Wednesday 1 April 2015

Three-piece melodic punk band: EVERLONG - YUME


EVERLONG is a Nagoya based three-piece melodic punk band with a fresh sound and a cool style. Signed to "TRUST RECORDS" the group consists of Mituhiro (vocal & Bass), kimu (drums & chorus), Yuta (vocal & guitar). Today the band members, along with their friends share their dreams in the new PV for "Yume," the song is featured in their second full-length album titled "Coin Laundry ni wa", which was also released today.

EVERLONG - YUME
From the album Coin Laundry ni wa

Catchy, upbeat and pleasantly poppy, "Yume" opens to the sound of clashing cymbals, then explodes with the chill tunes of electric guitar, rhythmic bass and hard-hitting drum beats. The fun and exciting accompaniment is joined by the bands strong and expressive vocals, with each members voice adding a uniquely pleasant sound to the piece, that combines wonderfully making for a cool, catchy chorus that's followed up by a fun and invigorating guitar solo.

The stylish and engaging vocal track combines perfectly with the rich, full accompaniment, producing an enjoyable and exhilarating sound. With sharp shifts in dynamic and powerful, captivating lyrics bringing it all together, "Yume" is a cool, upbeat punk song that will get your blood pumping and your head rocking!

For those of you who'd like to check out their song for yourselves, you can find the PV for "Yume" linked above. Enjoy!


Check out EVERLONG's website: http://everlong-nagoya.com/
Follow them on Twitter: @xxxEVERLONGxxx / Mituhiro @michun2388 / kimu @kimu_EVERLONG / Yuta @okuyu_EVERLONG

Tuesday 31 March 2015

J-tunes daily: SCANDAL - YOUR SONG




Song of the day 
 SCANDAL - YOUR SONG

Scandal (stylised as SCANDAL) is an all-female Japanese rock band from Osaka. Formed in August 2006 by four high school girls, the band consists of Haruna Ono (lead vocals, secondary guitarist), Mami Sasazaki (lead guitarist, secondary vocals), Tomomi Ogawa (bassist, lead vocals) and Rina Suzuki (drummer, keyboardist, guitarist, secondary vocals). SCANDAL has performed the theme songs a wide variety anime, including "Shōjo S" and "Harukaze" for "Bleach" and "Shunkan Sentimental" for Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Scandal has built a considerable international fanbase with their numerous overseas performances.

Their song "YOUR SONG" was used as the closing theme to "J-MELO" from June to November 2014. The popular English-speaking Japanese music show asked viewers what words and phrases are most special to them. Their answers then inspired the all-girl rock band SCANDAL to create this song.


Inspired by the special phrases close to the hearts of Japanese music fans from around the world. "YOUR SONG" is a punchy punk rock song with cool sounds and plenty of heart, packed to the brim with tuneful sounds of electric guitar, bold bass and warm drum beats.

The songs lyrics are upbeat and inspirational, carrying with them a powerful and optimistic message. Instrumentally, the rich, full accompaniment matches perfectly alongside the diverse and confident vocal track, whilst each members unique singing styles and vocal melody offers up a wide, varied range of sounds, from the strong and heartfelt to the warm and attractive. Each members vocals combine together beautifully, making for a truly powerful and uplifting chorus, topped off by a hard hitting and punchy guitar solo. With some gripping and diverse shifts in dynamic thrown in for good measure, "YOUR SONG" is a fun loving, feel good rock song bursting to the brim with genuine emotion and pure punk spirit.

Check out "YOUR SONG" in the link above and if you like let us know what you think. You can also find our last Song of the day here; J-tunes dailyLOST ASH - superNOVA


Check out SCANDALS's website: www.scandal-4.com
Follow them on Facebook: facebook.com/scandalofficial
Follow them on Twitter: @scandal_band / Haruna Ono @scandal_haruna / Mami Sasazaki @scandal_mami / Tomomi Ogawa @scandal_tomomi / Rina Suzuki @scandal_rina

Monday 30 March 2015

Japanese rock duo: VAMPS - ZERO


Vamps (stylised as VAMPS) is a stylish and daring Japanese rock duo, formed in 2008 by "L'Arc-en-Ciel" member Hyde (vocalist, rhythm guitarist, lyricist and songwriter) and "Oblivion Dust" member K.A.Z (lead guitarist, backing vocalist and songwriter). The band also consists of Ju-ken (support bass, backing vocals) Arimatsu (support drums) and Jin (support keyboards), bringing the total number of band members to five.

