 Seiko Oomori is one of the most interesting pop singers around right now. Not quite an idol, but not quite your basic J-pop singer either, she's about the closest thing you can get to anti-idol without being an actual idol to begin with. I recently wrote about her awesome single "Aishiteru.com", and now we have "TOKYO BLACK HOLE" which is also the title of her full-length album which comes out later this month.  "TOKYO BLACK HOLE" is a nice and soothing song. Seiko Oomori has what is in my opinion one of the most outstanding singing voices in the current music scene. She's always doing something different in every song, and can pull off just about any style you can think up. In terms of melody, this isn't my FAVORITE thing she's done, but it's nowhere near bad either. The whisper-thin vocals on the verse pair nicely with the gentle background of acoustic guitar. It's a little bit long and somewhat of a ballad really. I can see this being a great closing song for the album (though it's actually the opening song, which works just as well). This is a super pretty song, blissful even. On the album it's gonna be followed up by the PERFECT song "Magic Mirror", but we'll get to that when the album comes out. For now, "TOKYO BLACK HOLE" is just what I've been wanting; a little bit more Seiko Oomori to keep me hyped for the album. Seiko Oomori's new album "TOKYO BLACK HOLE" will be out on March 23rd, 2016. -Justin Seiko Oomori - TOKYO BLACK HOLE MV
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 North American based group 4TE (pronounced ‘for-tay’) recently released their second single ‘Leave a Message’. To begin with, the music video is a very mesmerizing piece that focuses on a flashy, eye-catching club-like atmosphere. There is a fairly heavy focus on geometry and filtered colors that exude a sense of surreal reality. To round out the well-done package, the ladies perform a wonderfully choreographed dance that really accentuates the feature of each individual member. I especially liked that the dance follows a steady tempo to keep with the beat, which is something that seems to be lacking in modern music a bit more than I’d like. The video, helps to tell the story of the song, with scenes that flash to their bedrooms mixed between the dancing and close-ups at the club setting. With good choreography, fun outfits and a very mesmerizing theme, the video is outstanding.  Ultimately, the video wouldn’t work without an awesome song. ‘Leave a Message’ is most definitely an awesome song. It opens up with some ringing and an answering machine to set the mood. It then has a steady flow into a poppin’ electronic beat. There’s just enough of a mix of synth and natural talent in the singing to help propel the electronic tone of the song while still showing off the 4TE’s singing abilities. To help break up the flow and keep things exciting, there are a couple of really cool and cute rap sections too. I’d have to say that my favorite thing about this song isn’t how catchy it is, or how balanced it is or even how much fun it is. My favorite thing is how smooth the song flows. That is the thread that holds everything together and makes this song something more than just another generic and catchy electronic tune. If 4TE is able to keep up this kind of amazing quality, they’ll soar above and beyond the North American scene. With a fantastic video and an outstanding song, ‘Leave a Message’ is a must buy for those of you who like Jpop inspired music. Links for where you can purchase the song and more information are provided below.  4TE is a unique group that is conducted and created almost solely through the internet. It’s a compelling blend of cooperation that is accomplished through an immense amount of work that most groups would have trouble with. They’re definitely worth keeping an eye on.  - Teepu 4TE is: - Chii - Mei - Jenny - Micchi Official Music Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omByNlt_lJo Purchase on Bandcamp: https://4teofficial.bandcamp.com/ Purchase on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/4te/id970221540 4TE Site: http://4teofficial.com/ 4TE YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/4teofficial 4TE Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/4TEofficial 4TE - Leave A Message MV  Zenbu Kimi no Sei Da is a yami-kawaii idol unit, the sister-group of equally yami-kawaii Yukueshirezutsurezure. They caught my attention when they were featured as guests on that very same sister-group's debut single last year, but now they've arrived with their debut full-length album, "Yamikawa IMRAD". It's actually a huge departure from what I was expecting. but it's not a bad album at all. In fact I'm pretty comfortable saying that I love this album. "Yamikawa IMRAD" starts off with the IMPOSSIBLY catchy "Neo Jealous Mero Chaos". It's a hyperactively jumpy song and so, so, so catchy. The album shoots off from there bringing song after song of sickly-sweet pop. Where their sister group takes the sickly-cute level to horror-like standards, Zenbu Kimi no Sei Da is firmly on the side of yami-kawaii where they plan to give you cavities if you listen for too long.  One of my favorite songs is the fourth track, "The Battle of Identerror". It has some hard guitar riffs underneath the sweetness, owing a huge debt to the sounds of early BiS. Something about the hard-hitting rock and the adorably sugary vocals mixes so well. It's a sound I'm hugely into, but Zenbu Kimi no Sei Da has really perfected the formula. This song just blows me away every time I hear it. The other notable high point on this album is the closing song, "ShitEnd Placebo". The lead single from this album "ShitEnd Placebo" is much more of what prospective fans were probably hoping for pre-release. It's darker, it's thicker, it's actually really different in tone to the rest of the album. It has most of the same elements found on the album, but just turned up to 11. The screams near the end of the song really sum up what I want out of this recent yami-kawaii hype. It's a perfect end to the album.  "Yamikawa IMRAD" is one album I can recommend without hesitation, to any type of idol fan there is. Whether you want the hyper-cute and bouncy pop or the dark and sinister side of idols, this album has a strong mix of both. Even if the darker side is hidden pretty deeply here, it's noticeable. I have a strong feeling this might end up being one of my favorite albums of 2016. Favorites: Neo Jealous Mero Chaos, 哀whynot, The Battle of Identerror, ShitEnd Placebo -Justin Zenbu Kimi no Sei Da Is: -Mogeki Aza -Kisaragi Megumi -Narumi Gomochi -Mashiro -Hitomi Yotsu For More Information: Website: http://kiminosei.