tsuyogari mini-rotation: Give it to me hard!
Teehee. Naughty name.
To be honest, getting this rotation done was really difficult for me! I haven't been much into Japanese music as of late, so I wasn't quite sure what I should do. And with school and working full time over the break. Agh! But my friend has slowly been getting me back into the Japanese rock scene, so I decided to do a rotation of some of my favorites/recommendations.
Most of these bands have a pretty hard or unique sound; not many of these are "pop rock." So, it's definitely not to everyone's taste. However, I hope that if you are a j-rock fan (or want to become one), that you find something new to enjoy~
(This rotation has been written over the course of a few weeks when I had the time, so it probably won't flow, and I apologize.)
abingdon boys school - Via Dolorosa
[ 5:02 | 11MB ]
abingdon boys school, or abs for short, is the newest project of Takanori Nishikawa of T.M. Revolution fame. However, the big mastermind behind this is Toshiyuki Kushi, who plays keyboard. It's not your typical pop-rock band, with one or two members the focus of the group; it is a showcasing of many different talented musicians, each song smoothly produced to bring out their strengths.
Via Dolorosa, is all about showcasing Nishikawa's talents as a singer. His voice absolutely soars in this song, showcasing his amazing range. He hits even the very high notes clearly, with just a hint of his famous vibrato. The violin and piano in the background add to the feeling of flying. Between the verses there are hard sections of grinding guitar, overlayed by soft instrumentals for an interesting juxtaposition of both "dark" and "light" musical elements. While the song starts with a grand, dramatic entrance, it's not a fast song by any means, is almost abs' version of a ballad.
Shinjuku Gewalt - Hikiniku (Ground meat)
[ 2:20 | 2MB ]
Shinjuku Gewalt is a very indie electronic rock band with a militaristic theme. They even often performed lives in army wear. The band is closely connected and similar to ones like FLOPPY and metronome, but is much less well-known. (In fact, I don't even know if they're still performing since there's so little online info about them.)
Hikiniku is a mix of rock, synthesizer, and militarism. It has a very fast tempo and feels sort of like a sped up march or army song. The vocalists' voices sound alternately like a person giving orders and people answering them. The electronic element of the song is very interesting. There is a lot of "piko-piko" and 8-bit like elements to the song, contrasting with the darker feeling and themes of military. They manage to mix the two and make it, actually, quite cheerful.
ELLEGARDEN - Space Sonic
[ 3:28 | 6MB ]
ELLEGARDEN is one of my friend's favorite groups, and this is his favorite song, and he's made me listen to it so much, I figure I should give it a spot here. The song is a sort of melancholy alternative/punk rock. You could say their English equivalent would be Blink-182 or Sum 41, although I'd say they're much, much better.
The singer's voice is a bit nasally, but otherwise good, and filled with emotion. The lyrics are in English, and angsty at that. The only drawback is that, while they can write in fairly fluent English, it's much harder to understand it sung, especially when the vocalist gets emotional, such as in this song.
machine - Invader
[ 4:06 | 5MB ]
Once again I feature the rockers from the future. This song, too, is from my favorite single: 010 ZERO-ONE-ZERO. The song is very fast-paced and well, futuristic. There is a flowing undercurrent of synthesizer that makes me think of aliens and spaceships. In fact, almost everything about this song sounds electronic and static-y, right down to the drums. However, it keeps a distinct industrial rock feel to it.
Schwein - You're My Disease
[ 4:19 | 5MB ]
If you're a fan of Buck-Tick, you should definitely check out Schwein! It's a joint project of different members of the bands Buck-Tick, PIG, and KMFDM. It's sort of like Buck-Tick with a more electronic edge.
You're My Disease, if you can't guess from the title, is pretty dark. However, it also has a very sexy side to it which is only improved by the amazing vocals of Atsushi Sakurai. The song is mid-tempo, an industrial rock ballad of sorts. Atsushi's deep voice presents a smooth, sensual counterpoint to the hard background programming. Add the borderline S&M lyrics, and you have yourself a masterpiece.
MUCC - Isho (Testament)
[ 5:16 | 5MB ]
I would call Isho a hard rock lullaby. It's soft and baleful before climbing to wailing, agonized peaks. All of MUCC's members' talents are gorgeously displayed in this song. The drums and bass give it a low, driving beat. Tatsurou's deep voice alternately soothes and bellows, matching the deep grinding of the bass.