Originally signed to Hyde's own record label "Vamprose!", the group is are now signed with "Universal Music Group's Delicious Deli Records" To date they have released 4 albums and 10 singles, with the album "BloodSuckers" released in October 2014 being their most recent output. Since forming, every release by VAMPS has so far reached the top ten on the Oricon music chart.


VAMPS - ZERO
From the album BloodSuckers


Sung entirely in English, "ZERO" is available in the bands latest album "BloodSuckers" and is set to become the new opening theme for the popular English-language Japanese music show, "J-MELO" on April 5th.  

The song opens slowly to the tuneful sounds of keyboard, warm drum beats and ethereal strings, setting the stage for Hyde's strong and expressive sounding vocals. The flowing, rhythmic sounds provided by the instrumentation offer up a powerful, driving beat that grabs ahold of you and carries you along for the ride. Whilst heartfelt ballads envelope in you in a wave of good vibes and soothing sounds.

The strong, melodic vocal track blends harmoniously with the powerful, alt-rock sounds provided by the varied accompaniment. With deep and interesting lyrics carrying with them passion and emotional weight., whilst diverse shifts in dynamic lend an additional engaging layer to the piece. The opening verse is both soothing and driving, whislt the passionate and exhilarating chorus offers up a powerful and emotionally moving sound. As the song comes to a close, the music fades out slowly along with the vocals, capping off the piece wonderfully. Digital sound effects, vocal layering and tuning techniques are used throughout to enhance the sound, but not enough to really take anything away from the song.

All in all, "ZERO" is a superb and thoroughly enjoyable piece, that more than lives up to the high standards many have come to expect from VAMPS. Whether you're a long time fan or new to the bands unique often daring sounds, ZERO" is sure to keep you coming back for more.

If you like you can check out the song for yourself in the link above. Enjoy!


Check out VAMPS website http://www.vampsxxx.com/
Follow them on Twitter @VAMPS_JPN
Follow them on Facebook facebook.com/VAMPS

Sunday 29 March 2015

Tokyo based DJ & singer songwriter: Mi​Hi​RO


Today we're taking a listen to the musical stylings of the lovely, talented DJ and singer songwriter MiHi​RO, from Shinjuku Tokyo. Mi​Hi​RO has performed at various clubs and live venues across Japan, earning herself a modest but loyal fanbase in the process with her impressive mixes, broad range of music genres and beautiful, expressive vocals.

(Click the image or text below to listen to the song)

Starting off with the punchy pop piece titled, "Bitter Valentine". The song flows to the tuneful sounds of keyboard, drums and cymbals, all joined by MiHiRO's beautiful and expressive sounding vocals. Instrumentally, the song has a poppy, upbeat vibe which contrasts well with the sombre tone provided by the vocal track. The melancholy melody lends a slight sharpness to the overall sound, whilst the cheery tunes provided by the accompaniment produce a catchy and rhythmic beat, resulting in a pleasantly bitter sweet piece.


Moving on to some electric goodness now with the song "Colour gang". MiHi​RO's cute sounding vocals flow harmoniously with the rich, smooth sounding accompaniment, later joined by warm attractive backing vocals that add an extra alluring layer to the piece. The vocal track is heartfelt and appealing, whilst the rich, tuneful instrumentation provide an upbeat, rhythmic sound. "Colour gang" is a simple but well composed piece, with pleasant vibes and catchy tunes that are sure put a smile on your face. 


Last but not least we have "If I was skinny when I met you". Offering up a unique and sweet sounding rap song, sung to the beat of warm drums, tuneful keyboard and various electronic music. This novel fusion of up-beat, rhythmic tunes and cute, stylish rap vocals is both impressive and refreshing. Instrumentally the song has a rich, full accompaniment that compliments the vocal track nicely, with competent uses of vocal layering and backup vocals that add an extra engaging layer to the piece. "If I was skinny when I met you" puts a surprisingly cute spin on rap, with its refreshingly cheerful tone and warm, upbeat vocals.

