(no subject)
Hello! Another member of the T3 crew here, my name is Risa. I'm 20 and currently a university student too, studying art. Quite some time ago I discovered Japanese music by accident when I downloaded Namie Amuro's "Toi et Moi." I had no idea what she was saying but I thought it was catchy. While I love reading the context of lyrics, I don't think music should always focus on 'understanding' per say, which is why I'm always trying to introduce unsuspecting ears to the vast world of Japanese music (it almost never seems successful). My tastes are vast, I would say. Although now that I look at my list it looks like it leans towards specific genres but it's only part of what I listen to. I'm a sucker for strings or instrumentals, I love things with a steady beat but I also like my fair share of heavier rock too.
So I hope you guys like my taste as well - expect some unsuspecting choices from me in the future to surprise you~ Like Alicia said, I'm not as good as Pearl at describing songs so forgive me for my limited vocabulary haha, I had never done this before and I'm amazed at how long it took me haha. Well anyway you have enough reading to do under the cut! I'm happy to be here, yoroshiku!
L'Arc~en~Ciel - 叙情詩 (Jojoushi) // genre: rock/pop
Hahaha, I'm already laughing because the T3 crew discovered quickly that I'm a huge L'Arc fan. With that said I don't even know where to begin. I shouldn't introduce myself with a bias so soon but it can't be helped right? I'll just say that L'Arc is a very talented four-member rock group that caters to several genres, going strong for several years and years to come ♥
Practically I could reccommend their entire discography but I can't (haha), not to mention I feel their style is something you would have to get used to. I chose Jojoushi because of the pure beauty of it. It starts of with some intrumentals accompanying Hyde's vocals, soaring a bit like a bird that just took off, then suddenly it's as if you discovered paradise when a classic guitar strum, steady bass and drums kick in. This continues til the chorus where the instruments, strings and vocals swarm like whilwind and tails off with an emphasis on some english lines with strings leading into this awesome slow-motion-feeling guitar solo. The later verses feature new echo-like sounds, same steady beat, a sudden slow down curl of the bass, continuing to fly into the outro containing an almost love filled epic instrumental, hopefully leaving you with a warm love-felt impression.
Shiina Ringo - 茎 (Stem) ~Daimyo Asobi Hen~ // genre: rock/pop
To me, Shiina is a music genius. Maybe that's enough of a description? Haha
It was really difficult for me to choose a song for her, but in the end I picked this song (there are different versions btw). It was the first song I heard by her. In the past I commonly saw her as a favorite artist but didn't know what she sounded like so I googled her. A blog claimed this song to be a masterpiece so I downloaded it. I was too impatient to wait til it finished so I listened to what was in progress and was completely surprised. I'm a sucker for strings so instantly, I was mesmorized. (There's a darker version that most would probably prefer, but this version feels more epic to me) For the record though, this is not something to base her style on, she mainly does experimental rock songs with an occassional dive into horns and strings.
It starts off like the swelling of a storm, plucks of some strings, deep violin/cello-like sounds, a harp, some flutes then Shiina's voice. A completely english song filled with cryptic meaning. Her singing floats to a lighter melody, the instruments follow, then an instrumental break. Her vocal continues, the instruments start to experiment making step sounds but mainly continuing the flow til it hits a sudden change in direction. Quick riffs of the violins, plucks of the cello, trumpets and horns consistantly building up almost as if it's announcing- stop. Shiina returns and so does the sweeping beauty of the instruments forming a waltz-like rhythm.
"Precious life, this life, just once, it comes just one time
Keep it close, keep it from ever just leaving you
Crying tears confusing fears they are no longer
When I stand I know I'll never be down again
Nothing that I did now, once it comes just one time
Somehow, somehow, someone, ah
Entry Number One"
What an awesome song.
Tokyo Jihen - 遭難 (sounan) // genre: jazz/rock
Tokyo Jihen is what Shiina decided to create after a small solo career. A jazz based rock band. Their first album felt very classic Shiina, with some hints of Jazz but mostly rock influenced. In their second album, though, they dove more into a Jazz influence.
