[Event] 30 Days of Visual Kei - Day 10
TOP 3 PICKS FOR DRUMMER
The drum is the heartbeat of a song. It sets the pace. It keeps the rhythm. It gives you that little something to which you can tap, clap, jump or stomp. The drum is essential, and the drummer even more so. The best drummers are in complete control of their kit, playing not only with passion, but with a smile. What's not to love about a drummer? *wink*
My top picks for drummer have not only a fascinating sense of rhythm, but great personalities that show in their heartfelt smiles onstage.
1. Nao (Alice Nine)
Nao always looks like he's having fun onstage, which is totally the opposite of his behind-the-scenes stories of how he practices constantly in his free time. But when he stops, holds up a finger to quiet the audience, and then thrusts his drumstick in the air to a raucous roar of fans screaming his name? You totally understand why he loves his job.
Besides, the man has an awesome talent for complex rhythm. Check out Kowloon -NINE HEADS RODEO SHOW- and KING & QUEEN (sorry no live vid).
2. SATOchi (MUCC)
Like all of MUCC, SATOchi is an interesting one, and hard to describe. He's the only drummer I can think of whose rhythms take on the elements of melody more than rhythm. If I didn't know better, I'd think he was trying to be a guitarist. Still, when you watch him play live, he is totally absorbed in his own world of sound. And it is good. Check out Garbera or imagine Aoi Mori without the drum.
3. Yasuno (Kra)
No one, absolutely no drummer, plays the way Yasuno does. Not only is he a fabulous percussionist, but he does it with Flair. Note the capital F there. Not only can Yasuno play songs like Fushigi na Sekai kara no Shoutaijou, but he can play them with flirtatious attitude like this live of Oniajara no Uta or this fun drum-off with Nao. There's a reason they keep a cameraman stationed near this pink-drumsticked wonder. He is grace. He is fun. He is flirty. He is Yasuno.
Note: It also wouldn't be fair not to mention Yoshiki of X Japan. His skills and talent probably inspired legions of visual kei drummers after him. And for good reason.