However, it's Miya's amazing guitar skills that make the song. The sounds of instrumental scores are converted to guitar under his fingers in the introduction. His solo around the middle absolutely sings and soars. He accompanies Tatsurou's voice to make a duo of sweet angst.
Kagrra, - Ihoukyou
[ 3:58 | 4MB ]
Kagrra, has a very interesting sound. They're not quite soft or pop-rock, but they're not hard rock either. They're sort of a relaxing, melodic rock with traditional Japanese music influences.
Ihoukyou begins with a very, very Japanese-sounding guitar intro before jumping into a jumping into a fast melody. Isshi's soft, sweet tenor is a perfect match for the music. Together, the music and his vocals float and swirl happily. You can almost imagine sakura petals flying around to this music or a kimono-clad woman doing a traditional dance. All in all, this song is a very interesting mix of both the traditional and the modern.
Sex Machineguns - Densetsu no Catchball (Legendary Catchball)
[ 4:31 | 10MB ]
I can't help but let out a little giggle whenever I hear anything by these guys. They're a metal band, but unlike many of the other ones out there, they definitely don't take themselves that seriously. Almost all of their songs deal with the mundane. While you can get some of the jokes from the song titles (Yakiniku Party and Bargain Sale come to mind), the real treat lies in the lyrics.
The music is undeniably good metal, of course. There are grinding guitars and a heavy presence of the drums. The main vocalist half sings, half belts out the lyrics in his stereotypical, falsetto hair metal voice. Around 2:40, there is a pretty amazing, but unfortunately short, guitar solo. I wouldn't call this song epic, but it's on its way there. But, I promised you some good lyrics, correct? Here's the starting lyrics, translated:
Try catching this one!
Risking his life, playing catch with his son
On a stormy Sunday!
At work, he's a quiet guy
Yeah. XD
SADS - Porno Star
[ 5:22 | 7MB ]
After Kuroyume disbanded, Kiyoshi formed SADS. I guess you could classify them as post-punk. It's the kind of music I imagine when I think "rock star." Screeching and grinding guitars, crashing cymbals, banging drums, deep, resounding bass.
Kiyoshi has a voice you'll probably either love or hate. It's certainly unique. I wouldn't call it nasal, because it isn't, but it has that same kind of property. However, he has a huge range and amazing vocal ability. He also does this very cool vibrato thing with it.
The song is almost carnal; there is nothing overtly sexual about the music itself, but the lyrics (or, the ones that actually sort of make sense) certainly are. The band goes all out in this song: at times the music is soft and gentle, but then explode into hard, screaming guitar solos and loud, almost abrasive drum bashing.
Malice Mizer - ILLUMINATI
[ 5:12 | 4MB ]
Ah, this is from back when Gackt was actually good~ *is shot* But seriously, Malice Mizer was an amazing group, and I truly believe he was better off in than out. Forget all of those recent visual kei bands with the the frilly, old fashioned look: Malice Mizer was one of the originals. They were fairly gothic and dark, but they still had their light, ornate Victorian look going on.
ILLUMINATI is probably one of their most famous songs. Gackt's voice is absolutely perfect for this song. It's darkly sexual and primitive, filled with mystery, eroticism and cultish rituals. It's based on the conspiracy theory of the Illuminatis, and is filled with imagery of their supposed practices, as well as obscure Biblical references. There is certain circus/freak show feeling to it; the organ plays an almost eerily upbeat and fun tune intermittently. All in all, it's a very interesting listen.
Takui - Drive My Limo
[ 4:20 | 6MB ]
I absolutely love this song! (And the music video is a hoot, too.) It's a high energy, upbeat song with a surf's up/beach party feel to it. It's rock, but definitely with a pop side to it. Takui's voice has an almost 1950s singer feel to it; it's rough and growly, and full of rock an roll. While I wouldn't say it's a particularly spectacular song or anything, it's a good light-hearted listen that can get you up and dancing.
SID - Virtual Bansankai (Virtual Dinner Party)
[ 3:10 | 3MB ]
SID's first album, Renai, is a wonderful jazz and swing inspired experience. Most of the songs on there are completely amazing, so it was very hard to choose which to share.
I finally chose Virtual Bansankai because it truly is like its name. It's got a jazzy, super fast tempo that would be perfect for swing dance. It only needs some more big band instruments to put it right back in the 40s and 50s. You can almost imagine yourself mingling with others in a club or at a fancy party for dinner. Mao's voice is a smooth, silky tenor with just that right amount of vibrato.
D - Yami yori kurai doukoku no acappella to bara yori akai jounetsu no aria (The darker than darkness lamentation's acappella and the redder than roses aria of passion)
[ 5:06 | 9MB ]
Back in the day when I used to be into visual bands, D was one of my favorites. Their outfits were gorgeously gothic victorian but their music was heavy and hard. I would describe this song as a super speedy gothic heavy metal rock opera. Yeah, I really suck at keeping the descriptions short. But it's even cause this title was a bear to romanize & translate.
The song starts off with a short acappella section before diving into the amazingly fast song. The musicians in this group are undeniably talented; I could never even imagine moving my fingers as fast as the guitarist and bassist would have to to get those notes out (the small guitar solo mid-song is particularly "holy crap" inducing), and the drummer never fails to keep up with the driving beat. Asagi, the vocalist, shows a great skill with both his regular very deep voice as well as his falsetto, which gives the song an operatic touch.
Sparta Locals - Aoi Natsu (Blue Summer)
[ 4:12 | 5MB ]
There's something so... raw about this song. Blue Summer is truly a fitting title for the song: it reminds me of outdoor summer concerts, listening to local high school bands. It gives the impression of that young teenage energy and being engulfed in love for music, not caring if the music is seamlessly produced, but rather that it's enjoyable. It's simple in its presentation, with a great "1-2-3-4" beat for head banging. The vocalist has a high, slightly nasally voice that's by no means outstanding, but by all means matches the rough, live feeling of the song.
merry - Japanese Modernists
[ 3:48 | 3MB ]
From the beginning, the song is hard and fast, full of energy and emotion. The beat is driving, sometimes fast, sometimes slowing, but always full of beautiful guitar and drum work, carrying the song forward swiftly. The band members yell in a militaristic fashion, as if answering in a rally. "GO MAD Japanese modernists!"
Gone is the jazzy merry, replaced by one filled with the patriotism of the very modern garde they hope to somehow understand.
"The sea! The sun! The end of the world! That sky!
Can you hear it? The voice"
The lyrics are perhaps the most amazing part of the song, filled with vivid imagery and a struggle to uncover the mindsets of history, of kamikaze pilots and WWII soldiers.
"Switch ON and they are flying again today
With a "sayonara" it's bye-bye to their weak selves
Boys, move forward now!
Boys, be ambitious now!
Look steadily only forward
Please die up in the sky, everyone"
To be honest, getting this rotation done was really difficult for me! I haven't been much into Japanese music as of late, so I wasn't quite sure what I should do. And with school and working full time over the break. Agh! But my friend has slowly been getting me back into the Japanese rock scene, so I decided to do a rotation of some of my favorites/recommendations.
Most of these bands have a pretty hard or unique sound; not many of these are "pop rock." So, it's definitely not to everyone's taste. However, I hope that if you are a j-rock fan (or want to become one), that you find something new to enjoy~
(This rotation has been written over the course of a few weeks when I had the time, so it probably won't flow, and I apologize.)
abingdon boys school - Via Dolorosa
[ 5:02 | 11MB ]
abingdon boys school, or abs for short, is the newest project of Takanori Nishikawa of T.M. Revolution fame. However, the big mastermind behind this is Toshiyuki Kushi, who plays keyboard. It's not your typical pop-rock band, with one or two members the focus of the group; it is a showcasing of many different talented musicians, each song smoothly produced to bring out their strengths.
Via Dolorosa, is all about showcasing Nishikawa's talents as a singer. His voice absolutely soars in this song, showcasing his amazing range. He hits even the very high notes clearly, with just a hint of his famous vibrato. The violin and piano in the background add to the feeling of flying. Between the verses there are hard sections of grinding guitar, overlayed by soft instrumentals for an interesting juxtaposition of both "dark" and "light" musical elements. While the song starts with a grand, dramatic entrance, it's not a fast song by any means, is almost abs' version of a ballad.
Shinjuku Gewalt - Hikiniku (Ground meat)
[ 2:20 | 2MB ]
Shinjuku Gewalt is a very indie electronic rock band with a militaristic theme. They even often performed lives in army wear. The band is closely connected and similar to ones like FLOPPY and metronome, but is much less well-known. (In fact, I don't even know if they're still performing since there's so little online info about them.)
Hikiniku is a mix of rock, synthesizer, and militarism. It has a very fast tempo and feels sort of like a sped up march or army song. The vocalists' voices sound alternately like a person giving orders and people answering them. The electronic element of the song is very interesting. There is a lot of "piko-piko" and 8-bit like elements to the song, contrasting with the darker feeling and themes of military. They manage to mix the two and make it, actually, quite cheerful.