This song is from the first album. I favor their jazzier rock sound, but this song also gives you a taste of Shiina's rock taste (since I chose something different for her solo style). It starts with quick dry notes of the guitar, a cymbal hit to start the pulsating drum rhythm, the guitar creates a melody and then a stop - leaving the bass going and stick taps of the drumsticks while Shiina starts to sing. So while she sings, the guitar continues to cleanly create melody, the bass frequents, some claps here and there, ultimately creating a roller coaster of a rock song~
Monkey Majik - Around the World // genre: alt. rock
At first their band name seemed odd to me but I gave them a shot anyway. What surprised me was that 2 of the main members, Maynard and Blaise Plant are actually Canadian brothers (Maynard taught in Japan where he became fluent and now they both live there). They do, of course, have 2 relatively quiet Japanese members to complete their group. They are more or less compared to Maroon 5 in style, focusing on a soul driven rhythm with a basic 'you-just-feel-like-singing-along-to' vocal line.
The song starts off with a random dialogue but suddenly dips into looping rhythm of an electric guitar strum, an occassional oriental rhythm and tamborine in the chorus to create a free-flowing summerish tune. The lyrics are almost entirely in english but the choruses deliver the japanese. Maynard's voice is a classic alternative rock voice, very suitable to their sound and Blaise rings in the background with higher pitched vocals to further stylize themselves, reminscent of musicians who have done so in the past. A little bit of past and present mesh into a hip refreshing sound.
the brilliant green - Round and Round // genre: alt. rock
the brilliant green. What can I say? When I first discovered Japanese music, they were one of the first and the only artist that I continued to follow since then (well, Namie aside). They're fairly well known so I don't even think I need to introduce them, a staple Japanese rock legend I'd say. Needless to say I can't wait to hear their new stuff now that they're back! ♥
There were so many songs to choose from but I had to pick Round and Round because it contains possibly my favorite lyrics:
It's a crime
Living your life
Without ever looking down
At the ground, at the flowers
Yeah, that you keep stepping on
And maybe you should notice
That they've done nothing to you
Or you might find out someday
When things turn upside down
And those flowers step on you
If you read it carefully, I hope it makes the same impact on you as it did to me~ It always amazed me that Tommy (Tomoko, the singer) manages to write such amazing english lyrics on her own. Ah, but anyway, the song is a bit dark, starting with a reiterating guitar rhythm til it hits the second verse, cuing more guitar and drums leading you on and on to hear more. The chorus brings some strings twisting into a tragic tone, further emphasizing the theme and continuing to just build until the end where it drops into a sudden dramatic ending. Just describing it made me love it more haha.
RIP SLYME - Bushman // genre: hip-hop
RIP SLYME are 4 MCs and 1 DJ, a hip-hop group I really love. Their tunes are constantly featuring different beats, mainly influenced by latin or classic blues-rock beats. Not to mention their always experimental rap skills. What I chose is just the tip of the iceburg so I hope I can introduce you all to more of their songs.
Bushman, when I first heard it, was wierd. I'm telling you now so you'll know when you hear it haha. Then it haunted me and I wanted to hear it again for some reason, a guilty pleasure. So I would play it so loud that the bass would make the cds on top of my stereo rattle and one time even fall off! It starts off with a xylophone beat, some random barking, a repetative bird noise (creeping you out already?) then the vocals kick into the chorus with clear strong words til the members each do their own solo rap, intertwining with each other with the choruses popping up after 2 member solos. This continues til the end where the repetative noise continues, and some monkey-sounding/barking/vocal experimentation rings on.
HALCALI - ストロベリーチップス (Strawberry Chips) // genre: hip-hop/pop
HALCALI is a hip hop duo of best friends brought you through audition by two members of RIP SLYME. Lately their music have focused more on slow-like singing rather than rapping which is a bit disappointing for early fans who remember their fun background beats, random lyric raps and just energy driven tunes. What I chose doesn't showcase this though, so I definately recommend hearing their first two albums: Halcali Bacon and Ongaku Susume. Here's hoping Cyborg Oretachi doesn't disappoint!
Strawberry Chips was the first song I heard by them. It starts with an echoing wa-wa pattern until a beat breaks in, some faint bells jingle and HALCALI's vocals introduce you to a mellow kind of rap. Rather than the background music varifing in style (other than some chime notes sprinkled throughout), the vocals change from uptempo, to slow down, to back uptempo for the chorus. Half-way into the song, their raps are filled with more words, vary into more experimental beats until the chorus comes back and things return to how they were. The beat is just so contageous that I could listen to it again and again.
Ken Hirai - Strawberry Sex // pop/R&B
Ken is, without a doubt, underrated in my opinion. He's been around for quite some time and has an amazing soulful voice, even a creative hand in music producing as well. He mainly sings slow R&B tunes but occassionally does upbeat songs that I think really showcases his talent.
So I chose Strawberry Sex, the first song I heard by him (Strawberry songs back to back!). It starts with the words LOVE LOVE LOVE, (reminding me of one of his early songs), trumpets, keyboard, an upbeat beat, and ranging vocals already telling you that it's gonna be a fun ride. "Strawberry Sex, it's a wonderful word~" yeah, you heard that right (Sensual lyrics are common theme of his, but not as cheesy as that HAHA). In any case, SS is an all around energetic tune that I can't help but listen to often these days. Plus if you get the chance, check out the music video, it's pretty amusing.
Mika Nakashima - Missing // genre: jazz/pop
I really don't need to introduce her, haha. I'm a big fan of the old Jazzy Mika as opposed to NANA Mika and Soul Mika.
and her current artist profile picture scares the crap out of me
Although this is a cover of Toshibonu Kubota, I really love Mika's rendition of it. Everytime I hear it, it reminds me why I love her singing in slow relaxing jazz tunes. Love Addict is a huge favorite of mine by the way~
Angela Aki - 心の戦士 (Kokoro no Senshi) // genre: pop
I don't need to introduce her either do I? I really admire her for her compositions and vocals, a true talent. I'm glad she's in the music industry because she's pretty refreshing don't you think? If you actually don't know who she is, she hails from Hawaii/Washington D.C. bi-lingual and very friendly ♥
So if I had to chose, I think Kokoro no Senshi would be my favorite song of hers. BAM! She hits the piano to let you know she's starting, an accapella of the chorus bursting with her desire to sing and then strings start to sweep you in. Some classic chords, smaller vocals, some drums kick in leading the chorus... stop. The power in her vocals has returned accompanied by the instruments towards the verses which sound like a story, some step downs in the strings but returning to the basic melody til she does a string of 'yeah yeah's morphing into proclaims of "I don't want it to be over!" followed by that wonderful chorus, a sudden heart-lifting up gradiant of the piano, then some more 'yeah yeah's til the song has drawn it's end.
Namie Amuro - Violet Sauce (Spicy)
The self proclaimed Queen of "Hip-Pop." Turning out catchy beats left and right, you're probably seeing her quite often these days thanks to the release of her latest album PLAY. What I love about Namie, being sexy-cool but also cute at the same time aside, is her ability to sing and dance in heels. For long periods of time. So with that alone, I have respect for her. I'm kinda joking, basically she's a great performer. As for the song I would've chosen 'No' but Pearl already pimped that song haha.
Violet Sauce (Spicy) is a heavier version of Violet Sauce, starting you off with an electric guitar riff that leads into a wide step-clap beat, a playful vocal and some whispering in the background for a sexy touch. The guitar continues to follow the beat and the chorus has a nice drag in saying "violet sauce" (it's meaning? I have no clue) and in the later half of the song, Namie gets to belt out a bit in a breakdown before returning to the familar chorus. Right before the end, things get a bit quieter and she continues to sing some lines interrupted by some "uh oh uh oh"s for a catchy experiment.
MONORAL - kiri // genre: alt. rock
MONORAL is a very cool original rock duo, a band I believe will become popular in due time. The two members, Anis Shimada and Ali Morizumi both speak English as well as Japanese (Anis, a bit more advanced since he can also speak French and Arabic too!). They met on MTV while Ali was a VJ and thus formed a friendship and group. Also, as an interesting fact, for their major debut they signed under Hyde (yes, the singer of L'Arc)'s label HAUNTED RECORDS because of Anis's friendship with Hyde. By the way, are you surprised I didn't put HYDE on this list?
kiri showcases a common characteristic of MONORAL's sound, an almost dark haunting rock and vocal combination. However in this song, once we reach the chorus things feel more light as the instruments get louder and Anis's vocals soar making the song sound almost epic. I also love the driving drums/cymbals during this song that follow the guitar. Later we find Anis's vocals digging deep almost like we're going underwater and then resurfacing back to the soaring chorus, featuring some faded vocal lines that manage to drown out the chorus, taking us to the end making it seem like the song was too short.
Salyu - プラットホーム (platform) // genre: pop/experimental
Salyu, wow. She's an artist I'm absolutely enamored with. If you're someone who is into poweful vocals and an ethereal feel then she's the one to look for. She's relatively unknown but from what I've seen from Pearl's past rotations, you guys like her so I'm really happy about that. I truely support her music and ability, whereas I've seen people describe her music as a trainwreck or her vocals unbearable to listen to. Maybe I'm crazy? Because I think she's incredible.
Platform is an example of what I'm talking about. Her vocals are simply accompanied by piano at first, then her vocals build into a more strong chorus filled with a hint of synthesizer but mainly her vocals take charge. Then cymbals, some plucks of the electric guitar, the piano keys get more intense, the drums drive and the chorus comes back and her vocals may shake you. A merry-go-round like instrumental comes in and her voice immitates the rhythm, slowing down to the familiar past rhythm and dropping you off.
Lily Chou-Chou - 回復する傷 (Kaifuku Suru Kizu) // genre: ethereal/experimental
Rewind 4 years before Salyu's debut and you get Lily Chou-Chou, a character Salyu played in the movie "All About Lily Chou-Chou" (so she technically gets two slots in this list! haha). Lily is a more etheral version of Salyu but the quality is no different.
Kaifuku Suru Kizu is incredible song. There are no lyrics, she basically creates a ranging melody with her voice including some syllables. In the background there is a fading synthesizer that finishes off the song with a late strong note. If you think it sounds familiar, it was actually used in Kill Bill Vol. 1 when The Bride discovered Hanzo's swords.
wyolica - red song // genre: alternative
wyolica is a relatively unknown duo as well. There's Azumi on vocals and So-to on guitar. I actually discovered them back when Morrich was still around (it was a video digest for sony artists). wyolica was having a feature because they were putting out a best album. They have this laid back relaxing style, sometimes with a hint of hip-hop that mainly features the acoustic guitar. I'd best describe them as a summer afternoon theme.
red song lets you know what I mean, starting off with a catchy acoustic strum, a hip-hop beat chiming in and Azumi's vocals suiting the melody perfectly with a slightly raspy voice. During the chorus Azumi provides background vocals as well with vowel rhythm. Ultimately Azumi creates the shape of the song varing the melody while the background remains uniform.
So I hope you guys like my taste as well - expect some unsuspecting choices from me in the future to surprise you~ Like Alicia said, I'm not as good as Pearl at describing songs so forgive me for my limited vocabulary haha, I had never done this before and I'm amazed at how long it took me haha. Well anyway you have enough reading to do under the cut! I'm happy to be here, yoroshiku!
L'Arc~en~Ciel - 叙情詩 (Jojoushi) // genre: rock/pop
Hahaha, I'm already laughing because the T3 crew discovered quickly that I'm a huge L'Arc fan. With that said I don't even know where to begin. I shouldn't introduce myself with a bias so soon but it can't be helped right? I'll just say that L'Arc is a very talented four-member rock group that caters to several genres, going strong for several years and years to come ♥
Practically I could reccommend their entire discography but I can't (haha), not to mention I feel their style is something you would have to get used to. I chose Jojoushi because of the pure beauty of it. It starts of with some intrumentals accompanying Hyde's vocals, soaring a bit like a bird that just took off, then suddenly it's as if you discovered paradise when a classic guitar strum, steady bass and drums kick in. This continues til the chorus where the instruments, strings and vocals swarm like whilwind and tails off with an emphasis on some english lines with strings leading into this awesome slow-motion-feeling guitar solo. The later verses feature new echo-like sounds, same steady beat, a sudden slow down curl of the bass, continuing to fly into the outro containing an almost love filled epic instrumental, hopefully leaving you with a warm love-felt impression.
Shiina Ringo - 茎 (Stem) ~Daimyo Asobi Hen~ // genre: rock/pop
To me, Shiina is a music genius. Maybe that's enough of a description? Haha
It was really difficult for me to choose a song for her, but in the end I picked this song (there are different versions btw). It was the first song I heard by her. In the past I commonly saw her as a favorite artist but didn't know what she sounded like so I googled her. A blog claimed this song to be a masterpiece so I downloaded it. I was too impatient to wait til it finished so I listened to what was in progress and was completely surprised. I'm a sucker for strings so instantly, I was mesmorized. (There's a darker version that most would probably prefer, but this version feels more epic to me) For the record though, this is not something to base her style on, she mainly does experimental rock songs with an occassional dive into horns and strings.
It starts off like the swelling of a storm, plucks of some strings, deep violin/cello-like sounds, a harp, some flutes then Shiina's voice. A completely english song filled with cryptic meaning. Her singing floats to a lighter melody, the instruments follow, then an instrumental break. Her vocal continues, the instruments start to experiment making step sounds but mainly continuing the flow til it hits a sudden change in direction. Quick riffs of the violins, plucks of the cello, trumpets and horns consistantly building up almost as if it's announcing- stop. Shiina returns and so does the sweeping beauty of the instruments forming a waltz-like rhythm.
"Precious life, this life, just once, it comes just one time
Keep it close, keep it from ever just leaving you
Crying tears confusing fears they are no longer
When I stand I know I'll never be down again
Nothing that I did now, once it comes just one time
Somehow, somehow, someone, ah
Entry Number One"
What an awesome song.
Tokyo Jihen - 遭難 (sounan) // genre: jazz/rock
Tokyo Jihen is what Shiina decided to create after a small solo career. A jazz based rock band. Their first album felt very classic Shiina, with some hints of Jazz but mostly rock influenced. In their second album, though, they dove more into a Jazz influence.
This song is from the first album. I favor their jazzier rock sound, but this song also gives you a taste of Shiina's rock taste (since I chose something different for her solo style). It starts with quick dry notes of the guitar, a cymbal hit to start the pulsating drum rhythm, the guitar creates a melody and then a stop - leaving the bass going and stick taps of the drumsticks while Shiina starts to sing. So while she sings, the guitar continues to cleanly create melody, the bass frequents, some claps here and there, ultimately creating a roller coaster of a rock song~
Monkey Majik - Around the World // genre: alt. rock
At first their band name seemed odd to me but I gave them a shot anyway. What surprised me was that 2 of the main members, Maynard and Blaise Plant are actually Canadian brothers (Maynard taught in Japan where he became fluent and now they both live there). They do, of course, have 2 relatively quiet Japanese members to complete their group. They are more or less compared to Maroon 5 in style, focusing on a soul driven rhythm with a basic 'you-just-feel-like-singing-along-to' vocal line.
The song starts off with a random dialogue but suddenly dips into looping rhythm of an electric guitar strum, an occassional oriental rhythm and tamborine in the chorus to create a free-flowing summerish tune. The lyrics are almost entirely in english but the choruses deliver the japanese. Maynard's voice is a classic alternative rock voice, very suitable to their sound and Blaise rings in the background with higher pitched vocals to further stylize themselves, reminscent of musicians who have done so in the past. A little bit of past and present mesh into a hip refreshing sound.
the brilliant green - Round and Round // genre: alt. rock
the brilliant green. What can I say? When I first discovered Japanese music, they were one of the first and the only artist that I continued to follow since then (well, Namie aside). They're fairly well known so I don't even think I need to introduce them, a staple Japanese rock legend I'd say. Needless to say I can't wait to hear their new stuff now that they're back! ♥
There were so many songs to choose from but I had to pick Round and Round because it contains possibly my favorite lyrics:
It's a crime
Living your life
Without ever looking down
At the ground, at the flowers
Yeah, that you keep stepping on
And maybe you should notice
That they've done nothing to you
Or you might find out someday
When things turn upside down
And those flowers step on you
If you read it carefully, I hope it makes the same impact on you as it did to me~ It always amazed me that Tommy (Tomoko, the singer) manages to write such amazing english lyrics on her own. Ah, but anyway, the song is a bit dark, starting with a reiterating guitar rhythm til it hits the second verse, cuing more guitar and drums leading you on and on to hear more. The chorus brings some strings twisting into a tragic tone, further emphasizing the theme and continuing to just build until the end where it drops into a sudden dramatic ending. Just describing it made me love it more haha.