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/zenbukiminosei Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zenbukiminoseida Zenbu Kimi no Sei Da - Neo Jealous Mero Chaos MV Zenbu Kimi no Sei Da - ShitEnd Placebo MV  The ridiculously-named idol group Yukueshirezutsurezure is a brand-new (I mean REALLY brand-new) unit who is set to blow the world away whenever they get around to releasing their first album. Before that can happen, though, everybody should really check out their debut single (and to date the only song they have released*) "Kyousoukaichinari". (*they actually "released" another song last month, but immediately took it down before any of us could listen to it) The PV for "Kyousoukaichinari" was released in December of 2015, and it's really something. Yukuetsurezure (the shortened name most fans use because, like, honestly????) are going for a "Yami-Kawaii" (sickly-cute) style, and they're really pulling it off. The PV is super overblown in white, and feels like something out of a horror movie. The girls hang out in a forest (also maybe a hospital?) and it all just looks really creepy even if nothing much is happening. The video isn't what's important here though, it's the song. And what a song it is.  "Kyousoukaichinari" features Yukuetsurezure's "sister group", Zenbu Kimi no Seida, as guest vocalists. Zenbu Kimi no Sei Da is another great group to check out (which I will, soon!) but Yukuetsurezure is the real focal point here. This song is WILD. Anybody familiar with Maison book girl (a fantastic group featuring ex-BiS member Megumi Koushoji) will recognize the cute, slightly-nostalgic and gentle pop music this song pretends to be, at first. Without warning it explodes into the most hardcore thrash I've ever heard from an idol group. The song bounces back and forth between these two styles, and I LOVE it. It's dark, it's heavy, and yet it's also just so cute, somehow. The gentle "la la la la" blends perfectly with the girls screaming their hearts out. This is the perfect rebel idol anthem. Yukuetsurezure has an EP coming out in May, so watch out for that, because it's sure to be something amazing. As for "Kyousoukaichinari", it's the only work we have available from this group. Listen to it, again and again. Forever. Because it's amazing. Yukuetsurezure is amazing. -Justin Yukueshirezutsurezure - Kyousoukaichinari MV  BABYMETAL is a group who needs no introduction at this point. Still, let's introduce them. They're one of the torchbearers for the ever-so-popular Metal/Punk Idol trend going on lately. They're one of the most internationally successful Japanese bands currently active and they're also just pretty all-around amazing! They released their debut self-titled album in 2014 and, besides heavy touring, were pretty quiet throughout 2015. Finally, we got the announcement that their next album "METAL RESISTANCE" would be coming out this year on April 1st (no joke). To kick off this release, "KARATE" is the first single from that album. "KARATE" is an AMAZING song and a great way to bring the group back into form! "KARATE" brings back the heavy metal pop we've come to expect from BABYMETAL, but there's actually a much more mature sound here. Gone are the kids asking for chocolate, they are replaced by some seriously heavy and emotional rock music. It's always a cliche to say that a band matured, but that's really what happened here. As amazing as their first album was, a lot of Americans saw it as a fad, or a joke, or even a meme (too much baby, not enough metal?). Obviously not everybody thought that, otherwise we might not be writing about them in 2016, but it was enough people thinking this way that it made an impact. I think "KARATE" is a song that long-time fans can definitely enjoy, but it might even serve to bring in those people who previously wouldn't take this group seriously. Maybe "KARATE" isn't quite as catchy as some of BABYMETAL's past singles, but I think it's a fantastic next step in their discography. I can't wait for "METAL RESISTANCE"! UPDATE 3/18: BABYMETAL has released a music video for "KARATE". It's a bit minimalist, which has caused some A-To-J staff to voice some concern over the quality vs the assumed budget. We also wonder if BABYMETAL is ever going to alter their aesthetic, even slightly. Still, I'm enjoying this video, personally. "KARATE" Official Video -Justin BABYMETAL Is: SU-METAL (Leader, Main Vocals) YUIMETAL (Vocals, Screams) MOAMETAL (Vocals, Screams) For More Information: Website: http://www.babymetal.jp/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/BABYMETAL Twitter: https://twitter.com/BABYMETAL_JAPAN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BABYMETAL.jp BABYMETAL - METAL RESISTANCE Trailer   "Love Song/Rock's" is another Vandead Bakery release that we're reviewing at A-To-J Connections following their amazing performances at Anison USA. One of the group's more recent singles, it's a much harder-rocking couple of songs than their previous work and shows a marked shift in style and direction. "Love Song" is a heavy rock piece, bearing almost no similarities to idol pop whatsoever. It's one of the group's more successful singles to date, for good reason. It does have a lot more edge than Vandead Bakery's older material, so maybe it's a hint at the direction the group will take in the future. I sure hope so! The B-side, "Rock's", follows in the hard rock footsteps of the former track. It's actually even heavier, with a great riff and chorus. To be completely honest, I think "Rock's" should have been the real single here. It's much more memorable, much heavier, and just so well-put-together. I love the performances on both songs, but this one really takes it to the next level.  "Love Song/Rock's" is one of the only Vandead Bakery releases available on iTunes (in the US, anyway) so it's pretty accessible to everybody. The only other one on there is "Namikaze Start Dash" (also reviewed by us), so go check them both out! I'm sure this is only the beginning of Vandead Bakery's career, and they have a bright future ahead of them.