ELLEGARDEN - Space Sonic
[ 3:28 | 6MB ]
ELLEGARDEN is one of my friend's favorite groups, and this is his favorite song, and he's made me listen to it so much, I figure I should give it a spot here. The song is a sort of melancholy alternative/punk rock. You could say their English equivalent would be Blink-182 or Sum 41, although I'd say they're much, much better.
The singer's voice is a bit nasally, but otherwise good, and filled with emotion. The lyrics are in English, and angsty at that. The only drawback is that, while they can write in fairly fluent English, it's much harder to understand it sung, especially when the vocalist gets emotional, such as in this song.
machine - Invader
[ 4:06 | 5MB ]
Once again I feature the rockers from the future. This song, too, is from my favorite single: 010 ZERO-ONE-ZERO. The song is very fast-paced and well, futuristic. There is a flowing undercurrent of synthesizer that makes me think of aliens and spaceships. In fact, almost everything about this song sounds electronic and static-y, right down to the drums. However, it keeps a distinct industrial rock feel to it.
Schwein - You're My Disease
[ 4:19 | 5MB ]
If you're a fan of Buck-Tick, you should definitely check out Schwein! It's a joint project of different members of the bands Buck-Tick, PIG, and KMFDM. It's sort of like Buck-Tick with a more electronic edge.
You're My Disease, if you can't guess from the title, is pretty dark. However, it also has a very sexy side to it which is only improved by the amazing vocals of Atsushi Sakurai. The song is mid-tempo, an industrial rock ballad of sorts. Atsushi's deep voice presents a smooth, sensual counterpoint to the hard background programming. Add the borderline S&M lyrics, and you have yourself a masterpiece.
MUCC - Isho (Testament)
[ 5:16 | 5MB ]
I would call Isho a hard rock lullaby. It's soft and baleful before climbing to wailing, agonized peaks. All of MUCC's members' talents are gorgeously displayed in this song. The drums and bass give it a low, driving beat. Tatsurou's deep voice alternately soothes and bellows, matching the deep grinding of the bass.
However, it's Miya's amazing guitar skills that make the song. The sounds of instrumental scores are converted to guitar under his fingers in the introduction. His solo around the middle absolutely sings and soars. He accompanies Tatsurou's voice to make a duo of sweet angst.
Kagrra, - Ihoukyou
[ 3:58 | 4MB ]
Kagrra, has a very interesting sound. They're not quite soft or pop-rock, but they're not hard rock either. They're sort of a relaxing, melodic rock with traditional Japanese music influences.
Ihoukyou begins with a very, very Japanese-sounding guitar intro before jumping into a jumping into a fast melody. Isshi's soft, sweet tenor is a perfect match for the music. Together, the music and his vocals float and swirl happily. You can almost imagine sakura petals flying around to this music or a kimono-clad woman doing a traditional dance. All in all, this song is a very interesting mix of both the traditional and the modern.
Sex Machineguns - Densetsu no Catchball (Legendary Catchball)
[ 4:31 | 10MB ]
I can't help but let out a little giggle whenever I hear anything by these guys. They're a metal band, but unlike many of the other ones out there, they definitely don't take themselves that seriously. Almost all of their songs deal with the mundane. While you can get some of the jokes from the song titles (Yakiniku Party and Bargain Sale come to mind), the real treat lies in the lyrics.
The music is undeniably good metal, of course. There are grinding guitars and a heavy presence of the drums. The main vocalist half sings, half belts out the lyrics in his stereotypical, falsetto hair metal voice. Around 2:40, there is a pretty amazing, but unfortunately short, guitar solo. I wouldn't call this song epic, but it's on its way there. But, I promised you some good lyrics, correct? Here's the starting lyrics, translated:
Try catching this one!
Risking his life, playing catch with his son
On a stormy Sunday!
At work, he's a quiet guy
Yeah. XD
SADS - Porno Star
[ 5:22 | 7MB ]
After Kuroyume disbanded, Kiyoshi formed SADS. I guess you could classify them as post-punk. It's the kind of music I imagine when I think "rock star." Screeching and grinding guitars, crashing cymbals, banging drums, deep, resounding bass.
Kiyoshi has a voice you'll probably either love or hate. It's certainly unique. I wouldn't call it nasal, because it isn't, but it has that same kind of property. However, he has a huge range and amazing vocal ability. He also does this very cool vibrato thing with it.
The song is almost carnal; there is nothing overtly sexual about the music itself, but the lyrics (or, the ones that actually sort of make sense) certainly are. The band goes all out in this song: at times the music is soft and gentle, but then explode into hard, screaming guitar solos and loud, almost abrasive drum bashing.
Malice Mizer - ILLUMINATI
[ 5:12 | 4MB ]
Ah, this is from back when Gackt was actually good~ *is shot* But seriously, Malice Mizer was an amazing group, and I truly believe he was better off in than out. Forget all of those recent visual kei bands with the the frilly, old fashioned look: Malice Mizer was one of the originals. They were fairly gothic and dark, but they still had their light, ornate Victorian look going on.
ILLUMINATI is probably one of their most famous songs. Gackt's voice is absolutely perfect for this song. It's darkly sexual and primitive, filled with mystery, eroticism and cultish rituals. It's based on the conspiracy theory of the Illuminatis, and is filled with imagery of their supposed practices, as well as obscure Biblical references. There is certain circus/freak show feeling to it; the organ plays an almost eerily upbeat and fun tune intermittently. All in all, it's a very interesting listen.
Takui - Drive My Limo
[ 4:20 | 6MB ]
I absolutely love this song! (And the music video is a hoot, too.) It's a high energy, upbeat song with a surf's up/beach party feel to it. It's rock, but definitely with a pop side to it. Takui's voice has an almost 1950s singer feel to it; it's rough and growly, and full of rock an roll. While I wouldn't say it's a particularly spectacular song or anything, it's a good light-hearted listen that can get you up and dancing.
SID - Virtual Bansankai (Virtual Dinner Party)
[ 3:10 | 3MB ]
SID's first album, Renai, is a wonderful jazz and swing inspired experience. Most of the songs on there are completely amazing, so it was very hard to choose which to share.
I finally chose Virtual Bansankai because it truly is like its name. It's got a jazzy, super fast tempo that would be perfect for swing dance. It only needs some more big band instruments to put it right back in the 40s and 50s. You can almost imagine yourself mingling with others in a club or at a fancy party for dinner. Mao's voice is a smooth, silky tenor with just that right amount of vibrato.
D - Yami yori kurai doukoku no acappella to bara yori akai jounetsu no aria (The darker than darkness lamentation's acappella and the redder than roses aria of passion)
[ 5:06 | 9MB ]
Back in the day when I used to be into visual bands, D was one of my favorites. Their outfits were gorgeously gothic victorian but their music was heavy and hard. I would describe this song as a super speedy gothic heavy metal rock opera. Yeah, I really suck at keeping the descriptions short. But it's even cause this title was a bear to romanize & translate.
The song starts off with a short acappella section before diving into the amazingly fast song. The musicians in this group are undeniably talented; I could never even imagine moving my fingers as fast as the guitarist and bassist would have to to get those notes out (the small guitar solo mid-song is particularly "holy crap" inducing), and the drummer never fails to keep up with the driving beat. Asagi, the vocalist, shows a great skill with both his regular very deep voice as well as his falsetto, which gives the song an operatic touch.
Sparta Locals - Aoi Natsu (Blue Summer)
[ 4:12 | 5MB ]
There's something so... raw about this song. Blue Summer is truly a fitting title for the song: it reminds me of outdoor summer concerts, listening to local high school bands. It gives the impression of that young teenage energy and being engulfed in love for music, not caring if the music is seamlessly produced, but rather that it's enjoyable. It's simple in its presentation, with a great "1-2-3-4" beat for head banging. The vocalist has a high, slightly nasally voice that's by no means outstanding, but by all means matches the rough, live feeling of the song.
merry - Japanese Modernists
[ 3:48 | 3MB ]
From the beginning, the song is hard and fast, full of energy and emotion. The beat is driving, sometimes fast, sometimes slowing, but always full of beautiful guitar and drum work, carrying the song forward swiftly. The band members yell in a militaristic fashion, as if answering in a rally. "GO MAD Japanese modernists!"
Gone is the jazzy merry, replaced by one filled with the patriotism of the very modern garde they hope to somehow understand.
"The sea! The sun! The end of the world! That sky!
Can you hear it? The voice"
The lyrics are perhaps the most amazing part of the song, filled with vivid imagery and a struggle to uncover the mindsets of history, of kamikaze pilots and WWII soldiers.
"Switch ON and they are flying again today
With a "sayonara" it's bye-bye to their weak selves
Boys, move forward now!
Boys, be ambitious now!
Look steadily only forward
Please die up in the sky, everyone"