J-Rock Fridays Vol. 15

March 5, 2010

It was a little hard compiling a list of bands this week, seeing as capsule released their new album on Wednesday and that’s all I’ve been wanting to listen to, but I managed to find 11 anyway. Have fun.

sakanaction-“目が明く藍色”

Sakanaction’s new single isn’t very dancey. I was not expecting a power ballad from this band, a seven minute power ballad for that matter. I guess we know why this wasn’t the first single.

The Novembers- “Misstopia”

The only thing fuzzier than The Novembers’ guitars is this PV. My enthusiasm for this band fluctuates dramatically with every CD they release, but I am somewhat excited for their second album.

The Bawdies- “Hot Dog”

For anyone expecting a song about hot dogs, you’ll be sorely disappointed. Instead we get a song about “dancin’ to the rock n’ roll” music that hits every cliche in the book. It does remind me of Little Richard and the California Raisins, so for that, I smiled.

Abstract Mash- “Save the World”

What could be more epic than a rock band playing on the desert? Well, technically it’s a beach. Whatever LilBallet.

Ken Yokoyama- “Punk Rock Dream”

The king of Japanese punk rock is back. I really don’t know what’s going on in this video, but Ken looks constipated.

RAZORS EDGE- “Train Train Train”

Let’s follow Ken with another Pizza of Death band. I thought this would be a Blue Hearts cover, but it’s not. This looks like a fun band to see live.

Potali- “Trip Trick”

Obligatory female punk rock video.

KiLLKiLLS- “Paradise”

The singer looks like he’d be comfortable in any VK band, but instead he’s in this rather decent metal/skate punk band. Color me surprised.

BYEE the Round- “Rock star – Silhouette”

Wow, some powerful indie rock. I was starting to think we wouldn’t get any this week. This PV is made of the first two tracks on their second album. I guess they tried to save money by using the same set. But it would’ve been nice if they tried something different for each song.

SiM- “Anthem”

This video is a little too red for my taste. And I’m little tired of punk bands writing “anthems.”

PAN- “Oasis”

Quite a bit of punk rock this week. I hope that suits your fancy.

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Not to sound like a broken record, but last week’s poll was the least voted on so far. I always assumed that the more J-Rock Fridays columns I write, the more people would vote on the polls. But evidently, that’s not the case. I was going to post a poll this week, and take some time to reevalute future polls, but that’s quite all right. If you want to tell me what your favorite band was, that’s what the comment box is for.