While MiHi​RO has yet to break out into the mainstream, she's certainly demonstrated talent and diversity in her music so far. With her beautiful, expressive vocals and  impressive mixes that cover a broad range of music genres, I'm looking forward to hearing more from the talented DJ and singer songwriter MiHi​RO.



Check out more of Mi​Hi​RO's songs on soundcloud.com/mihiro-2 
Follow her on Twitter @Ihagfat

Saturday 28 March 2015

J-tunes daily: LOST ASH - superNOVA




Song of the day 
 LOST ASH - superNOVA

LOST ASH is a Japanese Visual kei rock band from Tokyo. Originally formed under the name "Ocelot" in 2008, the band is comprised of Daiki (Vocals), Show (Guitar), Sai (Bass) and Dye (Drums). To date they have released three albums and five singles, with the 2014 release of the single "Message" being their most recent output"

I first saw LOST ASH back in 2010, at the popular underground live venue "MARZ" located in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo. The band had just released their latest single at the time, "superNOVA" and were eager to share their new title song with the crowd.

"SuperNOVA" is hard hitting, punchy and oozing with hard rock sounds. Right off the bat the songs fast paced and thrilling tunes hook you in, proceeding to permeate the air whilst Daiki's strong and expressive vocals offer up powerful vibes and heartfelt melodies. The guitar solo halfway through is both bold and impressive, leading perfectly into a warm and rhythmic vocal melody, before transitioning to the second verse. From the opening verse to the well timed and competent shifts in dynamic, straight through to the hard close. "superNOVA" is a riveting hard rock song experience that you won't want to miss out on.    

Check out the song "superNOVA" in the link above and if you like let us know what you think in the comments. You can also find yesterdays song of the day here; J-tunes daily: PIKO - Make My Day!


Check out LOST ASH's website http://lostash.com/
Follow them on Twitter @LOST_ASH / Daiki @Daiki__LOST_ASH / Show @Show_LOST_ASH  / Sai @Sai__LOST_ASH  / Dye @Dye_LOST_ASH


Friday 27 March 2015

J-tunes daily: PIKO - Make My Day!




Song of the day 
PIKO - Make My Day!

Piko is a male Japanese pop singer signed to "Sony Music Entertainment" under the sub-label "Ki/oon Music". Popularly referred to as "Ryouseirui" meaning "both voice types") a fan-made word used to describe his vast vocal range that includes notes both typical of male and female voice types. To date, Piko has released eight singles and five albums, with the album "PIKOllection Best+4" being his mot recent release.

Piko also provided the voice library for "Utatane Piko", the first Vocaloid from Sony Music Distribution which uses the "Vocaloid2 engine" and is currently a Vocaloid Producer going by the name of Chuutoro-P.


Fast paced, fun and pleasantly poppy, "Make My Day!" is all these things and more. Instrumentally, the piece is rich and lively, with punchy, pop sounds blending together wonderfully with Piko's warm and exceptionally diverse vocals. Sharp but competent shifts in dynamic help add an extra layer of fun to the over all sound, with the vocal track changing in tone and pitch to compliment the varied accompaniment. All in All  "Make My Day!" makes for a light-hearted, fun and thoroughly enjoyable pop song that would make just about anybodies day.

If you like you can check out the song in the link above and let us know what you think. You can also find yesterdays song of the day here, J-tunes daily: Girugamesh - INCOMPLETE
 

Check out Piko's website http://www.piko-piko.jp/
Follow him on Twitter @piko_niconico

Thursday 26 March 2015

J-tunes daily: Girugamesh - INCOMPLETE




Song of the day
Girugamesh - INCOMPLETE 

Girugamesh is a Japanese Visual Kei rock & metal band, formed in 2003. The bands name is sometimes stylised with a metal umlaut as "Girugämesh" and is derived from the Final Fantasy character "Gilgamesh", who was also based on the character of the same name in the Sumerian poem, "Epic of Gilgamesh". 

Signed with Japanese record label "Danger Crue" and "Gan-Shin" for European releases, the band is currently comprised of Satoshi (vocals, lyrics), Nii (lead & rhythm guitar), Shuu (bass, leader, backing vocals) and Яyo (drums, primary songwriter) To date, they have released 10 albums (including EPs) as well as a whopping 23 singles, with their most recent single being the sensational "INCOMPLETE" in September 2013.