RIP SLYME - Bushman // genre: hip-hop
RIP SLYME are 4 MCs and 1 DJ, a hip-hop group I really love. Their tunes are constantly featuring different beats, mainly influenced by latin or classic blues-rock beats. Not to mention their always experimental rap skills. What I chose is just the tip of the iceburg so I hope I can introduce you all to more of their songs.
Bushman, when I first heard it, was wierd. I'm telling you now so you'll know when you hear it haha. Then it haunted me and I wanted to hear it again for some reason, a guilty pleasure. So I would play it so loud that the bass would make the cds on top of my stereo rattle and one time even fall off! It starts off with a xylophone beat, some random barking, a repetative bird noise (creeping you out already?) then the vocals kick into the chorus with clear strong words til the members each do their own solo rap, intertwining with each other with the choruses popping up after 2 member solos. This continues til the end where the repetative noise continues, and some monkey-sounding/barking/vocal experimentation rings on.
HALCALI - ストロベリーチップス (Strawberry Chips) // genre: hip-hop/pop
HALCALI is a hip hop duo of best friends brought you through audition by two members of RIP SLYME. Lately their music have focused more on slow-like singing rather than rapping which is a bit disappointing for early fans who remember their fun background beats, random lyric raps and just energy driven tunes. What I chose doesn't showcase this though, so I definately recommend hearing their first two albums: Halcali Bacon and Ongaku Susume. Here's hoping Cyborg Oretachi doesn't disappoint!
Strawberry Chips was the first song I heard by them. It starts with an echoing wa-wa pattern until a beat breaks in, some faint bells jingle and HALCALI's vocals introduce you to a mellow kind of rap. Rather than the background music varifing in style (other than some chime notes sprinkled throughout), the vocals change from uptempo, to slow down, to back uptempo for the chorus. Half-way into the song, their raps are filled with more words, vary into more experimental beats until the chorus comes back and things return to how they were. The beat is just so contageous that I could listen to it again and again.
Ken Hirai - Strawberry Sex // pop/R&B
Ken is, without a doubt, underrated in my opinion. He's been around for quite some time and has an amazing soulful voice, even a creative hand in music producing as well. He mainly sings slow R&B tunes but occassionally does upbeat songs that I think really showcases his talent.
So I chose Strawberry Sex, the first song I heard by him (Strawberry songs back to back!). It starts with the words LOVE LOVE LOVE, (reminding me of one of his early songs), trumpets, keyboard, an upbeat beat, and ranging vocals already telling you that it's gonna be a fun ride. "Strawberry Sex, it's a wonderful word~" yeah, you heard that right (Sensual lyrics are common theme of his, but not as cheesy as that HAHA). In any case, SS is an all around energetic tune that I can't help but listen to often these days. Plus if you get the chance, check out the music video, it's pretty amusing.
Mika Nakashima - Missing // genre: jazz/pop
I really don't need to introduce her, haha. I'm a big fan of the old Jazzy Mika as opposed to NANA Mika and Soul Mika.
and her current artist profile picture scares the crap out of me
Although this is a cover of Toshibonu Kubota, I really love Mika's rendition of it. Everytime I hear it, it reminds me why I love her singing in slow relaxing jazz tunes. Love Addict is a huge favorite of mine by the way~
Angela Aki - 心の戦士 (Kokoro no Senshi) // genre: pop
I don't need to introduce her either do I? I really admire her for her compositions and vocals, a true talent. I'm glad she's in the music industry because she's pretty refreshing don't you think? If you actually don't know who she is, she hails from Hawaii/Washington D.C. bi-lingual and very friendly ♥
So if I had to chose, I think Kokoro no Senshi would be my favorite song of hers. BAM! She hits the piano to let you know she's starting, an accapella of the chorus bursting with her desire to sing and then strings start to sweep you in. Some classic chords, smaller vocals, some drums kick in leading the chorus... stop. The power in her vocals has returned accompanied by the instruments towards the verses which sound like a story, some step downs in the strings but returning to the basic melody til she does a string of 'yeah yeah's morphing into proclaims of "I don't want it to be over!" followed by that wonderful chorus, a sudden heart-lifting up gradiant of the piano, then some more 'yeah yeah's til the song has drawn it's end.
