFJSDFGBJSJDS,JF FOR REALZ) and he has serious vocal skills. I dunno how he managed to make the sound of growling bearable live. I'm not into growling, if you're wondering. Oh yeah, I enjoyed his rap the most. Fantastic! He has a deep voice. And he fucking knows how to tease fans. DAMN HIM. Making Jho and I ran around like fanatatic 10-year-olds after an evasive toy!
On the other hand, I got to memorize the other members' names too: Angel Taka (vocals), Kyo (bass), Yamato (drums), and Kotarou (guitar) who were all adorable as well. I couldn't help but feel a strange connection to these guys when they were performing with all their might on stage. I couldn't help recalling my experience with Kagrra,. /sigh
Performance wise, I was thoroughly impressed by the two vocalists, Angel Taka and Masato. Though I am more smitten by Masato's skills in singing, nobody can't deny undeniably good vocals of Angel Taka singing live. I'm not very particular with the bass and guitar most of the time, but Kyo and Kotarou didn't let us down. Yamato, on the other hand, took me by surprise with his drumming skills. And how adorable this little fella is, being happy and smiling all the way while beating wildly to their songs!
On the other hand, strangely, Mao and I couldn't let go of the fact that when the members spoke during the MC-time, they seriously sounded like most of our students. It's mean to say this, but we were expecting the grammar and pronunciation error to be made. Repetitions were apparent, we report. And well, they didn't let us down. Nevertheless, the language barrier was no problem at all. We shouted passionately to tell them we're having a good time, and they spoke in Japanese sometimes, in English, and even in Tagalog, we all supported. Of course, music would always be a solid bridge between people. I think we all understood that. :)
So from a doubtful spectator, I was, as my friends said, looked crazy happy like a true fan during the show. Well what the hell do you do in a concert, anyway?! You're supposed to dance a bit, sing a bit, laugh and genuinely find the good in your time to make the experience whole! I'm glad, Noiz didn't let me down.
Along the way, we got news that Kamikazee, the local band who originally sang "Narda", which Uchuu Sentai Noiz officially covered (I say "officially" because it was legal), was there that evening. When the host earlier mentioned that there's a surprise being cooked up by the band backstage, the idea clicked that we might be presented by a mix performance. That would have been a capital A for AWESOME. Unfortunately, the members of Kamikazee (minus vocalist, Jay) was only called on stage for a short interview by Angel Taka who addressed them as "Best Philippine Friends". Awww~ isn't that so sweet? I think these guys have really taken a liking of the Philippines as their first Asian performance was here in the country, in Davao city, also for an anime convention. They later visited and performed for an orphanage located in the same city. I've seen some footage of their visit to the orphanage and I think they sincerely enjoyed their time playing with the kids. I'm sure the kids had a blast playing, swimming, and singing with those strange men with bright hair colors. Haha~
Anyhow, the night ended with my legs probably cursing me to no end for the abuse (MOA certainly knows how to get people tired because it's so freakin big. Lintek na yan, nag-tsinelas na nga ko di pa rin umubra) and my heart lost somewhere backstage, PAHAHAHAHHAHAHA.
In lieu of this experience, I should try listening to their songs too. I hope I can spot the songs that caught my attention during the concert last Saturday. I also hope they come back for a one-man concert soon. The ticket price, of course, would be more expensive, but hey, I think I wouldn't hesitate as much this time around. :)