"INCOMPLETE" leads you in slowly, opening to the punchy, rhythmic sounds of electric guitar, followed Satoshi's distinct and expressive vocals. Then explodes as the instrumentation comes into full force, hitting you like wall of sound with powerful, heavy metal vibes that permeate throughout. The vocal track is raw and edgy, with impressive usage of sfx techniques, complimenting the powerful and exciting sounds provided by the accompaniment. Whilst the various shifts in dynamic add a compelling additional layer, resulting in a thoroughly engaging and exhilarating piece that any metal fan can enjoy.

You can check out the song in the link above and if you like, let us know what you think in the comment section. You can also find yesterdays song of the day here, J-tunes daily: Yoshino Nanjo - Kimi Ga Emu Yuugure


Check out  Girugamesh's website www.girugamesh.jp/en
Follow them on Facebook facebook.com/pages/girugamesh
Follow them on Twitter @real_girugamesh / Satoshi @satoshi_grgm / Shuu @shuu_grgm / Nii & Яyo @brother_grgm

Wednesday 25 March 2015

J-tunes daily: Yoshino Nanjo - Kimi Ga Emu Yuugure




Song of the day
Yoshino Nanjo  - Kimi Ga Emu Yuugure 

Yoshino Nanjo is a Japanese singer & voice actress, famously known for work as "Eri Ayase" from the populer anime television show "Love Live!" she has had both her music and vocal talent appear in various anime shows and video games. Nanjo is currently the vocalist of the trance and pop duo band FripSide (stylised as fripSide) originally formed by composer Sat and singer Nao in 2002.


Used as the ending theme song to the popular anime television show "Tokyo Ravens" Yoshino Nanjo's "Kimi Ga Emu Yuugure" is a beautiful, heartfelt song. From the warm tuneful sounds of acoustic guitar and piano, to Nanjo's peaceful and melodic vocals providing a pleasant and uplifting tone. The simplistic composition and structure adds a certain charming quality to the overall sound, resulting in a pleasantly enjoyable and relaxing song.

If you like you can check out the song in the link above and let us know what you think. You can also find yesterdays song of the day here, J-tunes daily: Konomi Suzuki - Absolute Soul

 Check out  Yoshino Nanjo's website nbcuni-music.com/yoshino_nanjo
 Follow her on Twitter @nanjolno

Tuesday 24 March 2015

Tokyo based UK and Irish rock band: Earls Court



Inspired by 1990s UK and Irish rock, Tokyo based rock band "Earls Court" put their own special spin on the genre by blending Pop, Rock, British pop, Irish music, and Oriental music with Japanese lyrics.

Signed with "District Line Records" the band consists of five members, Takanobu Nogi (guitar), Shota Sakurai (bass), Kojira Kita (vocals), Jun Kohama (guitar) and Mai Mai, aka "Mai Koike" (drums). To date, they have released three albums (including EPs) as well as a single titled, "Song for Resurrection" [Asia Versus]. The band have also released a cover of "There She Goes" by The La's as part of an ongoing project called - THE GREAT RESURRECTION PROJECT - which features reworks and covers of various UK and Irish rock songs.

Earls Court - Resistance
From the EP Ikaros ga Miteita Keshiki 

Earls Court's loving and refreshing interpretation of UK and Irish rock, is perfectly encapsulated within the bands latest EP "Ikaros ga Miteita Keshiki", with the opening track "Resistance" serving as a fantastic jumping on point for those new to the band.  

The track leads you in with the punchy rock sounds of electric guitar, backed up by bold bass and hard-hitting drum beats, followed shortly by Kojira Kita's strong and melodic vocals lending a warm and rhythmic tone to the piece. The chorus bring new energy into the song by switching things up, replacing the punchy rock tunes with a more sobering and melancholic tone.Whilst the vocal track goes to work pulling at your heart strings, before tossing you back into a pool of edgy and atmospheric sounds. After a second verse and chorus the song tails off into all out rock, finishing with a hard close.

Instrumentally, the song has a warm and balanced accompaniment, with various rock and pop genres blended together, resulting in a remarkably fresh and unique sound. The vocal track flows wonderfully with the instrumentation, offering various layers of emotion and diverse shifts in dynamic that keep you engaged and entertained throughout.

By blending various pop and rock genres together and mixing them with the best of UK and Irish rock music, the group have crafted a sound that not only compliments the source from which they draw their inspiration, but provides listeners with an enjoyable and modern take on the genre, with Earls Court's genuine passion and unique personality shining through.

Whilst I still have some catching up to do with their earlier work,"Ikaros ga Miteita Keshiki" makes for an exciting and thoroughly enjoyable EP, as well as presenting a superb entry point for potential new fans.

For those of you who'd like to check out their song for yourselves, you can find the MV for "Resistance" linked above. Enjoy!


Check out Earls Cout's website earls-court.org
Follow them on Facebook facebook.com/EarlsCourt.official
Follow them on Twitter @EarlsCourt_info / Takanobu Nogi @nogi_earlscourt / Shota Sakurai @sakurai_earls / Kojira Kita @kita_earlscourt / Jun Kohama @jun_EarlsCourt / Mai Mai @3362mai0218

Monday 23 March 2015

J-tunes daily: Konomi Suzuki - Absolute Soul




Song of the day
Konomi Suzuki - Absolute Soul

Konomi Suzuki is a solo singer signed to Japanese publishing label "Media Factory", she started her career after winning the Animax All-Japan Anisong Grand Prix in 2011. To date Suzuki has released 8 singles, all of which have been used as theme songs for various anime television shows. Starting with her first single "Choir Jail" the opening theme to the anime "Dusk Maiden of Amnesia", and most recently with her new single Absolute Soul, the opening theme to the anime "Absolute Duo".



Bursting with punchy, pop-rock sounds and laced with Konomi Suzuki's powerful and expressive vocals, "Absolute Soul" is fast-paced, fun and pleasantly poppy. The song has a rich, full accompaniment that is complimented perfectly by the stylish and melodic vocal track, with riveting shifts in dynamic and effective uses of vocal layering adding an extra potent layer to the piece. All in all, "Absolute Soul" is a thoroughly enjoyable song that is sure to keep you engaged and entertained throughout.


If you like you can check out the song in the link above and let us know what you think. You can also find yesterdays song of the day here, J-tunes daily: geek sleep sheep - kaleidoscope

Check out Konomi Suzuki's website konomi-suzuki.net

Sunday 22 March 2015

J-tunes daily: geek sleep sheep - kaleidoscope




Song of the day
geek sleep sheep -  kaleidoscope 

  
Influenced by the shoegaze subgenre of alternative rock that emerged from the United Kingdom in the late 1980s, Japanese supergroup geek sleep sheep appear set to take Japan by storm with their unique take on the genre. The bands second album "candy" is slated for release on May 20, and will feature the song "kaleidoscope" which was recently unveiled in their latest PV.

"kaleidoscope" is Heavy and sentimental, from its sobering yet endearing vocal track, right down to the cool and atmospheric accompaniment. The bands ability to convey such deep and compelling emotions through their use of expressive vocals and various instrumentation techniques, is testament to the groups exceptional musical prowess. Perfect for unwinding to during a long drive, or just sitting back and loosing yourself in the music, geek sleep sheep hit it out of the park with their hazy and thought provoking new piece.

If you like you can check out the song in the link above and let us know what you think.Y ou can also find yesterdays song of the day here, J-tunes daily: Maximum the Hormone - Yoshu Fukushu


Check out geek sleep sheep's website http://www.geeksleepsheep.com/
Follow them on Twitter @geeksleep_sheep
Follow them on Facebook facebook.com/geeksleepsheep.official

Saturday 21 March 2015

J-tunes daily: Maximum the Hormone - Yoshu Fukushu



Song of the day
Maximum the Hormone - Yoshu Fukushu (Preemptive Revenge)


Maximum the Hormone is a Japanese Rock, Nu metal and Hardcore Punk band from Tokyo. Consisting of Daisuke-han (Daisuke Tsuda - vocalist), Nao (Nao Kawakita - drummer and backup vocalist ), Maximum the Ryo-kun (Ryo Kawakita - guitarist, songwriter and singer), and Ue-chan (Futoshi Uehara - bassist), the band are widely known for their unconventional and experimental style.

