The heat wave is back!
Aniss & Lacanca is the side project of two of the prettiest singers in Japan, mmm and Mai Mishio from Uzumibi. “Aniss & Lacanca’s Theme” is a bit more cheery than their individual projects with the enthusiasm of a Broadway musical. It’s nice to see them goofy for a change dancing on a hillock with smiles so wide you can fit that windmill in their mouths. Click here for the more rocking “You’re Cool.”
Yep, that “Cruel Angel’s Thesis.” Come to think of it, I’ve never heard a visual-kei band do a cover before, yet alone the theme to a groundbreaking anime. KindA amusing.
Happy new year!
Let’s start the new year off right with Shugo’s new shadow-play video for “Linne.” It’s from his excellent 2010 album Port Entropy, which is *gasp* coming out in America next month!
Greetings, and welcome to the special Halloween edition of J-Rock Fridays. Some of the videos here are fun, with a little bit of spook, and others are downright disturbing. Watch at your own risk!
WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT In the anime Yu Yu Hakusho, former spirit detective Sensui was shown a never ending videotape detailing all the crimes and wars of humanity. I’m pretty sure these clips were taken from that video. Nothing but 6 minutes of archival footage of murder, stabbing, strangling, throat slitting, jumping out windows, jumping off buildings, and just plain death. World’s end girlfriends’s music was creepy enough but this video just put him over the edge. At least it’s in black and white. (myspace)
Welcome back to the second part of October release madness. The last column was actually the most viewed J-Rock Fridays column so far (but still no comments). I will probably continue featuring upcoming releases in future columns, but try not to be so obvious about it. While I’m here, I would like to thank indiesmusic.com for being an excellent source for upcoming release information and music videos.
This is a rather low-budget video, likely made by the band themselves, parodying the local news. It probably wouldn’t work if the song wasn’t so catchy. They remind me of a punker version of BACK-ON. The second album Necessary Evil came out this week and it’s a lot of fun.
http://www.myspace.com/themirraz
Anyone remember when this band had crazy synthesizers and punk rock choruses? Yeah, they’re way mellow now. They decided flutes and violins better fit their style. This is a rather pleasant, chill song and a humorous video. I love how the lead singer runs around town with a “FUCK YEAH” t-shirt. Their third album Days Lead comes out next week.
http://www.myspace.com/riddimsaunter
With the liberal use of the word “Oi!” and epic guitar solos, serial TV drama is bound to be the next act to climb out of the indie scene. Another good band from UK.PROJECT, who gave us BIGMAMA, the telephones, Karen, Vola & The Oriental Machine, and Ogre You Asshole.
http://www.myspace.com/serialtvdrama
I wasn’t a fan of the first single off Ooparts “Ameagari ni mita Maboroshi,” but “Your Order” fit the bill. This is another stop-motion animated PV from the band. Some pretty abstract stuff here, but a fun video.
J-Rock Explosion 