May 2007
J-Rock Revolution Day 2
Sat/May/2007 19:11
The second day had a little more time since there were only 4 bands. As I thought, first out the gate was Merry. They played a vary interesting and softer set than usual. They had a 7 song set that Featured a brand new song which was un named at number 3. The only really crazy and hard song they played was their old great single “Japanese Modernist”. Although their set was slower, I think it showed everyone the kind of range they have and the direction they are going. Gara introduced the band with Japanese Calligraphy and wrote “Hello” in Katakana in which most people know what it meant! Then wrote “Merry”. As for the English speaking, Nero took the honors and did a decent job. His best was his last words “ We will be back”! I am sure America will be waiting!Girugamesh was next and what can I say but wow! For some young guys and the most miner out of the 4, they definitely held their own. They were about the heaviest band of the night with hard and groovy songs. The fans really seemed to know the songs and I and the band didn’t seem to know why! I told them after the show that YouTube is probably the reason why so many knew of there music. For that matter, YouTube is the reason for all of the band gaining fans and a great way for people to see current Japanese Rock bands in action being it live or a promotion video. Let also give a shout out to MySpace.com too. Now I believe that the people were so into Girugamesh that by the time Despairs Ray came out, everyone was worn out! They also had a 7 song set which featured only one slow tempo song. It was good stuff and I am sure they gained a lot of new fans. It was also the first out of Japan for the group too!
Now, Despairs Ray has played the most in the States besides Dir en grey and their core fans came out in droves to see them. They play a strong 8 song set and won over a lot of people. However, I felt that a lot of the songs sounded similar and the vocals sounded too much the same. I saw them about 6 years ago and they sounded pretty much the same as I remembered and nothing really to new. However, they do have a good thing going so why change! They will be back and there fans won’t be disappointed.
Before the last band, Yoshiki came out again and thanked the bands and the fans for coming out to LA again. He and the bands were happy to play and I am sure they will be back. Oh, he also mentioned that the Japan Expo (July 2007) in France has invited him to come and is pretty sure he will go!
MUCC decided to show a short documentary of there show overseas before coming out and it was interested seeing all of the different places they have played. They have been all over but this was only the second time playing in America (first time was at an Anime Expo in Wisconsin) Tatsuro (vocalist) told me after the show. He mentioned that they definitely want to play again in LA! Now, their set about 7 or 8 songs and all were tight and pretty heavy. I have seen them about 3 times and they always seem to put on a great and engaging show. I am sure they can make it in the States just like Dir en grey if they want too.
Now I would like to Thank everyone at Jrock Revolution for inviting me to the show and to all of the bands that came and played their hearts out. Also, and most important are all of those fans that came from all over the U.S. to see the bands play in LA. This was a true mind opening experience that myself and all of the bands will never forget. Let’s keep this going and keep on supporting these great and talented Japanese Rock artist!
by
William White Jr.
AMU Founder, Director and Producer
J-Rock Revolution Day 1
Fri/May/2007 19:03
May 25
Wiltern Theater
Los Angeles, California
Well, this is only the second time that AMU has gone overseas to see a show! I for one and so glad I did come out to see the fans and the bands. On Thursday, I flew in from Tokyo and after getting settled I decided to go to the venue and see where this was all going to take place. To my amazement, people where already in line camping out for the night! Also too my amazement was the fact of very few if any fans from Japan! Most of the fans came from all over the US to see the show. Who was playing you might ask.... Kagrra, Duel Jewel, Miyabi, Vidoll, and Alice Nine all in that order.
Kagrra came out first with a 5 song set that seemed to be the limit for every band thereafter. The fan favorite seemed to be “Uta-kata”which people did try to sing along. The people were screaming so much that I am sure Kagrra started to feel like “Rock Stars”. Isshi (Vocalist) came out in the classic “Kimono” style costume which really blew everyone away! It was a great choice and started out the night great.
Next was Duel Jewel who came out with great energy and played a lot harder style than I remembered. The singer was almost the best English speaker of the night in which everybody tried there best to speak to the crowd in English except for Vidoll. Now Duel Jewel has had some experience playing in the US and I believe they are one of the few who started playing at the ANIME conventions many years back. They plan to come back to the States and wanted everyone one’s support. I am sure they gained some new fans this night!
Next was the long awaited Miyabi! Now as for his music....hum.. well it is a mix of hip hop, drum and bass and a little rock thrown in. Miyabi is a performer and he performed like a pro! He used is good looks and wonderful stage presence to whew the crowd into a frenzy! He also enjoyed his band which included a Wa-Taiko drummer, DJ, Tap Dancer, and a painter! He actually didn’t play the guitar as much as I thought he would. The songs were a lot of mixed beats with each member getting there own solos. Then while trying to explain in English that a special guest has flown in from Japan there was also a special announcement! Yoshiki, Gackt, Sugizo, and Miyabi are all forming a super band! They will start up this summer of 2007! The name of the band is not yet known but with those members alone will spark a lot of interest! Oh, I forgot to mention, the special guest was SUGIZO (ex-Luna Sea). He came out to do a couple of songs with Miyabi! And after that, Yoshiki came out!! It was a great moment seeing them all together on stage. This announcement is a first for the US since Japan doesn’t even know yet! Also they will be playing live at the ANIME CON X this June 29! So if you are in the US then check them out!
After a brief rest, Vidoll came in for a solid set. This was the only band I have never seen play live before and they seemed to be having a great time and proved that they could play great and win over the fans. They had coordinated white colored outfits and had some heavy and hard song to little and puffy songs! They were ranked as the number 2 band that people wanted to see from the polls and came out about the third best of the night.
Alice Nine was the last band and if you were to measure the screams I would have to say they won! They had really nice Red/Badge and black customs outfits and all of the guys looked really pretty! They played into the good looks with various two shots and four ways that the kids just ate up! They too for the most part had harder than anticipated songs that were very solid. They were also the winner for best English pronunciation. “ Are you ready!” Are you ready for Crazy” He meant to say “ ...to get Crazy” but it was all good! The response was great and it was wonderful climax for the night! Now, luckily, I was able to gain an after show pass which was so cool since I was able to talk with....Yoshiki, Sugizo, Miyabi, Kagrra of course, and George (ex Ladies Room). Plus, I was able to say hello to the rest of the bands. Everyone was so nice and appreciative of the great response that they were given from the American fans and people! Next up is Day Two with only four bands: