...the reverse side of beauty..//..Mantified

the GazettE's Live Report at Tokyo Dome up on JRR

2010-12-27T11:44:00.000+08:00

Wow, wow, wow! Am at Tokyo and it's less than 24 hours since I watched the GazettE's live at Tokyo Dome. It's the best Boxing Day I've ever spent!

Once again, I really want to thank rawkstarr23 for getting tickets for me (I had a blast!) and I saw many interesting sights, even a girl who went alone was flailing her head without much help. Oh, and I saw someone in a Pikachu suit. Only in Japan!

There was plenty of fan service going on, and it dawned on me as I wrote the live report last night that I was merely metres away from Uruha, Ruki, Reita, Aoi and Kai, some of my favourite Japanese boys. They looked absolutely wonderful and once the live DVD will be up for pre-order, I'll be the first in line to get it and scream like a fan girl again like I did on the day. Hopefully the bling on my hands made it onto the screen since it's so ridiculously shiny!

The live report is now available on JRR. Enjoy!

LUNA SEA Live Report on JRR

2010-12-22T00:49:00.000+08:00

It really has been absolutely crazy busy with all that packing to be done in order to cart back home after my studies (and adventures) overseas on the the island of Singapore. Ah...

But, right now, the one thing I'm extremely proud to announce: I went to the LUNA SEA live in Hong Kong on December 11th! It was an absolute blast as I twittered everything I saw and heard (which I felt of great significance) onto my swanky iTouch 4. Am really glad to have attained some followers who followed the gig all the way until the end.

Additionally, another something worth mentioning is my live report. I offered to write one for JRR as part of my contribution due to my love for the group. So, imagine my state of ecstatic-ness when it's up on the site!

Live report found here.

I'll be headed for Tokyo this Friday to catch the GazettE's live on Sunday. I will be doing a live report for the Tokyo Dome show, as well as do some twittering (maybe some on JRR's official twitter when over there, but I'll definitely be tweeting out of my personal username). So, if you're interested, follow me @taintedmantis and @jrockrevolution for updates!

PLEDGE PV is out!

2010-11-27T04:37:00.000+08:00

It's out! FINALLY! So, take this chance to watch it!

Now to wait for the official release so that I can watch it on HD at home! As I always say, buy the artists' stuff if you want to support them.

This video is making me wish Christmas will come sooner. =)

SUGIZO's interview with JRR

2010-11-16T19:35:00.000+08:00

Luna Sea hype is about to dawn upon us. Now how about reading some opinions from one of them, SUGIZO?

I'm so glad I can watch them in Hong Kong later this year! The political dispute between Japan and China is making certain things unnerving. *sigh*

Other than that? I've been punching eyelets. They're kind of like these annoying spiders that won't go away, but you have to deal with them else you might get bitten by one. And your outfit could be ruined if you're not careful enough. Bah.

SUGIZO on Twitter and Facebook! (Along with others...)

2010-11-13T05:05:00.000+08:00

If you're not already on Twitter, SUGIZO's already ahead of you! He has also set up his Official Facebook Page. It's really exciting to see all these JRockers on Twitter, which include the likes of Miyavi, Aoi and Ruki of the GazettE. Squee!

And of course, I'm now officially on Twitter too! I made it a while ago, but as opening up a web page on my lappy just to read tweets isn't really my style, I haven't used it much...that's until I got myself a swanky new iTouch 4! So yes, if you're interested in following, my Twitter is TaintedMantis. I've also linked this blog to Twitter, so updates will come to you straight away!

Welcome to my daily randomness!

PS Company Global Fan Club and the GazettE's preview for PLEDGE

2010-11-13T01:00:00.001+08:00

It's been a long, long, long time. Sorry folks! Been busy crazy with the retake - makes me want to cry just thinking about it...

Anyway, an overdue update! If you haven't joined the Heresy fan club for a PSC band, good news! PS Company has announced that they've launched a global PSC fan club! And the best thing about it is that it doesn't matter how many bands PSC has, because the registration fee is the same! Might think about finally joining as an official fan - but need to save my money for now.

Details here!

And speaking of the GazettE, ever since I've got a swanky new iTouch 4, I've been following Aoi and Ruki's Twitter (along with a couple of other artists. So yes, they've announced that the preview for PLEDGE is now available for listening to on the OHP. I'm excited!

So far, no PV yet, but from the sounds of the latest single, it's set to be an amazing ballad. The sounds remind me of the chorus Without a Trace (even though I'm somewhat hoping for another Distress and Coma), so maybe we'll be getting something similar? I don't like the cover artwork as much, but their new look it's beautiful.

the GazettE's PLEDGE available for pre-order!

2010-10-13T11:21:00.000+08:00

The official release date is out! December 15th! Instead of simply releasing the single in the form of Auditory Impression (CD only with 2 B-sides) and Optical Impression (CD with 1 B-side and the DVD video), they're releasing Type A Limited Edition (which has DVD), Type B Limited Edition (also has a DVD) and the regular edition (no DVD). The art work and contents haven't been released yet, but I'm totally excited that it will be a "winter ballad".

Get your copy soon! Wow, and just a week and a half before the Tokyo Dome live too! I'll definitely be able to watch this song live!

Package Tour for the GazettE's Tokyo Dome Show

2010-10-10T03:41:00.000+08:00

musicJAPAN+ is doing a package for foreigners who are planning to go to the GazettE's 1st Tokyo Dome live! While I probably wouldn't do the package (since I'll be making other plans there), it's definitely recommended if it's your first time in Japan or if you don't have a travel/concert partner to go to the live with.

More details here!

the GazettE on Facebook?!

2010-10-08T13:22:00.001+08:00

Is it true? Is it a fact?! Is it an unbearable fact?!

While I cannot confirm for sure, it really does seem like they've really set up a page on Facebook: FB Page

Wow, first it's Miyavi, then Luna Sea, now the GazettE's joining the cyber trends. Nice!

Ocean Park's 10 Year Anniversary Halloween Bash

2010-10-02T23:41:00.002+08:00

Not that I'm normally a fan of haunted houses, but after watching the promotional video (by Korean ex-pop star EnJel - it shows the decline of the Hong Kong music industry when they don't use someone who's local and decent in entertainment), I'm having some second thoughts about not going again this year.

As for the advert...I think it's fantastic! Even though it's kind of Lady Gaga, the make up, costumes and big hair (on EnJel) are wicked! It's one of those times when I really feel inspired to do something like that.

If I've got a chance this year, I'll definitely go! Significant anniversaries are the times when they'll make events more interesting.

SUGIZO the composer

2010-09-27T18:14:00.000+08:00

The more I play SUGIZO's compositions as chill out music, the more mesmerized I become to his audio charm. I'm really glad that I've been able to get his COSMOSCAPE album, not only is it full of (good quality) electronica, there are also bits and pieces of wonderfully composed alternative sounds, ranging from jazz moods to romantic classical based pieces.

I was really disappointed when CDJAPAN emailed me back to say that SUGIZO's copies of C:LEAR are now sold out (even from the source). But hey, there will always be more of him in X JAPAN and Luna Sea! (I'm more for the latter, but ah well...)

Yes, I know I've totally been raving Mr. SGZ in previous entries. I just cannot get enough of his musical talents. I truly would love to spread his wonderful works of art. Would definitely go to see a solo live of his if I've got the chance (despite the fact that I'll be seeing him with Luna Sea in December, but it's more of a rock than a dance thing).

Here's to hoping that we'll be seeing some solo album releases some time in between Luna Sea and X Japan projects!

the GazettE's B-Sides VERMIN and AN UNBEARABLE FACT

2010-09-23T08:44:00.002+08:00

You've been hearing it from me for the last few days already, RED is officially out! I'm starting to like the single a little more now that I've listened to it a few more times. Still not sure whether it'll end up being one of the most played on the GazettE playlist, but we'll see!

The B-sides though, are definitely worth a mention. VERMIN is the lesser of my favourite, but it's a fun song in its own respect. Very much similar to No.[666], and very beautifully made. The contrast in the musical interlude adds a mysterious touch to the piece before jumping back into the fast paced craziness. And of course, I cannot neglect to mention AN UNBEARABLE FACT. It's a gentler form of rock, geared more towards a ballad, it's slightly abrasive, but yet it's very beautifully done as a form of hard ballad.Lacing the piano within the hard rock is worth an arrangement of its own. I like the fact that there isn't any weird screaming that you sometimes hear from the likes of Dir En Grey (not that I hate them, they're just not my type of rock). Just for that song, I'm really glad that I bought the Auditory Impression CD. Am hoping it will make it into the next album!

VAMPS Tour 2010

2010-09-22T21:45:00.000+08:00

With all this hype going on with VAMPS' world tour starting on October at Los Angeles, I might as well jump on the band wagon!

Although I'm not as big a fan on VAMPS, I do enjoy their music style time and again with the fun rock: more of the jump up and down type. It's a really good time to catch Hyde (the vocalist) in VAMPS at this time before he goes back to L'Arc En Ciel activities. I guess VAMPS is about appealing to the Western audience since the lyrics are in English? I'll leave that for you to decide.

I love Revolution. The video sequence reminds me of Michael Jackson's Leave Me Alone. It's almost like a parody of something important.

BANG! ON! STOMP EVERYBODY!

Vidoll on Hiatus

2010-09-22T15:28:00.000+08:00

Most Vidoll fans should know this by now, but for those of you who do not know, Vidoll is under hiatus as of September 18th due to vocalist Jui's deteriorating voice. It's devastating to hear this news as the voice is the life and soul for a singer.

I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like. Even though they are not my favourite band (a.k.a love them to the point where I would feel obliged to buy the majority of their music and other random goodies every time something comes out), I really do admire Jui's voice. He has a beautiful sense of gentleness, similar to Gackt's, with a little something to captivate your senses.

Please give them your support! I give you one of their last songs. Their last pieces are available from HearJapan as a farewell gift to their fans.

Free Tickets to VAMPS Shows!

2010-09-22T12:09:00.000+08:00

Jrockrevolution.com is doing a free ticket give away! So if you have no money to go watch VAMPS, or just want some freebie tickets, sign up! Of course, provided you're in the North Americas...hahaha.

Free tickets here!

Koda Kumi's UNIVERSE Tour DVD and the GazettE's RED Single

2010-09-21T21:24:00.000+08:00

It's here, it's here! The GazettE's official release for RED is due out tomorrow! Can't wait to hear the B-sides (as always...just a small reminder that I haven't been neglecting J-Rock).

In other news, even though I'm more focused on J-Rock, I still keep up with the likes of Koda Kumi (倖田來未). Her latest UNIVERSE Tour DVD is now available for pre-order from CD Japan - though priced at around HK$500 is a little pricey for my liking. We'll see though!

There are way too many reasons why I keep buying Koda Kumi's music and concert DVDs: main one is simply she has no problem making her work as fabulous as possible. For one thing, I love her dance music. Her electronica, hip-hop and RnB styling is meshed so well you can't help but want to dance to it (or at least pump it up in the car when going for a drive). Her costumes are always marvelous to look at - sometimes outrageously sexy, but never overdoing it to the point of tartiness...and sometimes really cute, even though I'm not a fan of super kawaii. And the stage settings are always something really fantastic to look at. They are always so beautifully adorned you can't help but say, "WOW!" And that happens every time I see a new concert DVD.

UNIVERSE is one of the songs from the UNIVERSE album. Even though I would have loved to see a PV to promote this song, I can't wait to see the stage version of it!

the GazettE's single [RED] PV

2010-09-12T18:47:00.000+08:00

Wow! Didn't expect the PV to be available this soon! The single has the Regret feeling, which isn't my total cup of tea. I am awed by Aoi's new look though...he's got Uruha's old hair style! And Reita does have a near different look this time with his tribal head band thing going on. Overall, it's a dark glamour video. Maybe it'll grow on me a bit more? Can't wait until I can hear the B sides later this month!

It's very likely the Sony will remove this up, so enjoy it while you can!

TORTURE PV by Miyavi

2010-09-03T17:41:00.000+08:00

Boy oh boy oh boy oh boy! Just when you think you've heard the end of Miyavi after a month long of Tokyo live streams, we have the next single!

I've been listening to TORTURE throughout the live and thought it was a pretty good song. While I preferred most of the live versions of his songs (Survive being one of them), this is most definitely one which sounds way better recorded than the live. Not to say that I don't like the live version of this song, but the basicness (is that even a word?) of raw Miyavi style rock without the bells and jingles in the song is outstanding in its own right. It's one of the more serious songs I've seen, i.e. no silly facial gimmicks or random spazz, and still very true to the Miyavi essence.

I'm loving this single!

Now to wait for the album release!

the GazettE's CD covers for [RED] released!

2010-09-01T18:47:00.000+08:00

It's official! We can now see the artwork for the single covers for Red. I must say that they turned from concept art to more fashion photos, particularly starting from the last release with SHIVER.

You can see it in their OHP.

And only 21 days left before their release! Soon soon! *SPAZZES*

Luna Sea's World Tour Announcement

2010-08-31T15:53:00.004+08:00

I'm writing this just after watching their press conference that was broadcast live on UStream TV. Luna Sea has announced that they will be going a world tour to celebrate their 20th anniversary. The main aims are to bring good music back on stage to thank their fans for their continuous support, in addition to reaching out to newer and younger generation fans.

The following are confirmed:

Germany (Bochum)
November 27, 2010

USA (Los Angeles)
December 4th, 2010

Hong Kong
December 11,2010

Taiwan (Taipei)
December 18 2010

Japan (Tokyo Dome)
December 23/24 2010

More dates and locations will be announced at a later time (when things are more organized). Ticket sales for the Hong Kong show will begin as from September 3.

There will be an official subtitled version of the press conference posted up later.

So...anybody wants to go to the HK show with me??

Geek Roots

2010-08-29T01:01:00.001+08:00

Okay, I've given in...I've actually bought Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty game...along with the Diablo 2: Lord of Destruction pack. I really haven't gamed in ages, and trawling through the fields of Act 1 and the jungles of Act 3 have really brought about a sense of nostalgia of why I loved gaming so much.

I really should think about getting back into Battle.net again. And play a corpse explosion necromancer while playing 13STAIRS[-1] in the background! Serious pwnage is needed for the Fetish kids...

Streaming Emotions with Miyavi

2010-08-27T01:48:00.000+08:00

I've finally got to "attend" Miyavi's lives! Well...not really, hahaha, but it is technically watching him live when he's streaming in real time.

So far, I've watched 6 lives...all of them were really awesome. Part of what I love is the interaction with the other fans on the chat channel. You could recognize some of them after a while too. And his lives tend to sound a lot better than the CD versions as well, I remember when one of his lives had a jazzy version of one of his classics. Of course, I always laugh whenever he sings What's My Name?, and I love some of the newer stuff too.

Guess I should pre-order that new album soon...

Luna Sea's Urgent Press Conference

2010-08-25T23:59:00.000+08:00

Seriously, when will these guys actually stop teasing us with different versions of this video?!

But anyhow, they have announced that they will be holding a press conference in Hong Kong, at 15:00 local time! WOW! And it will be broadcasted live on UStream! I'm really excited!

For your convenience, check some of the following time zones to see when you can watch the conference (may edit this at a later date).

Hong Kong 15:00
Japan 16:00
London 08:00
New York 03:00
Toronto 03:00
LA 00:00
France 09:00
Germany 09:00

T.M.Revolution's New Single: Naked Arms

2010-08-25T20:17:00.003+08:00

I cannot even begin to tell you how much I laugh whenever I think about TMR's music video for Hot Limit. I'll get into that at a later entry, but first, a new single!

The single is very true to T.M.Revolution's style, though with less of the crazy costumes. It feels very retro, somehow... Maybe it's because he's keeping it more naturally cool?

Cartoon KAT-TUN and J-Dramas

2010-08-17T03:10:00.003+08:00

I've finally got myself to sit down and watch the Cartoon KAT-TUN series! I've been meaning to watch them, but YouTube only has snippets of funny bits and all that randomness. I'm currently only up to episode 19 (out of 152 for all 3 seasons). Season 1 features 100Q, where guests fill up the questionnaire sheet of 100 questions prior to the show. Some of them were interesting, others were pretty boring (you would think so too if you have to endure watching one episode after another for 3 hours straight!)

Most of it features Taguchi getting his ass kicked (literally!) by Koki in the beginning, and I do love the Smiley Olympics, which is mainly made of Nakamaru's epic failure to smile. XD

And now that I've got my sound back (YIPEEEEE!!!), have to catch up on the other Japanese dramas. I've been aching to watch the Japanese version of Hana Kimi for ages. Nakatsu is hilariously funny when he's talking to himself. Oh! The music! The music that always get switched on when Nakatsu sees Ashiya! Ah...comic relief! Now, I should go and getmyself some Gokusen and Wallflower. Oh, how I <3 those streaming videos!

Ore wa homo ja naaaaaaaiiii!!!

No More Pain Album Review

2010-08-14T12:35:00.001+08:00

After weeks of waiting, I finally got to listen to KAT-TUN's No More Pain album properly. Overall, it's a very pop fueled collection and definitely so compared to Queen of Pirates, which is still my overall favourite album. The good thing is that it didn't take me long to like the majority of the songs. I certainly had a hard time coming to accept Break the Records properly. Maybe it's because I had high expectations back then?

I also think it may have something to do with the solo pieces. Not that I don't like Tatsuya, but when he's always singing about flowers in every song, it gets old - particularly as every piece has always been some ballad. Rabbit or Wolf? surely came as a pleasant surprise. Given I've never been a fan of Taguchi's solos, Love Music really came across as a brilliant change. It's easy to listen to, and it doesn't feature that weird crudeness (sorry guys!). What an improvement!

A joy to listen to. Even though we won't be seeing Jin in KAT-TUN anymore.

the World

2010-08-12T23:20:00.001+08:00

I have been listening to my limited list of Nightmare songs on repeat the past week, which has been truly enjoyable for my want and desire to get to know them more. Ideally, I'd still like to add more songs to my inventory before starting to buy their releases. My amount of love comes first you know!

My favourite so far is the World. It's rock, wonderfully upbeat, not to mention extraordinary on its guitar solo. And, if it sounds familiar, it's one of the opening pieces for Death Note,which, I must say, is one of the most exciting thriller mystery series I've ever read for the manga...would definitely look into watching the anime for it too. The reason for adoring this single? It's the sort of auditory introduction for this sort of action-mystery fueled anime should be like: something with a moderately fast tempo, easy on the ears to listen to, and interesting arrangements. Nice! I love the original PV too, the use of tarot cards, candles and elegant candle stands, a cloaked being, Hitsugi blindfolded...it really all adds up to the atmosphere of not knowing what fate will do.

Game On!

2010-08-10T03:12:00.000+08:00

My favourite web-series The Guild is back with season 4 (which I didn't find out until last week or the week before...)!

Being the gamer geek I am, I watched the entire seasons 1 and 2 in one sitting (given episode is only around 5 minutes long). Love that Bollywood music video to promote the latest season!

Game On!

Fallout New Vegas Demo

2010-08-08T04:08:00.003+08:00

If you're a fan of the Fallout series (or just love a good RPG with the FPS feeling to a game), I'm certain you'll love the new Fallout that's set to be released this Fall...Fallout New Vegas

Oh boy! I'm totally excited for this new game! Using the same Bethesda game engine, Obsidian is making this one similar to the Fallout 3 game play, but with elements of things like reputation from Fallout 1/2 and a couple more old weaponry I haven't seen in ages in the new one.

I love the whole Las Vegas lush environment, which makes you think you're in some similar world like Sin City. *is hoping to see sex happening like in Fallout 2...not that you actually get to see anything, but at least with the possibilities...*

And companion commands got way easier to handle too! And with how agressive/passive you want your companions to be, you gain tighter control of how you want to battle the uglies, raiders and maybe a couple of deathclaws.

And there's a new trailer too! Check it out...

Can't wait to get back to the wasteland ~~and hope for some ghoul pr0n~~...and guess I know what birthday/Christmas present to ask for this year!

BUCK-TICK to Razzle Dazzle in October!

2010-08-06T07:47:00.006+08:00

Personally, I'm not a die hard BUCK-TICK fan (yet), but given there's so much hype going on over this legendary group...post worthy alarm bells!

It will be released on October 13. Razzle Dazzle is the name! CD Japan is already accepting pre-orders and, if you're into the technology, the limited edition comes in Blu-Spec format with a DVD included! How appropriate for a super group to celebrate its 18th album on their 25th anniversary! XD

Tokyo Hive also has a few more minor details about its track listing.

And! And, in closer to the present excitement, don't forget that their new single Kuchizuke will be out on September 1! And in 3 versions too! So...is anybody buying?

Just to give you some flavour of who BUCK-TICK is (as well as a snippet of what their latest single will be like), Sony Music Japan has provided a teaser for us. ^^

Methinks it'll be an interesting piece, but we'll wait until the actual release before the commentaries start flowing.

My favourite song is Zangai [残骸]. A totally seksi song and complementary video! XD Seriously, if all men could look this good as they age, the world would be filled with happy women.

Right, time to leave the flat...must try and stay awake after a night of no sleep. D:

Bus Tour to Tokyo Dome

2010-08-05T01:05:00.000+08:00

As if there isn't already enough hype with the GazettE doing their finale on Boxing Day, there's a bus tour for fans going to Tokyo Dome for the show too! More details about it can be found on the musicJAPAN+ site.

Wow, if I wasn't actually going to the live with a couple of American guys, I'd probably have thought of maybe participating in the bus tour. Then again...it's already kind of crazy enough to drag some dudes around to watch other men. LOL.

Then again, I think the GazettE has already eaten a lot of money from me, and will do so again when I buy some fan merchandise on the day itself. We'll see what happens when I actually land myself some tickets!

the GazettE's [RED] available for pre-order

2010-08-03T08:55:00.000+08:00

CD Japan's now accepting pre-orders for the GazettE's single RED. The CD information's also available!

RED [Auditory Impression], Regular Edition
Red
VERMIN
AN UNBEARABLE FACT

RED [Optical Impression], Limited Edition w/DVD
Red
VERMIN

So...what will it be? A ballad...? A head bang piece...? I'm still hankering for another rock ballad as a single just because Distress and Coma is so beautifully done (and is still my favourite song). They sure know how to compose ballads that let you immerse into the moment.

Miyavi's new single, album and live stream!

2010-08-02T12:13:00.003+08:00

Okay, major Miyavi update is in order...his new single Torture will be out on September 15 - his first single release in 3 years! If you buy the limited edition, there will be an extra CD containing some selections of audio recording from some of his lives in Tokyo, LA and NY, as well as a tattoo sticker. Limited Edition anybody?

He'll also be releasing a new album on October 13 called What is my name? (LOL, typical of him to name something like that XD), his first one in 2 years (and a first after his graduation from PSC too instead of simply a compilation).

Definitely something for your wallet to look forward to! Hahaha.

And, he's got a special surprise for us unlucky people who haven't had the chance to watch him live on his tour. We'll have 12 chances (yes, 12! You heard me right!) to see him live in action online as he continues his tour in Tokyo!

How awesome is that?!

Yup, he'll be Screaming out in Tokyo at the following times on UStream:

08/01/10 HARAJYUKU ASTRO HALL
08/05/10 SHIMOKITAZAWA SHELTER
08/13/10 SHIBUYA Lush
08/14/10 SHINJYUKU LOFT
08/16/10 SHIBUYA O-nest
08/17/10 SHIMOKITAZAWA BASEMENT BAR
08/18/10 AOYAMA TSUKIMIRU KIMI OMOFU
08/23/10 SHIBUYA LIVE STAGE GUILTY
08/24/10 SHIBUYA CHELSEA HOTEL
08/25/10 ROPPONGI morph-tokyo
08/27/10 LIVE labo YOYOGI
08/31/10 SHINDAITA LIVE HOUSE FEVER

open 19:00 / start 20:00 (JAPAN TIME)

Check your time zones for your convenience:
Tokyo pm8:00
LA am4:00 (JAPAN TIME -16hours)
N.Y am7:00 (-13hours)
Toronto am7:00 (-13hours)
Vancouver am4:00 (-16hours)
London pm12:00 (-8hours)
France pm1:00 (-7hours)
Germany pm1:00 (-7hours)
Brazil am8:00 (-12hours)
Mexico am5:00 (-15hours)
Santiago am7:00 (-13hours)
Sydney pm10:00 (+2hours)
Barcelona pm1:00 (-7hours)
Moscow pm3:00 (-6hours)
Shanghai pm7:00 (-1hours)

The link to the live stream: UStream.TV
UStream is also available on his MySpace if you forget the UStream link!

(Thanks to Murbella for the info!)

Personally, I'll probably try to catch the lives as from the 13th after I get my computer fixed: it really sucks when you have no sound on your lappy. D: He's certainly a trend setter for fan connections!

And as for purchases...I'll wait out for the album to allow my piggy bank to fatten up a bit first.

Nightmare - Time to Finance them?, SOTM a:FANTASIA

2010-08-02T09:52:00.041+08:00

I've been listening to only a few sings, but I'm personally starting to love the group Nightmare (or Naitomea).

But before actually buying anything, I'll have to be totally passionate over their songs. Passion! Make me love them to the point I'll want to listen to them over and over again until my ears are overrun with Naitomea lurve. (If they can actually overtake the GazeRock. LOL.)

But yes! I think I should love at least 8 songs before starting to buy CDs of said acts. There isn't much of a point of buying an album if I'm only going to like 1 song out of 10 on it, right? So far, I've got 3.

For now, introducing their latest released single a:FANTASIA. While the PV is kind of iffy, being really dimly lit and I have no idea what's going on, the song is really catchy. Yomi's voice quality is decent (despite his occasional show of his unbumpy chest), and the song's arrangement has its own twist. I didn't expect the song to slow down its melody in the chorus without breaking the hardcore effect. The guitar solo is like adding some light to a dark song, weaved in between rather negative lyrics before reverting back to the bass domination. Overall, it's a good piece to listen to while you trash your flat apart.

Another song for another time.

SUGIZO's New Single Missing Link feat. Mick Karn + Lollapalooza

2010-07-30T14:19:00.005+08:00

I admit, SUGIZO's latest single Missing Link isn't exactly new news, but given he's made a massive update about his work in his MySpace blog, I feel (somewhat) compelled to make a sort of commentary here. Hahaha.

Missing Link is actually composed to aid Mick Karn for his cancer treatment. I normally wouldn't pay that much for just 1 song (without CDs/booklets and all that environmentally unfriendly packaging), but because I support the cancer cause, I've donated 10 quid to buying the single. It starts off with quite an airy feel, but when the trademark SUGIZO style dance music started after around 1:30 minutes, it just got better. And of course, his violin playing mixed with dance music does give the piece a new age style breath into the piece. It flows smoothly, without hearing weird noises that some people would put in to make it sound "cool". I think it must be the violin...it's the violin I say! It's one more (good) techno song to add to my collection! Personally, I'm not really a fan of techno because it's really horrible electronica music most of the time - but SUGIZO knows how to make it sound the way it should: makes you want to pump up the dance floor.

To get your own copy and to help Mick Karn financially (even if it's just 99p), please visit Mick Karn's page.

And of course, there is that Lollapalooza live with X Japan. Not exactly new news either, since it's quite widely publicized, but hell, he sure is busy with all that going on! Not to mention he's got Luna Sea's REBOOT event, whatever that is, as well as that fan club acoustic live show. And I wonder what Asian country he's going to jet off to...

Just hope he keeps safe throughout!

Messiah is still my favourite dance song though. =)

VAMPS new album: BEAST and Starcraft II

2010-07-30T13:13:00.000+08:00

The new VAMPS album BEAST is out now! I did order it, but I'm waiting for some of the other releases to come out first before letting CD Japan ship it to me. Really excited to hear Hyde's awesome voice and singing though!

And I haven't talked much about gaming lately, but one thing worth mentioning is that Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty is in stores in the US now. I'm more of a Diablo person, but I truly believe that the campaigns are worth playing to get ahead with the storyline. In the mean time, I'm waiting for all the expansions to be released (and a computer upgrade) before making my move on the purchase. I wonder what Kerrigan's up to?

REBOOT (version Mantified): New Layout!

2010-07-30T11:45:00.004+08:00

Okay, finally! My new layout for this blog is here!

I will miss the old layout and its colours, but this new one is exciting!

So what did I change? Mainly the comments. The old layout was under classic style, and despite claims that you were actually able to use the comment functions with that skin, it didn't quite work out for me, no matter how much I've edited the HTML and all that jank. Which really sucks because I do like the overall feel of that skin. And another reason: embedded videos always spill into the next column. Despite always changing the size to the smallest one to embed whenever I want to embed something from a video streaming site (mainly YouTube), sometimes the smallest isn't always small enough to fit into the body. So that also needed remedying.

As such, I decided to use the newer version of Blogger - using the widgets! It'll be easier to add (or remove) things from the side bar since I wouldn't need to fiddle around with changing the HTML so much. But at the same time, I needed bigger body space for my posts - most of the layouts I looked into were either too small, or too business-like, or the design sucked, or it looked way too much like a BBC page (or whatever news/magazine site). After all, I'm not focused on making it look too much like a magazine and I do want to keep it looking more personal than commercial. I did have fun creating the header, it is my favourite group after all. XD And of course, I kept the contents and the right side bar mostly the same and removed some unnecessary wording. The gifs stay though! I love them too much. I might change the background again to make it darker, but I'll give it a rest for now.

Moving on!

Oh...I meant to say...REBOOT (like Luna Sea).

Why is the search so difficult?

2010-07-29T17:03:00.000+08:00

The first thing that can easily put me off is the overall look. First impressions count, I know. It should also count for the internet. Yet, when I use the classic Blogger template, I can see loads of really nice layouts, but most of them have problems with the comment part. It pisses me off to see so few of these gorgeous layouts that can be used as the widget ones.

It's annoying.

And this brings me to my second point: function space. Half of the YouTube videos I embed here spill onto my columns. Not only that, my comments don't work unless if I use the widgets from the Blogger site.

Why must technology and design must be this difficult?

the GazettE's new singles [RED], [Pledge] and Tokyo Dome Finale

2010-07-27T23:36:00.001+08:00

Oh. Boy. More money to be spent! Technically, I wanted to place this in the previous entry, but I feel that this one deserves an entirely new one of its own.

It's been announced that the GazettE will be releasing 2 new singles, RED and Pledge later this year, September 22 and some time in December respectively. Additionally, they announced at the end of their 1st live in the Nameless Liberty Six Bullets 01 tour that their tour finale on December 26th will be held in Tokyo Dome. More info in musicJAPANplus.

So that Boxing Day live definite! And at Tokyo Dome too! What news! And I'm really excited to hear what the new singles will be like. A ballad? Another hardcore? Not like they'll do any oshare, but in that interview with Uruha and Reita, they did mention that whatever they release after would always break their previous image. So nothing too remotely similar to SHIVER then.

What's next? A new album next year? Definitely really excited!

And I definitely need a new layout. Not that I don't like this one, but I hate it when the embedded videos always spills onto the columns on my screen, not to mention you can't even comment. I'm looking for something that's compatible with the Blogger in Draft (new layout template) though. *sigh*

the GazettE's B-Sides HESITATING MEANS DEATH and Naraku, + Luna Sea updates

2010-07-27T23:29:00.001+08:00

If you haven't listened to them ever since Shiver came out, I suggest you do now. I feel that their B-sides are actually better than their actual release, maybe it's because it's more of their true essence?

First up, HESITATING MEANS DEATH. It's available on both [Optical Impression] and [Auditory Impression] releases. As I've said on the JRockRevolution Forums, the song kind of reminds me of a mesh of Toguro, Circle of Swindler, Leech and Discharge with slips of Ganges Ni Akai Bara and Before I Decay in Ruki's singing style. I can just imagine the way this song is played on stage as well as its imagery, starting out with flashes of light to give you a state of drunken dizziness, before belting "This bullet is all openings" and start doing random head bangs. It's probably one of those wild ecstasy song moments. I love his "whooooaaaaa!" it shows Ruki's gentler side. *fan girl talk* Hard and gentle in one song? I never thought it was possible without destroying the piece like 12012 did. (They did cute and hardcore, and it sounded a complete rip off of Leech, not to mention the song sounded like it had 2 styles that just did not go together, let alone a rather crappy video direction.) Then again, I've been waiting for a majorly Engrish song for a while - really exciting!

On the other hand, given the 2 B-sides, I would probably prefer listening to Naraku more. Easy listening purposes you know? Available only on the [Auditory Impression] release, it's definitely a worth listen to. I love that play-pause effect sort of like what Leech had in the electronica, but with a slower feel. I could certainly relate some of the bass style to 13STAIRS[-1]. I would definitely love to see how this song will be played out on stage. All in all, I love the arrangement for this song. It's almost a ballad in itself. Maybe a hard ballad?

Some Luna Sea news, yup, they've teased us again! So, what's happening on August 25? Announcement of a tour? New single? New DVD? Teasers!

[SHIVER] Full PV!

2010-07-08T10:47:00.000+08:00

It's here! I can't believe it's here! Fantastic song. I could imagine listening to this as a form of easy listening in the car. Now to wait for the real release on the 21st and the anime version.

New desktop...decisions decisions...

2010-06-20T11:24:00.000+08:00

What the shit what the shit what the shiiiit....I can't decide which wallpaper to use for my desktop! D: Either I'm going to use the new MySpace header (squee!), the Neo Genesis poster (!!), or Uru's portrait.

*brain dead*

Where's the Choosing?

2010-06-19T00:35:00.000+08:00

I was told really early in the term that they were going to "choose which students to enter the fashion show". But lately...seems it was their original intention to shove all of us into the show. What gives?

My workmanship is shit. And because of this, I have to redo 2 of my garments. What the shit?

So...where's the "choosing" in all this? I would very much like to know.

At the end of the day, I'm just glad that it's almost over. I honestly cannot afford another year of not sleeping and doing terrible things to my liver and kidneys.

No More Pain [PV] and Neo Genesis 45

2010-06-16T08:58:00.000+08:00

Firstly...the latest edition of Neo Genesis is out! May I just scream...I LOVE THEIR NEW LOOK!

The outfits certainly look really exciting, particularly the way the zippers run on Ruki's jumpsuit. Kai, for sure, looks more like Reita's brother with his new hairdo. And Uruha's sporting Miyavi style eye make up (which doesn't seem to suit him though).

I don't like Neo Genesis' new cover page layout though, I liked that white block of text with that font.

Okay okay, I'll stop here for now. Or else I'm going to be procrastinating even further more at this point. :P

But for now! Dig into KAT-TUN's latest PV No More Pain. It's got the Rescue look to it, really sci-fi with all that black armor. Kame, as usual, looks hot in that diva style eye make up, though I preferred it back in his Lips look. Tatsuya really stood out in this PV - that...I like. Why? Because he's normally shying away in the background in the other videos! Maybe it's that butterfly on his face doing it? LOL. He could probably start pretending to be Reita and put random things on his face. XD

Okay, back to work!

[SHIVER] preview - and record change

2010-06-12T22:38:00.001+08:00

Finally! A preview of the song!

If it gets removed from YouTube for copyright reasons, the preview can also be heard at the Kuroshitsuji official site in the back track or on their offical homepage (watch or skip the flash introduction then click on number "10" to find the preview).

I love it - it's old school GazettE that sounds like Regret and Zakurogata no Yuuutsu, which we haven't heard in ages. I was secretly hoping for a ballad like Distress and Coma or another Before I Decay, but they aren't going to release singles that are too similar to their previous ones in consecutive sections. As in the TV interview with Reita and Uruha a few years back (around the release of Hyena), Uruha stated that whatever next single they'll release, they'll use it to break the previous image. It keeps things exciting and me always anticipating whenever something new comes up. So fat chance of another hardcore for me!

Another news is that they've switched from King Records to Sony Music. Initially, I was almost freaking out because I thought they were going to be some commercialized band, but the last line in the entry by Music Japan+ states that they're still part of PSC. Which brings some relief as I do not want to see them being associated to the likes of...I don't know...Johnny's Entertainment (nothing against the Johnnies, but given it's pretty much a boy group manufacturing company...hahaha). I would very much like the GazettE to remain true to themselves by creating songs they want to do - not because they're forced to associate themselves in some marketing scheme to grab more money.

Having said that, I guess I don't need to worry so much. Alien Ducky has translated Ruki's blog, and boy is he mad at the fans for misunderstanding the GazettE's association with the anime!

"What I want everybody to not have any misunderstandings about is the fact that it is not a song made to match an anime.

I have said so a number of times even in interviews and such, I absolutely will not, and cannot make songs or write lyrics in this fashion."

Well, thank God! Not that I have anything against them having a theme song with anime, it's just the fear that they might have changed musical directions. Or some nutty anime fangirls who will jump up and down around them because of the anime rather than because of their music.

And about commercialization? He really did make a strong statement.

"Next, there are also people telling us not to turn into a commercial band, but this is a foolish question.

I’m not about to go and make amends to the GazettE from it’s beginnings.

I’m human too, so with age my thoughts change too, and there is a part of me that grows into an adult.

What doesn’t change, what cannot change, is that we will play the music we want to play."

Thank you very much! As long as they remain true to themselves and continue to do what they do because they want to, I'm happy. I truly believe this is what artists should do: do it because they want to rather than do it because they're forced to. *more rave points for the GazettE*

The rest of the blog entry can be found in Ducky's Translations Blog (which I instantly hit the "follow" button just because I need more information and am really interested in what they say in interviews. XD)

Having said all that I just realized how much I hate doing art that's imposed on me. Is it because of this that I'm starting to resent some of the things I do? Is it my pride is getting in the way of thinking? I honestly don't know. Right now, I'm just too flustered and panicked to think clearly.

GAH.

I definitely need a break. I just got K.O.ed last night. I need to do a few more fucking all-nighters this week to finish my work.

Enough of that.

And finally, had I gone to the V-Rock festival last year, this is what I would have seen:

GAZEROCK IS NOT DEAD. *continues drooling at Uruha's wavy hair*

Vidoll

2010-06-05T22:25:00.000+08:00

I...don't know what to say for this group. Yet I have this strange compulsion to make a commentary about Vidoll.

Methinks they're a curious band. Obviously, as music is the most important factor (followed by visual fashion styling and the PV art), so I'll just comment on their sounds.

As much as I like Jui's voice, it's been a hit and miss journey of Vidoll discovery for me. When I listened to Gothicaroid, it's as though I was listening to early GazettE - not the style I particularly admire when Ruki does it because it makes him sound like his voice hasn't broken yet. Vidoll's stop and go staccatos are not as difficult to listen to, though I suspect it might be because Jui's voice quality is gentler, softening the grunt effect. Then when I downloaded Orihime, my first reaction was: "VERSAILLES!!!!!" Can you really blame me when one of them (Shun or Giru, I still can't tell who's who yet) looks like a non-Renaissance styled version of Hizaki and there are repeated drum sounds that sound totally similar to Versailles' trademark beats? Only it's less Baroque and more upbeat.

They do have some plus points though. I suspect it may be my preference for vocalists who can sing the baritone ends and/or I prefer ballads and hard metal compared to things like...bubblegum rock that screams SuG, Antic Cafe or Kra. (Note: I'm not saying I dislike the said groups. They're just not my cup of tea. Is it because I'm such a depressing person? Hahaha.) I do like some of Vidoll's pieces - Innocent Teens is upbeat without the layer of sugar coating called "kawaii" (yes, there is something called "too kawaii" that exists), Blue Star is also a fast one that's got a strange sense of gentleness without being too cute, and my favourite so far...Cloud. The ballad is light, definitely not overwhelming with cheesiness, and ideal for easy listening.

Did I just give Vidoll a rave point? I might have. But whether I'll be a devoted fan in the long run (like I am for the GazettE, KAT-TUN, Koda Kumi, Miyavi, and lately Luna Sea and SUGIZO) will depend on whether their overall music will win me over enough to want to buy their CDs. I pay financial support to artists I like!

眠狂四郎 Soundtrack Commentary by SUGIZO

2010-06-04T12:02:00.000+08:00

He's finally finished this project! And gave a super lengthy commentary too!

MySpace Blog

After reading all that, I simply cannot wait to listen to this. I'm certain it's totally made of WIN and EPIC. I cannot blame him; he got me totally mesmerized in Synchronicity the moment I listened to it. Recently, it seems he's more focused on making musical poetry of all sorts - I probably prefer this compared to his earlier solo works where he sings more. Although his voice isn't as godly as Ryuichi's, he's very well suited to the airy more electronic new age sounds. Maybe it's the voice quality?

Hopefully, a proper Luna Sea announcement will come soon after, but of course, that will depend on the other members too.

Finally, you can also read his thoughts on the current political situation in Japan. He is, after all, a modern philosopher too.

Okay, time to stop procrastinating. =P For now, Fatima to keep you company.

New Single [SHIVER] Announced, and REBOOT...plus SUGIZO

2010-06-03T10:05:00.000+08:00

Finally! The title of the GazettE's new single's announced! It's called Shiver and will be the anime KuroshitujiII's opening song. I've never heard of the anime before, maybe because it's new? But we'll see if it'll actually interest me. I've already placed my orders...so I'm SO going to get my first press when the entire package from CDJapan's going to be delivered to my door after Film Bug II is released (saves me on separate shipping costs and my mail signer's time for having stuff delivered in one go).

Can't wait! *along with a couple of magazines I bought on the site*

Some more news. Luna Sea announced REBOOT in their MySpace page along with the following video. We're not sure what it means, but hopefully we'll be seeing something substantial soon!

I've also been following Luna Sea's SUGIZO a lot lately too. He makes really beautiful music and is possibly one of the most talented musicians and composers I've encountered. You know how most musicians have a tendency to stick to one genre of music and hardly ever do any crossing over? Being classically trained with the violin, his ability to play various guitars and the bass, the way he dabbles in different styles is simply amazing. I'd love to speak more about him, but for now, I leave you with Synchronicity from his 2001 film Soundtrack (he also did all the music for the film).

Only the last 10 seconds kind of grossed me out though. Hahaha.

I should get a new layout some time. I hate it when the YouTube embeds spill over to the other side.

Introducing...VAMPS

2010-05-20T01:15:00.001+08:00

Technically, I shouldn't even be typing this, but it really has been bugging me as I haven't updated this section in ages.

I've got a sort of new obsession: VAMPS' new single Devil Side. I totally love the chorus (particularly when Hyde sings "I'm in a trance with you").

Technically, despite the fact that it's my first proper VAMPS song, it's not the first time I've heard Hyde's voice - he was previously in L'Arc en Ciel and did one of the ending songs for the Rurouni Kenshin anime 4th Avenue Cafe, but it didn't last long as it was found that their drummer was associated with drugs and immediately dropped the single (reverting back to using T.M.Revolution's Heart of Sword).

In other news...the GazettE's releasing a new single AND a PV compilation AND doing, not 1, but 2 live tours! this is one of those times when I wish I were in Japan...but maybe I'll get to see them at the end of the year...hopefully!

Fingers crossed and here's to hoping!

Japanese Rock Forever

2010-03-13T23:12:00.000+08:00

Not only am I loving Miyavi's new single that's going to come out on March 24 (I've placed my order already!), I've also been falling in love with the classics.

That's right...the roots of many of today's JRock's influences: X Japan and Luna Sea (AHAHAHA...LUNACY). I haven't dug much into X Japan yet, but I do like Luna Sea's stuff. And by looking into LS, I've discovered much much more...I now understand why Uruha looks like the way he looks. It's all because of Sugizo of Luna Sea! (With many thanks - if Uru manages to look something like Sugizo by the time he hits 40, it's definitely a plus.)

So, I bring you...Luna Sea's Rosier. So let's play a game...(only good if you're unfamiliar with the band): Which one is Sugizo?? I think it's easy to guess once you've actually seen a close up of him. XD

Ancient videos

2010-02-23T22:24:00.005+08:00

I've been popping around the intrawebz...when I've stumbled upon some really really ancient videos of the GazettE. Music? Not as awesome as what they've got nowadays, and contains too much LOL factor. Style? Oh. My. God......No. Reita, that really isn't a good look, despite using the same nose band! And blonde hair really doesn't suit Aoi! Some of Ruki's actions are practically eeewwwwww (even though for him to come up with such stuff is normal in his case). And Uruha...*shudder*

I'm not slating them down. It's just a weird shock in some of these videos. Hahaha.

Machibuke no Kouen de probably looks the most "natural" out of all of them. The way they look (other than Reita) didn't shock me as much. You can sense Aoi's innocence in 1:25 and 1:32 - kind of kawaii in a way (and I normally don't even think of him as kawaii). But you can definitely already see Uruha's girlishness in 1:36 - sort of glad he's kept that aura around him when posing for other things, even in the seated shot in 2:31. Reita...eewww...(sorry dear!) Ruki's style isn't bad, and I kind of like the way he's made up. I think Yune could probably compete with Uruha in facial expressions and girlie smoky eyes. And the song itself isn't bad - very 90s feel, especially in the chorus. But I suspect that because Ruki's just made the transition from drummer to vocalist, the way he sings hasn't quite matured yet.

Senchimentaru Onigokko isn't a very nice song in my opinion. And despite the fact that I like red, Ruki's suit looks icky (oh those glasses!). I can't quite decide whether I actually like Aoi's black lipstick, despite his ability to look cooler than Marilyn Manson. But I love the video concept - the dark look, the grunge...and the way the song changes tone from this weird repetitive audio to something a little more interesting in 3:01 is definitely a plus.

Doro Darake no Seishun really does look like the most amateur video out of all of these I'm posting, despite the interesting visuals. Uruha my look like a cute (yet pervy looking, LOL at the person who made that comment on YouTube) school girl in a skirt, but that face pulling in 1:50 has minused like...30 points from him (hahaha). I'm glad he's left the face pulling to Ruki now...Oh God, that blonde hair on Aoi...blonde definitely isn't his colour! And I'm glad they've ditched the "let's jump together!" act in favour of head banging. The only reason worth watching this video (other than to see Uruha's bishojo-ness in a skirt) is the group's finger and roly-poly dance! And Aoi and Reita's poke fest in 4:43...

*still ends up nose bleeding from watching Uru - oh that hair and that pretty figure!*

*ahem* Moving on!

You can barely see their faces in Juu Nana Sai (literal meaning is "Seventeen Years Old" - for once I understood the title just from the romaji!). But overall, I like this ballad, and if the song could be reworked into their current standards - to the likes of Without A Trace and Nakigahara, I'm certain this could be a fantastically beautiful heartbreaking song when sung in a live.

Yes, they've certainly come a long, long, long way. I won't be putting the old stuff into my playlist (because most of these sound awful), but I have to applaud them for their improvement and long standing achievements to the present date. And to such a previously non-rocker like me to be converted into a Gazrock enthusiast.

*holler* GAZROCK IS NOT DEAD.

Coasting Singapore

2010-02-11T00:58:00.000+08:00

Well, it's been nearly 2 months since I've touched down in Singapore. Though there are some good stuff going on, I still prefer Hong Kong. For way, way, way...too many reasons.

The food here is awesome though!

Other than that, I've been updating on Project 365 everyday since January 1st. It's been great at documenting some of the stuff I've been doing here so far. I can't wait to see and feel what happens when I actually do complete 365.

My 365 blog here!

Stop it...

2009-12-26T03:41:00.001+08:00

I just saw the pamphlet scans for the GazettE's Hymn of Crucifixion. Oh. My. God.

Fuck you Uruha. Stop being so damn seksi!!!! *doki doki doki*

Okay, fan girl talking and it's nearly 4am.

(Thanks again to rawkstarr23 on LJ for the speedy uploads!)

Due to LJ community's regulations, I cannot repost them here. However! I'll play with them in the future if I'm doing some graphic work. ^^

Merry Christmas! (2009)

2009-12-25T15:16:00.000+08:00

Merry Christmas y'all!

Now time to buy marshmallows to barbecue at my grandma's house. ^^

The wonders of nail polish

2009-12-23T23:06:00.000+08:00

I don't normally talk about the small things about my life here, but what I witnessed yesterday probed me to feel compelled to write this.

You know how when you're a child and you see something that you feel only grown ups do and feel like there's some sort of magic going on in such a way that you wished you were an adult? I'm sure this is what the girl who watched my nails being painted felt when she curiously stood right next to us right when the manicurist was applying the dark red polish on me. She had this look of wonder at that moment as if she wished that she too could take part in this ritual of making your nails look dangerously beautiful.

Then again, I was probably like that when I first discovered make up and ransacked my mother's wardrobe. It's as if you've unearthed some foreign treasure that holds secrets to the species called woman.

Looking at my glossy pinot noir and nicely shaped finger nails right now, I can't help but think...I've certainly come a long way from a plain teenager to a GazettE fan with newly pierced ears. Maybe it's time to search for more and new magic.

"見果てぬ地に向かう瞳は　何を映し出してゆくの？"

2009-12-20T23:43:00.003+08:00

"見果てぬ地に向かう瞳は　何を映し出してゆくの？"

"Mihatenu chi ni mukau me wa
Nani wo utsushi dashite yuku no?"

"Eyes facing neverending lands
What do they reflect?"

Song of the Moment: 1582

Yes, this is Kame's song in his solo performance at the KAT-TUN Break the Records live. I have to admit that I'm still mesmerized by his song and beautiful dancing. Truly a piece of KAT-TUN masterpiece!

Please refer to my previous entry to watch his magnificence. I can't get his gorgeousness out of my head every time I hear this song.

Otherwise, I'll just let this video run through this post.

But you still have to watch his actual singing (if you haven't already). That's an order.

Kamenashi's Record Breaking

2009-12-18T15:36:00.005+08:00

Oh my goodness...they truly went through the roof with my expectations! Other than the normal fire and laser effects used, a lot of water fountain and aerial performances have been used.

The most eye popping moment: Kamenashi's solo performance.
From his graceful flight to his self absorption of dancing in the fountain, it's probably the best solo dance I've seen in a long time. Who would have thought that Kame would look so seksi in a kimono??

Ossan Ossan Ore Nanbo

2009-12-16T23:05:00.008+08:00

With the HiFi fixed (finally!) I'm watching the Miyavi live of the beginning of the Neo Visualizm tour in 2007. In the middle of Ossan Ossan Ore Nanbo, I almost dropped my lappy off my lap from laughter. Totally a man with many talents in the Japanese music industry, you can't help but fall in love with his charisma - he's serious about his music, but certainly knows how to pull the audience with his drunk like guitar dance while sticking his tongue out in mock cheekiness.

Now, I'm just hoping that he'll add me back on Facebook soon. ^^

And the other DVDs I've ordered should be arriving by EMS tomorrow. Can't wait! A preview of what I will be watching below!

First up...KAT-TUN! Break the Records Live (break break break). From the looks of it, I really hope that they've topped the performance - because I have really high expectations from these guys, after watching the Queen of Pirates concert, you're pampered to that sort of really high standards. Especially if all 440,000 seats (for shows held in 8 consecutive days) at Tokyo Dome are sold out on the day it went on sale!

And of course...GAZETTO! the GazettE's DIM Scene Tour Finale I'm so excited to hear full live versions of Distress and Coma, Without a Trace and A Moth Under the Skin. Oh, I can feel a nosebleed coming up...please excuse me...

KAT-TUN Break the Records Tour Finale

2009-11-30T00:35:00.002+08:00

I forgot to mention the other day: the KAT-TUN Tour Finale DVD Break the Records will be out 16 December. Yup, exactly the same day as the GazettE! *squee* Fantastic, I got some cool bishie dancers to watch as well as some seksi dark manliness from both groups. XDDDDDDD

DIM Scene Tour Finale

2009-11-19T00:05:00.002+08:00

It's been ages since I've blogged here, hahaha.

No major updates other than the fact that I'm catching up on my art and sleep on my break. Well.....I got piercings in my earlobes too, and they've swollen up a bit. I don't think there's much to worry about though, despite the fact that the back of my right ear is bleeding slightly.

Anyway, DIM Scene! The boys' DVD will be out 16 December...that's like...less than a month! I'm really excited. ^^

And their latest single that came out 7 October Before I Decay didn't disappoint either. They went back to producing aggressive rock, and frankly, I absolutely, love it. For once, I actually like Kai's look. They gave him hair! (Kai lewks t3h seksi.)

Enjoy!

Miyavi World Tour

2009-09-05T00:13:00.003+08:00

The announcement's made in the Co-Miyavi Worldwide Myspace...Miyavi's going to do a world tour! I'm so excited if he's going to visit Singapore next year, I'll definitely try to make it. =)

Read the official blog entry here

I've also applied for the official Miyavi fanclub, because he's left PS Company, he's not obliged to stay with Heresy (which seems to be in charge of the PSC bands' official fan clubs like the GazettE, Alice Nine, Screw...etc...). Well, the Japan club's already up, now to wait until they open up for the world!

More information from the official Co-Miyavi Worldwide International Family here.

I love you Miyavi for opening up to worldwide fans instead of simply sticking to Japan.

So, before I leave you with some artsy photos of the man (which are not as colorful or crazy as some of the others, but still really beautifully elegantly shot), introducing a song that I can't stop listening to right now: Hime (Miyavi)

Seriously, I could imagine him going nuts with his guitar with this song.

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Track details

eSnips Social DNA

Visual Rock Festival, End of Summer and Nuptual Bells

2009-08-29T22:48:00.000+08:00

If there is one event worth going to Japan for, it's for the Visual Rock Festival in October!

Full details here

Groups like Alice Nine, Marilyn Manson, SuG, Versailles (I really hope they'll appear, given the recent circumstances - sincere condolences and RIP Jasmine You), Moi Dix Mois, LM.C, Kagrra, etc...and of course, the GazettE's going to be there too! In all honesty, I really want to go, but I don't know if I'll end up breaking my bank account first, hahaha. Shame that Miyavi isn't going to be there, I bet he would probably end up making the audience even larger.

It really does feel like the end of summer now. I bet I'll be seeing those Chinese kids with huge bags on their backs next week. Being in work mode most of the time really does take years out of my life with little sleep, mental stress and questionable diet. Now, I'm so tired I could pretty much drop off to sleep in some places and I end up day dreaming most of the time.

Speaking of years, given the frequent Facebook updates, I keep getting news of friends who are either engaged or have gotten married. Some with surprising intentions to settle down early than anticipated back in high school. I had the occasional "who would have thought" moments. Even I myself have to arm whatever comes out of my mouth, be it questions from people about me getting married or whether I plan on having kids. Looking around, in the midst of happy faces, I see something that I really want...something a little further away , but yet I could still take a shot of grasping it: an adventure. I have yet to finish what I actually want to do - studies in design and a proper head start on a real career. That, of course, will take a while to achieve. I'm just hoping that the overall plans will go smoothly.

Paperwork sure is a bitch.

On an ending note on this, I bring you...feathers of nostalgia. (from the GazettE's Cassis PV)

Care

2009-08-01T18:04:00.001+08:00

For some reason, I feel that I don't care about work lately. I'm exhausted, yes, but despite the fact that I normally have passion in what I do, it's as though I really don't give a shit recently. I need a serious break from all this craziness.

Pleasant Surprises

2009-07-30T23:13:00.003+08:00

Other than the fact that I'm actually killing myself over a couple of assignments that are supposed to be easy (but which I also managed to make huge messes out of), I've been digging up the GazettE boys' old stuff. As in songs from Stacked Rubbish and before, especially from the NIL album. And despite those weird song titles, I have to admit that even at the time when the Disorder album came out back in 2003, they were already pretty damn good by then.

Of course, songs that we associate as classics, which I shall dub as GazClasses (hahaha), are songs like Filth in the Beauty (head bang!), Guren, Chizuru, Reila, Carry?, Maggots and of course Burial Applicant. Indeed, rock sounds are the main feature here, especially in the likes of Carry?, Discharge, Maggots, and Filth in the Beauty, but they've also experimented with other things like funky rock in Silly God Disco (that is such a fun song), hip hop/RnB styling in Agony, even the start of Filth in the Beauty has some RnB feel to it.

Looking back, especially during the Stacked Rubbish period though it's started way back into Disorder, song titles became a bit off-putting as they attempted to play with English titles to make it look supposedly edgier. Take Nausea and Shudder for instance, I thought it was going to be a crazy emo rock song that was going to sound something like Ruder. Instead, I was confronted with something similar to Carry? that suddenly became gentler during the guitar solos, and the entire song turned into some contrast when Ruki started singing "In deep, slow sky..." Indeed, the entire band is capable of assertive gentleness, which is apparent in most of the deep voice ballads in the more recent pieces like Distress and Coma (which is still my favourite), Calm Envy (this song is too beautiful to describe in mere words), Without a Trace, and Guren. Even in pieces where delinquency styling is used such as Miseinen, Zetsu and Anata No Tame No Koni Inochi (that is such an old song), their style is still weirdly recognizable. Of course, being a band with attitude, I really love Art Drawn by Vomit, even though the entire song features Ruki simply deep chanting "Hey Jesus" with female voices singing "thank you for your pain" and "suck my grudge and hate", as though I've walked into an underground gangster club. (Jesus sure has inspired a lot of singers.)

Got to love the GazettE for their ever changing style, both visually and audibly.

One minute my ass

2009-07-22T19:37:00.002+08:00

You know what sort of website I hate? Those free ones that claim to provide some free service and then they wave this pop up in your face saying, "Help keep this site free! Fill out this survey, it will only take a minute!"

Only a minute my ass. Those things take a ghastly 10 minute time schedule to fill, and you can't even fill in false information or leave your home address and zip code blank either. Those fuckers are surely there to want to fling more junk into your already crammed junk mail box. Manga21 is one of those assholes while I'm desperate to know what happens in chapter 144 of Fairy Tail.

So? There are loads of other ways to generate income. I mean, One Manga may use a couple of ads here and there, but they have my respect for keeping their website clean and fuss free.

GazettE Meme

2009-06-21T22:35:00.000+08:00

The fucking Great Firewall has fucking blocked Blogspot! Nevertheless...I'll still post here, even if it means being a little lazier and typing everything up on MSWord first.

Anyway! A GazettE meme! In 82 questions (oh gosh, it did take a pretty long time).

1. Name
Amantis

2. Birthplace
Toronto, Canada

3. How long have you been a Gazette fan?
2-3 months

4. How did you first come across Gazette?
They were on the Neo Genesis magazine cover for March, featuring them in Distress and Coma outfits. At the time, I was looking for cool Japanese male fashion inspiration in magazines and they truly caught my eye.

5. Who's your favourite member?
The womanly man, Uruha! And Ruki after (he was initially my favourite). Then Reita.

6. What do you like about your favourite member:
For Uruha, I think it’s the fact that he can be so beautiful as a man. But he’s at the same time, very inspiring in terms of the way he poses in photos, the style he uses in fashion, the make up…he makes women ashamed with his seksiness. LOL.

In Ruki’s case, it’s the way he sings. I love his deep and seksi voice – and he certainly knows how to hypnotize you with it, along with his actions that go with his songs.

And for Reita, it’s the fact that he has a nose band and cool looking manly spiky hair on top of his already hunky image.

7. Something you don't know, but would like to know about that member:
Do they actually reply to their fan mail and how often do they read them? And I want to raid their wardrobes both in and out of GazettE mode, see where their styles come from.

8. Which of the members have you written letters or fanmail to?
Uruha, twice. I’ve written to Reita for his birthday though.

9. Something about you that changed when you became a fan of Gazette:
I started paying attention to the Visual Kei scene. And I started to use VK elements in my designs, adding some punk/goth/rock into my own style, both as design concepts and in the way I dress. I’ve also started appreciating more J-rock too, and became a fan of the likes of Miyavi and Versailles.

10. Your favourite Gazette song and why:
Oh hell, how am I going to answer this? LOL. Definitely Distress and Coma as it’s the first song I heard. A couple of reasons really – mainly because of Ruki’s act of hypnosis with his singing (ahahahahaha!) And I absolutely loved the melody. Yet, another reason is the music video – the colours, the camera angles, the dirty ballerina, the fire circling around the tree, the grunge look, Ruki’s contacts close up, his lace gloves, the way the band immerse themselves…it’s a bit like watching GazettE pr0n.

11. The song you'd like to hear most at lives:
Filth in the Beauty. And Distress and Coma. And Calm Envy. Though I think Leech would be pretty interesting too.

12. The song you listen to when you feel down or sad:
Calm Envy, which is actually one of my favourite ballads. Though I don’t understand much Japanese, you could literally feel the lyrics and Ruki’s voice stabbing into you through the slow and calm melody, while you allow yourself to sink into a wave of bittersweet emotions with the desire to let the song consume you.

13. When you are ill, the song that makes you feel better:
Filth in the Beauty. LOL. Especially when you hear the entire band screaming “WHOA!” in the chorus, and the head bang after hollering “Sexual disgrace!”. (Methinks it’s the testosterone thing.) It’s all about the head bangs!

14. The song you listen to when you are happy:
Zetsu. Bara bara bara! I love the way Aoi and Uruha work their guitars for the siren effect between the left and right speakers. And Uruha’s posing between the cargo blocks is one of the ultimate visual eye candies, especially the ones where he’s got his leg up on the other end. *nose bleed* And Silly God Disco. It’s such a fun song with all that funkiness going on, Ruki playing with a feather boa (it’s not everyday you see a man with one!). And indeed, it’s the first time I actually noticed Uruha’s thighs and now he just pops into my mind whenever his solo comes on.

15. The song which influenced you the most:
Distress and Coma – in terms of overall style and mesmerizing.

16. The first Gazette song you ever heard:
Refer to question 10.

17. Is there a song you can sing perfectly without having to look at the lyrics?
Only bits of Filth in the Beauty, Silly God Disco, and probably most of Distress and Coma by now. Must…learn…Japanese!

18. A Gazette song you'd like to sing at Karaoke:
Silly God Disco, Filth in the Beauty, Calm Envy, Distress and Coma, Zetsu, Cassis

19. Have you seen Gazette live?
Nope. I’d very much love to though.

20. If you have, what were your thoughts? If you haven't, are you planning on attending a live and how?
If they go to Singapore next year. Or maybe if I go to Japan afterwards for a year!

21. At violent Gazette lives, where do you always stand? Or if you haven't been, where would you like to stand?
Oooh…ick…violent lives?! O___O Most probably as far away from the problem as possible. But of course, I would love to be up in or near the front of the stage.

22. What style do you (or would you like to) attend Gazette lives in? (Clothes, make-up, etc)
I’d probably make up a bit like a normal night out, except with more smoky eyes. But I would definitely wear something comfy, especially as I’d probably be head banging with the rest of the fans.

23. Name a few necesseties for attending a Gazette live:
Camera. And loads of hidden cash. And a marker/pen in case I run into them and could get them to autograph stuff. XD

24. Do you (or would you) always fill out the after-live questionnaire?
I probably would.

25. Something you've started collecting because of Gazette:
GazettE songs and videos. I already collect perfume samples so that doesn’t count, despite being more aware of different scents.

26. Which Gazette costume series do you like most?
Distress and Coma, Filth in the Beauty (Ruki’s dreadlocks!), Silly God Disco (Uruha’s thighs! And Ruki’s feathers =))

27. One item you like in Gazette's goods range: (Or if you don't own any, one thing you'd like to have)
Probably a ring or two that the band members have designed.

28. Your cellphone's ringtone:
Currently? Koda Kumi’s Black Cherry. Will probably change it to a GazettE tune later when I have time. (Undecided.)

29. Your cellphone's wallpaper:
A very womanly Uruha in black and white in his Distress and Coma outfit.

30. Cellphone strap:
None, I’m not a big fan of straps and things hanging off my phone. It makes my small and sleek phone look too girly!

31. PC wallpaper:
Double image of Uruha, one of which he poses with his guitar. He looks more womanly in one image and more manly in the other. =) I think it’s the Leech outfit.

32. Does your email address have something to do with Gazette?
Nah…I like to be original. =)

33. A place you go to frequently:
Online? Facebook. LOL. Offline…I currently don’t really have a frequent place to go to that I can call favourite since I’m boarded up with work recently.

34. Your favourite shop:
The ones on Granville Road, Argyle Centre and Allied Plaza in Hong Kong.

35. Your favourite CD shop:
Ever since iPod revolutionalized music, I don’t really have any.

36. A magazine you read frequently:
Glamour and Cosmopolitan, British Edition. But I should read more Neo Genesis, Shoxx, Arena 37C, ViVi (Japanese version) and other J-stuff, even if I don’t understand Japanese, I should at least browse and study the magazines’ subjects.

37. Recommended CD:
Queen of Pirates (KAT-TUN), Stacked Rubbish (the GazettE), Trick (Koda Kumi)

38: Do you have pets?
I used to own dogs, but I just don’t have space for pets anymore.

39. Do you visit the Gazette OHP frequently? Which page within do you visit the most?
I don’t get OHP, but if it’s the official website, I use the English MySpace.

40. An artist other than Gazette who you think is noteworthy:
Miyavi. Because he is so awesome with his eccentricity and guitar playing (along with his songs). Plus, he’s hawt. In hawt pink! And I like Versailles for their band concept, even though the songs aren’t as hot. KAT-TUN and Koda Kumi are also fantastic for the more mainstream stuff, especially their concerts. The dance moves, the costumes, the stage settings…I feel really entertained just watching them.

41. An artist you like out of those signed to PS Company:
Miyavi. He is truly the perfect specimen for a one-man entertainer.

42. A member whose words you were surprised by: (in a magazine article, MC, radio show etc)
Probably Ruki’s bitchiness in an interview about him and love. LOL. “I’m a B blood type, I only go out with O types! Others are out of the question!” Man, how can a man be this picky over women? Oh, the depth of his voice when he speaks normally; it’s much much deeper than I initially assumed.

43. If you could become one of the members for a day, who would you become and why?
Kai. To see what it’s like to be bullied everyday by the other members. Hahahaha.

44. If the world ceased to exist tomorrow, which member would you like to spend your last day with?
Ideally, all of them! But if I have to pick one, guess Uruha would be my first choice.

45. Which member would you like to go to karaoke with?
I would be totally scared to go with Ruki – he’ll pwn me with his singing skills! I think going with Kai and Uruha would be fun though.

46. Which member would you like to go drinking with?
Uruha. LOL. He’s the alcoholic and it would be funny to see him drunk.

47. Which member would you like to go to an oshare bar with?
Ruki. He’s fashionable enough and would probably want to go there himself as well.

48. Which member would you like to cook for?
Definitely not for Ruki and Reita. They look like they’re way too picky on food.

49. Please arrange the members according to who you think would change the most when drunk (least changed to most changed):
Uruha, Kai, Ruki, Aoi, Reita

50. Please arrange the members according to who you think would make the longest telephone calls from shortest to longest:
Reita, Aoi, Uruha, Ruki, Kai

51. If you had to substitute in a Gazette live, which part would you choose to play?
Bass. I get to be mysterious with a nose band! And I would go up to each member and give fan service. ;)

52. One thing you like about Gazette (physical):
Their intensive gazes and funky hairstyles. And their posing. *drool* And of course, Uruha’s thighs. LOLLERCOASTER

¦RUKI SERIES¦

53. Your first impression about Ruki:
He’s absolutely hawt. Must…find…out…more…about this guy…

54. What name do you call him by?
Oi Ruki… Roooookeeeeeeeeeeee!

55. Are you good at drawing?
Totally. I strive to be the best in drawing when it comes to designing things.

56. Have you fallen off of a jungle gym?
Probably. That was ages ago.

57. If Ruki were really your brother, friend, lover etc, how would you feel?
Note: I would ask all of the GazettE boys to model for me, but I’ll talk about the modeling styles separately.

Brother: I would tease him a lot, pick fights with him and if we get in trouble when causing mischief, I would put all the blame on him! LOL. But I know he’ll be a loving bro. =) And of course, I would borrow his stuff all the time, as well as exchange make up tips.
Friend: We would go shopping all the time! And exchange items! And we’d play pranks on others all the time.
Lover: Again…shopping all the time! And watch a lot of movies together. I think he’ll be quite honest with many opinions. But I doubt I can handle his bossiness.
Model: His delinquent look gives a lot of youth and energy to clothing in my opinion, and him modeling things like hats and accessories would look really funky. Actually, come to think of it, Ruki could easily make the shittiest items look hawt.

¦URUHA SERIES¦
58.Your first impression about Uruha:
Is this a beautiful man, or a handsome woman??? Oh god…those hawt thighs! (But that was later when I found that he’s into wearing hot pants.)

59. What name do you call him by?
Uruha...ooo…rooo…haaaaaaaaaa!!!!!

60. Did you know at first that his name was pronounced "Uruha"?
Yup yup.

61. Do you gargle every day?
Some days.

62. If Uruha were really your brother, friend, lover etc, how would you feel?
Brother: I would make sure that he would make his sister (i.e. me) come first, AHAHAHAHAHA. I guess I would be able to talk to him about most things openly and honestly. And play loads of video games and billiards together. And spend loads of time playing with his hair. LOL.
Friend: We’d hang out all the time playing video games and billiards, but also keep an eye out for each other. But no soccer unless if I were a guy.
Lover: That would be a total dream! He wouldn’t be perfect, but I’m certain he’ll try his best. =)

Model: Since he’s pretty tall with long legs, I would get him to model clothes that show a lot of leg. Think (OMFG) Zetsu poses. And wispy hair styling with the feminine masculine look (since he’s the girly one of the entire group).

¦AOI SERIES¦
63. Your first impression about Aoi:
He is so Marilyn Manson!

64. What name do you call him by?
Aoi. Ne~~~~

65. Do you have a lip/navel piercing?
Noes. I’m thinking of getting a few ear piercings though.

66. Were you born in the city?
Yeshies.

67. If Aoi were really your brother, friend, lover etc, how would you feel?
Brother: I would know when he would get in a rage and tell him to shut it. But at the same time, I would think of him as a funny dorky attention whore. Hahaha. Though on the plus side, he’ll probably do anything for me if I ask nicely. And I’ll learn to be a perfectionist.
Friend: We’ll compose loads of music together and play lots of guitar!
I think if I were close to him in that sense, I would know that deep beneath his serious exterior, he’s a funny dorky attention whore. On the plus side, I think he will do anything for you if you ask nicely.

Model: Lanky clothes! He’ll look fantastic with things like really skinny jeans. And I would love to see him pose with a lot of goth inspired looks. Strips of colour in his long-ish black hair, a bit of Manson feel…yummy…

¦REITA SERIES¦
68. Your first impression about Reita:
OMFG, NOSEBAND! COOOOOOOOL! (And he’s pretty hawt.)

69. What name do you call him by?
Reita, Reitaaaaaaaaaaah

70. What do you call the thing he wears on his nose?
Nose band. But if I want to spank him verbally, I’d call it a nose towel. LOL.

71. Out of the Shinkansen, which do you think is the fastest?
What’s a Shinkansen???

72. If Reita were really your brother, friend, lover etc, how would you feel?
Brother: Man, he’ll be one hawt looking brother with those funky side spikes. I’ll teach him how to be more confident with girls (LOL) and force feed him the food he hates.

Friend: Watch videos, play a couple of games. And admire his friendship with Uruha. We’d talk about the Sex Pistols all day long.

Lover: Would I be happy to have a seksi hunk of a man to be my lover? Of course I would! And tell him that there are other charm points besides the butt!

Model: Considering those wide legged poses, he’ll model the more masculine stuff, such as army or combat inspired items. And I’ll get him to do slightly more “violent” posing.

¦KAI SERIES¦
73. Your first impression about Kai:
He looks mean. And tough. Hahaha.

74. What name do you call him by?
Kai. Sweetie. (No kawaii voice.)

75. Are you good at cooking?
I can survive and still make a decent meal for a table of 6. =)

76. Where do you think the state of New Jersey is?
Huh? Other than the fact that it’s somewhere in the US, I don’t know!

77. If Kai were really your brother, friend, lover etc, how would you feel?
Brother: I would eat all his meals. Hahaha. And bully him everyday. I’d also be a big baby with an occasional streak of telling him off for forgetting things. And I will get him to cook and make my bento for me everyday. And I will cry whenever I get bullied by others. I’d also ask him to teach me how to play drums

Friend: Other than bullying him all the time? We’d cook together and exchange recipes. Hahahaha. Guess I will also learn how to be kind to others.