Over the course of their career they have found huge success incorporating a wide variety of elements from heavy metal, hardcore punk, pop, funk, hip hop, nu and ska into their sound. Setting themselves apart from the typically more angsty feel that many nu grenre bands are associated with, Maximum the Hormone's songs often provide a veritable mish-mash of emotions, from the dark and serious, to the ironic and just plain humorous, with plenty drastic shifts in tempo and mood over the course of a song.


From heartfelt and emotional to explosive and destructive. In true Maximum the Hormone style, the song Yoshu Fukushu (Preemptive Revenge) incorporates a compelling mix of both sorrowful and aggressive tones. Nao's beautiful and expressive vocals lay out a pleasant but sobering tune, whilst Daisuke-han's deep and powerful voice turns the dilal up to exhilarating degrees.

The vocal track offers both beautiful and thrilling tones, blending wonderfully with the hard hitting and aggressive sounds provided by the instrumentation. With plenty of drastic shifts in dynamic offering up a multitude of emotions, Maximum the Hormone's Yoshu Fukushu makes for an incredibly powerful and thoroughly enjoyable song 

If you like you can check out the song in the link above and let us know what you think.
You can also find yesterdays song of the day here, J-tunes daily: BUMP OF CHICKEN - Firefly


Check out Maximum the Hormone's website maximumthehormone.jp/news.
Follow the band on Twitter @MTH_OFFICIAL

Friday 20 March 2015

J-tunes daily: BUMP OF CHICKEN - Firefly



Song of the day
BUMP OF CHICKEN - Firefly

Bump of Chicken is a Japanese rock group from Sakura, Chiba, Japan. Formed in 1994 the band consists of Motoo Fujiwara (Vocal & Guitar), Hiroaki Masukawa (Guitar), Yoshifumi Naoi (Bass) and Hideo Masu (Drum). Since their inception they have released twenty-three singles and 7 albums, with their upcoming single "Hello, World!/Colony" set to release in April 22, 2015, standing as their twenty-fourth single. Their music has been used as theme songs in various video games, anime, movies and television shows in Japan.


Opening to the pleasant sounds of smooth rock, followed by Motoo Fujiwara's distintcly warm and melodic vocals, Firefly oozes upbeat, feel good vibes throughout. Whilst the songs structure is rather simplistic, it makes up for its simplicity with slight but competent shifts in dynamic that help add an extra emotional layer to the piece. The strong and expressive vocal track flows wonderfully to the rhythmic pacing provided by the full and varied instrumentation, resulting in a song that will leave you both emotionally charged and thoroughly entertained . 

If you like you can check out the song in the link above and let us know what you think.
You can also check out yesterdays song of the day here, J-tunes daily: Supercell - Kimi No Shiranai Monogatari


Check out BUMP OF CHICKEN's website bumpofchicken.com
Follow the band on Facebook facebook.com/bocBUMP

Thursday 19 March 2015

J-tunes daily: Supercell - Kimi No Shiranai Monogatari



Song of the day
Supercell - Kimi No Shiranai Monogatari
Sung by now ex Supercell vocalist Nagi Yanagi, "Kimi No Shiranai Monogatari" was used as the the ending theme to the popular Shōnen anime "Bakemonogatari" The song recounts the meeting of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi (represented by the stars Vega and Altair respectively).

Originating from the Chinese Qixi festival, and later adopted by Japan to be celebrated with the festival Tanabata (meaning "Evening of the seventh"), legend goes that the Milky Way separates these lovers, and they are allowed to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month of the lunisolar calendar.


Powerful and expressive, with beautiful, melodic vocals and poppy, pleasant beats. "Kimi No Shiranai Monogatari" encapsulates many of the the best elements of J-pop, from its catchy, rhythmic vocal track to its rich, varied accompaniment. At just under 6 minuets long, the song may seem like it could drag on a little, but for the most part it does incredibly well to deliver an uplifting and enjoyable experience from beginning to end. 