-Justin Vandead Bakery Is: Kiya Nanaka For More Information: Official Website: http://office-freestyle.net/page333840.html Blog: http://ameblo.jp/vandead-bakery Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vandead-bakery- Kiya Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kiya_bakery Nanaka Twitter: https://twitter.com/nanaka_bakery  BAND-MAID is a hard rock/metal band who have been making waves for a couple years with their intense and powerful performances. Writing and playing all the music themselves, some people have questioned if this band made up of all girls could possibly be the real deal and they assure us time and time again that they are. Their latest album "New Beginning" was one of my personal favorites of 2015 and definitely deserves a listen. "alone" is their latest single and comes out well ahead of the May release of their upcoming EP "Brand New MAID". The first thing you'll notice about "alone" is that it's a HARD song. Maybe harder than most of BAND-MAID's previous work. It's a little darker too, but it still remains super catchy. Even with a slight change in tone, BAND-MAID's formula remains the same, which is exactly what fans probably want from them. Vocalist Saiki ATSUMI has such a strong voice and is backed by some of the most talented musicians in the Japanese hard rock scene, female, male, or otherwise. There's not much to say about the PV, since it's just a performance video, but the song is amazing. BAND-MAID is setting themselves up to be an international sensation, one release at a time. They're making their US debut this year in Seattle at SakuraCon and playing in the UK as well. I can't wait for their new EP, and I know this band has potential for global recognition, and they certainly deserve it. -Justin BAND-MAID Is: Vocals: Saiki ATSUMI Guitar,Vocals： Miku KOBATO Guitar： Kanami TOUNO Drums： Akane HIROSE Bass： MISA For More Information: Website: bandmaid.tokyo Twitter: https://twitter.com/bandmaid YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJToUvYrmkmTCR-bluEaQfA BAND-MAID - alone MV  Track List 1) Namikaze Start Dash 2) Get down 3) Aoki Symphony Vandead Bakery is a new-ish idol group who caught A-To-J's attention recently, performing at the Los Angeles event Anison USA. They released a handful of singles in 2015, and "Namikaze Start Dash" is the first of a couple that we're gonna tell you about. "Namikaze Start Dash" is an upbeat song like so many other idols have done before, but it's not quite as hyper as what you normally expect from modern idols. The production leaves the backing music a bit low in the mix, bringing Vandead Bakery's emotional vocals to the forefront. Something about their vocal delivery serves to bring them closer to the listener, reminding you that these are real people singing their hearts out, which is something a lot of bigger producers try to hide in the mix. The song itself excellent, and the performance is equally great.Track List  The first B-side, "Get down", is surprisingly heavy. Backed by thick bass pads, the group's crooning vocals mix pretty well with the harder techno beat. This song has probably my favorite chorus out of the three. Finally, there's the second B-side "Aoki Symphony". The song starts out with an unexpected ska-like intro, which carries on throughout the song. The chorus sounds so triumphant, like something you would hear during a big fight in a mecha anime. It's definitely the most stand-out song here if only for the unique sound you hear so rarely from an idol group.
This was my first time listening to Vandead Bakery, and I can confidently say this single has me wanting even more. They're definitely a group to get excited about, and I really recommend giving these songs a listen. -Justin Vandead Bakery Is: Kiya Nanaka For More Information: Official Website: http://office-freestyle.net/page333840.html Blog: http://ameblo.jp/vandead-bakery Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vandead-bakery- Kiya Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kiya_bakery Nanaka Twitter: https://twitter.com/nanaka_bakery |
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