Namie Amuro - Violet Sauce (Spicy)
The self proclaimed Queen of "Hip-Pop." Turning out catchy beats left and right, you're probably seeing her quite often these days thanks to the release of her latest album PLAY. What I love about Namie, being sexy-cool but also cute at the same time aside, is her ability to sing and dance in heels. For long periods of time. So with that alone, I have respect for her. I'm kinda joking, basically she's a great performer. As for the song I would've chosen 'No' but Pearl already pimped that song haha.
Violet Sauce (Spicy) is a heavier version of Violet Sauce, starting you off with an electric guitar riff that leads into a wide step-clap beat, a playful vocal and some whispering in the background for a sexy touch. The guitar continues to follow the beat and the chorus has a nice drag in saying "violet sauce" (it's meaning? I have no clue) and in the later half of the song, Namie gets to belt out a bit in a breakdown before returning to the familar chorus. Right before the end, things get a bit quieter and she continues to sing some lines interrupted by some "uh oh uh oh"s for a catchy experiment.
MONORAL - kiri // genre: alt. rock
MONORAL is a very cool original rock duo, a band I believe will become popular in due time. The two members, Anis Shimada and Ali Morizumi both speak English as well as Japanese (Anis, a bit more advanced since he can also speak French and Arabic too!). They met on MTV while Ali was a VJ and thus formed a friendship and group. Also, as an interesting fact, for their major debut they signed under Hyde (yes, the singer of L'Arc)'s label HAUNTED RECORDS because of Anis's friendship with Hyde. By the way, are you surprised I didn't put HYDE on this list?
kiri showcases a common characteristic of MONORAL's sound, an almost dark haunting rock and vocal combination. However in this song, once we reach the chorus things feel more light as the instruments get louder and Anis's vocals soar making the song sound almost epic. I also love the driving drums/cymbals during this song that follow the guitar. Later we find Anis's vocals digging deep almost like we're going underwater and then resurfacing back to the soaring chorus, featuring some faded vocal lines that manage to drown out the chorus, taking us to the end making it seem like the song was too short.
Salyu - プラットホーム (platform) // genre: pop/experimental
Salyu, wow. She's an artist I'm absolutely enamored with. If you're someone who is into poweful vocals and an ethereal feel then she's the one to look for. She's relatively unknown but from what I've seen from Pearl's past rotations, you guys like her so I'm really happy about that. I truely support her music and ability, whereas I've seen people describe her music as a trainwreck or her vocals unbearable to listen to. Maybe I'm crazy? Because I think she's incredible.
Platform is an example of what I'm talking about. Her vocals are simply accompanied by piano at first, then her vocals build into a more strong chorus filled with a hint of synthesizer but mainly her vocals take charge. Then cymbals, some plucks of the electric guitar, the piano keys get more intense, the drums drive and the chorus comes back and her vocals may shake you. A merry-go-round like instrumental comes in and her voice immitates the rhythm, slowing down to the familiar past rhythm and dropping you off.
Lily Chou-Chou - 回復する傷 (Kaifuku Suru Kizu) // genre: ethereal/experimental
Rewind 4 years before Salyu's debut and you get Lily Chou-Chou, a character Salyu played in the movie "All About Lily Chou-Chou" (so she technically gets two slots in this list! haha). Lily is a more etheral version of Salyu but the quality is no different.
Kaifuku Suru Kizu is incredible song. There are no lyrics, she basically creates a ranging melody with her voice including some syllables. In the background there is a fading synthesizer that finishes off the song with a late strong note. If you think it sounds familiar, it was actually used in Kill Bill Vol. 1 when The Bride discovered Hanzo's swords.
wyolica - red song // genre: alternative
wyolica is a relatively unknown duo as well. There's Azumi on vocals and So-to on guitar. I actually discovered them back when Morrich was still around (it was a video digest for sony artists). wyolica was having a feature because they were putting out a best album. They have this laid back relaxing style, sometimes with a hint of hip-hop that mainly features the acoustic guitar. I'd best describe them as a summer afternoon theme.
red song lets you know what I mean, starting off with a catchy acoustic strum, a hip-hop beat chiming in and Azumi's vocals suiting the melody perfectly with a slightly raspy voice. During the chorus Azumi provides background vocals as well with vowel rhythm. Ultimately Azumi creates the shape of the song varing the melody while the background remains uniform.