If you like you can check out the song in the link above and let us know what you think.
You can also check out yesterdays song of the day here, J-tunes daily: Tsuki Amano - Chou


Check out Supercell's website: supercell.jp/english.
Follow the band on Facebook facebook.com/supercell.JPN

Wednesday 18 March 2015

J-tunes daily: Tsuki Amano - Chou



Song of the day
Tsuki Amano - Chou

Sung by Tsuki Amano, her single "Chou" was used as the main theme song to the popular survival horror game "Fatal Frame II". Amano went onto sing the theme song for each game in the series since then with "Koe" for "Fatal Frame III", "Zero no choritsu" for "Fatal Frame: Mask Of The Lunar Eclipse", and most recently with "Torikago ~in the cage~" the theme song to "Fatal Frame: Oracle of the Sodden Raven" which features alongside four other tracks in her latest mini-album titled, Gomoku narabe.


Powerful and emotional in both tone and feeling, "Chou" is an incredibly beautiful and passionate song. The melody is rich and tuneful, with Amano's strong and expressive vocals elevating the piece to new heights. Instrumentally, the song has a rich, full accompaniment that complements the vocal track perfectly, with varied shifts dynamic keeping you engaged throughout. All this results in a song that is both emotionally moving as well as an absolute pleasure to listen to.

Unquestionably my favourite song by her, "Chou" is without a doubt one of Tsuki Amano's best pieces of music and an amazing song in its own right.

If you like you can check out the song in the link above and let us know what you think.
You can also check out yesterdays song of the day here, J-tunes daily: Kanon Wakeshima - Still Doll


Check out Tsuki Amano's website tsuki-amano.com
Follow  her on Twitter
Follow her Blog tsuki-amano.weblogs.jp/zatsuon/

Tokyo based punk-rock band: younGSounds



Pushing punk beyond the bounds, Tokyo based punk-rock band "Youngsounds" artfully written as "younGSounds" offer up their very own unique brand of sound, with a novel fusion of hardcore punk-rock and rhythmic hip-hop dance music. 

Formed back in 2007 and signed with Japanese publisher "SPACE SHOWER MUSIC", the band is currently comprised of, Morikawa Atsushi (vocals), Yakenohara (sampler, rap), Ken Takehisa (guitar), Minoru Kakinuma (drums), Nakao Kentaro (bass) and miesha (keyboard, cho) To date, they have released two albums, "bootleg of ys" in 2009 and most recently "More Than TV" in 2012.

younGSounds - younGSounds No Disco
From the album More Than TV

Offering up a mixed medley of musical marvels, their second album "More Than TV" is bursting with a wide varied of sounds, from hardcore punk, hip-hop, funk and more, with the track "younGSounds No Disco" providing the perfect jumping on point for those new to younGSounds's fun loving and contemporary style.

Opening with funky, rhythmic beats provided by keyboard, drum and bass, followed by the warm, tuneful sounds of electric guitar. The tone on offer here is up-beat and groovy, all the while oozing passionate punk spirit. Joining the ensemble are rhythmic, rap vocals bringing a punchy tone to the groovy vibes presented by the instrumentation. 

As the pace builds, passionate chants of D.I.S.C.O!!! resonate, followed by fast paced, rhythmic and stylish vocals that close to distortion and reverb, to be followed by the groovy samplings of "She Can't Love You" by Chemise, with younGSounds vocals chiming in making for a surprisingly catchy sound. The song wraps up after a second verse followed by a chorus, to be capped off nicely by "She Can't Love" You closing to the echoing sounds of reverb. All-in-all, "younGSounds No Disco" is a fun, upbeat song that oozes punk spirit and hits hard with groovy hip-hop beats.

Demonstrating good range and skilful composition, younGSounds have proven to be an exceptionally talented bunch, their second album offers a nice variety of tracks, with some very notable selections, "younGSounds No Disco" being one of them, with its catchy, up-beat groove and powerful punk infused vibe, it is sure to bring a smile to your face and a rhythm to your step.

While I still have some catching up to do with their earlier work, "More Than TV" has certainly peaked my interest, and provided ample reason to make myself more familiar with the bands unique blend of punk & hip-hop dance music.

For those of you who'd like to check out their song for yourselves, you can find the MV for "younGSounds No Disco" linked above. Enjoy!
 

Follow younGSounds on Twitter @Slappie_grind Morikawa Atsushi / @yakenohara_taro Yakenohara / @takehisaken  Ken Takehisa / Minoru Kakinuma (???) / @kentaro_nakao Nakao Kentaro / @miesha_love Miesha