Lover: I’d be so spoiled by him! Enough said!

Model: He can do a pretty mean look, but I’d also have some dimple thing going on for some close ups.

78. Represent each member with just one or two kanji (if you don't know kanji, describe each member with just one word):
1. Ruki - delinquent
2. Aoi - goth
3. Uruha - beautiful
4. Kai - tenderness
5. Reita - manly

79. Compare each member to an animal:
1. Ruki – Chihuahua – small but vicious!
2. Aoi – Black cat
3. Uruha – Black swan
4. Kai – Cuddly bear
5. Reita – Parquet. LAWLZ

80. Compare each member to a colour:
Ruki – gold and red
Aoi – silver and black
Uruha – purple
Kai – blue
Reita – black and white

81. According to you, Gazette is:
Passion, motivation, friendship, experimental, alternative, inspiring, stylish and firm

82. Your expectations from now on for Gazette:
More awesome music, more visually inspiring PVs, more seksi posing, and more outstanding costumes.

Beautiful Men

2009-05-15T09:31:00.002+08:00

Am I the only person who thinks Uruha is beautiful? I honestly feel ashamed as a woman when I see a man who is way sexier and way more gentle feminine than myself. Then again, I set my eyes on Ruki's style initially before I actually settle on Uruha. I swear, those thighs are so hawt. Sorry Rukster. But you're still the fashionable one in my book, hahaha.

Warning: Image intensive.

When you look at the hair, it looks really touchable, especially when he feathers it up into gentle spikes. Or maybe it's the way his cat eye style make up makes it look like his gaze is more intense than it actually is. (I've tried the eye make up, and while it looks absolutely scary in real life, it really works in photos - and definitely on stage.) I suppose it's also the gentle facial expression that makes Uruha quite attractive while exerting a semi-masculine pose that makes the whole outlook very androgynous.

Ruki, on the other hand, has more of a bad kid look. Or delinquency. Actually, he's probably the kid that everybody wants to tame, but I doubt pinning him down will be successful. Then again, he's also probably the most stylish one in the group (considering the fact that one of his favourite past times is shopping) and as the vocalist, the projection of the band image is considerably heavy weighted. I'm still amazed at the image make overs where he can look totally different while maintaining his style. But I'm definitely not a fan of his Reila and Cockroach looks - a bit too Halloween.

He's probably the only person who looks good in gold pants (which I don't have a clear image of at the moment, but I've seen it somewhere). He also does the feathery hair, but he could resemble a lion at times, which was more apparent in Guren.

I'll add more on the other members later. Right now, I'm just too pissed off with life (and the fact that the Great Firewall of China has decided to block Blogspot). Why oh why must everything have to happen now?

Are you asking me to throw up on an empty stomach?

2009-05-14T18:54:00.002+08:00

Sometimes, when you're forced to design something, nothing comes out. No matter how much you rack your brains, it seems that all the cells have decided to go on strike. Not inspired, nothing good, absolutely nothing.

It's a bit like demanding my brain to throw up, except there's nothing to throw up. You know how you get air sick or car sick or sea sick, and you feel like throwing up yet you didn't eat anything for your stomach to regurgitate? Well, emotionally, in the artistic sense, it's exactly like that. Really tiring, bothersome and so twisted to the core, you just couldn't force anything out no matter what.

I think that's what happened lately. Then again, when life gets in the way (read: "shitty landlord problems"), just trying to mentally relax is difficult. And only when the brain is relaxed can you do something interesting with it.

I'll just pop some alcohol open, not think and watch some the GazettE/Miyavi videos. I'm thinking too much.

Guitar Lick

2009-05-08T11:05:00.002+08:00

The famous act that Ruki was supposed to have done: lick Uruha's guitar. I couldn't quite imagine it until I stumbled on this .gif file.

Imagine the scene...
Uruha: "Here! Treat it like candy!"
Ruki: "Ok!" *long lick*

Uruha, you're such a wicked girl...uh, man. Hahaha.

Man in Pink

2009-05-07T23:17:00.003+08:00

If there is one man who can wear pink and still look absolutely fantastic, it's Miyavi. Seriously, he could easily pull off the shocking hot pink without looking like he's a gay man.

Ok ok, I agree he looks very feminine. But he still looks pretty in his own way. I guess he can compete with Uruha in the more feminine colours. Hahaha. Pink vs. Purple anyone?

MySpace is Ghey

2009-05-03T10:11:00.002+08:00

Personally, I don't like MySpace. But seeing as it's one way to keep up to date with some of the music groups I follow, I've decided to sign up. But after signing up and verifying my email etc etc, I get logged out automatically after 5 minutes of surfing on the website.

Why does this happen? I have no idea.

So the only logical thing is to log back in, ya?

But no, I'm unable to log in for whatever reason.

After several attempts, I decided to try the "forgot password" function. And I got to a page where it says "No such email exists". What the fuck?

So I decided to sign up again. And I went through the same process and verified my email, etc etc. And again, after some minutes of surfing, I got an automated log off. And I get the "No such email exists" page again.

What the fuck?

Yes, I've pretty much repeated myself over and over again, so I've sent a complaint note to the monkeys uh...technical assistance section. And they say that they will look into it in the next working day. Right...

But seriously, this already makes MySpace sort of ghey, right?

More on Miyavi

2009-05-03T07:00:00.002+08:00

I don't have much eye candy on Miyavi, but he truly is musically talented. His songs are not as hard metal as typical J-Rock, but some have some hip hop and/or pop edge sounds, which makes them easier to listen to. Many songs also feature simple guitar playing with the same guitar slapping noises, which has become a sort of trademark sound that identifies Miyavi. Obviously, being a VK artist, rock and metal still need to be the dominating sounds.

I'll see to embedding some Miyavi stuff at a later time.

SOTM: Selfish Love (Miyavi)

2009-05-02T22:29:00.003+08:00

Not the GazettE related, but also working for the same record company PS Company and another visual kei artist, is Miyavi. Presenting Selfish Love.

Selfish love - Miyavi

The instrumental 1st minute was totally original. Guitar and bongo style combined into one. I have yet to meet someone who can actually play guitar like that (other than Miyavi, of course). And the PV (promotional video) itself was pretty amusing - the foot stamping in the water, the eccentricity of Miyavi's behaviour, the simple melody, the catchy tune, the "I look ridiculous, but I don't give a damn" look...genius!

I have yet to see other Miyavi videos, but Ruki was certainly right when he said that Miyavi's really talented (to the point where Ruki actually envies him). And after watching this video, I believe him. Miyavi could easily run a one man show.

Fan Mail. LOL.

2009-05-02T15:19:00.003+08:00

I wrote fan mail to Uruha on the official MySpace site. LOL.

But yeah, fat chance I'll ever get a response, let alone personal.

Though, I did write a gentle reminder that "Amantis" will appear eventually.

This is my 2nd fan mail. The first was to Leil Lowndes - and I did get a personal response from her!

Now what was in my lame-ish message again?

Do you know what a business card looks like?

2009-04-30T03:32:00.004+08:00

I really have to hand it to Ruki and Uruha, as music professionals who don't know what a basic business card looks like. While the video gave me a good laugh, I can't help but think: are there many artists in the world who are so engrossed in what they are passionate about that they may not function as well in what is perceived as the "normal" world? Ruki's speech is in pink and Uruha's in blue.

Ruki & Uruha in Beat Shuffle Club Adios - the GazettE

LOL factor: 5 out of 5. Just because Uruha can't write his own name. And Ruki's constant bossy telling off: "Then stop being picky and just do it." "You wrote it wrongly? [...] We're making business cards so don't write it wrongly." LOL. Poor kid.

And I've fixed the video link for the entry KAT-TUN's single Rescue.

More on The GazettE (group photos) and Fashion Influence

2009-04-19T20:25:00.005+08:00

Yes, I will admit over again that I have fallen in love with the GazettE because of the Neo Genesis magazine cover. But in my first entry about the group, I don't think I was specific enough on why I liked them (other than using the words hawt and seksi as description). I suppose that at the time, I was still feeling the after effects of designing menswear from the previous term - and after receiving a pile of old Japanese male fashion magazines, I've rediscovered the joys of looking at male idols with the spirit of a young teenager, which I haven't done for nearly 10 years. In my opinion, the celebrity value from the west has been going downhill during this time, especially as I didn't even fancy Brad Pitt, Daniel Radcliff (Harry Potter - he's gotten better looking in the recent years, but definitely doesn't get my blood rushing), and I have to ask myself why the hell would anybody even want to look at Pete Doherty. If it wasn't about drugs, it was about some womanizing stuff. I've decided to stop looking at famous men altogether. And Hong Kong singers are just wannabes.

But KAT-TUN came along in my sight in 2007, but I didn't really pick up on their stuff back then, other than noting that they're ridiculously talented dancers. To the point where they're the only group to play 7 consecutive shows in a row at Tokyo Dome, which is a record for Japan. I didn't touch much on KAT-TUN again until December last year, when I started doing my research on menswear to start preparations for menswear designs. That was the moment when I remembered that Japanese fashion should be looked into if I didn't want to do European style suits like Armani, which, to me, are meant for men in their 30s rather than their 20s. I wanted to design something hip, so I started looking for KAT-TUN items, ranging from buying their music and concerts to looking up their images online and watching music videos. I think that was the moment when I found my way back to admiring men once again.

And I wasn't wrong. The KAT-TUN boys wore things like loads of feathers combined with embroidery, sequins, and weird cuts with lots of accessories. It was almost like looking at human Christmas trees. The songs, videos, outfits and dance routines that were put together were simply amazing. I think only Japanese people could do such cool combos. Even things like black nail polish, reshaped eyebrows and big dangly earrings were normal. Add all that together and you get 6 androgynous men running the show.

When I first presented the idea to my teacher, she said it was all "too much". I could still remember that day with a bittersweet taste in my mouth. Imagine being really enthusiastic about the design to the point where you could start making the outfit straight away just to have that bubble popped in that one millisecond. I was disappointed that I had to modify the design at the time, but in the end, I at least managed to prove them wrong that sequins and feathers can still go together. (And I made an average looking guy into one hot male model.)

And the holidays came once again. I had a feeling of loss when I didn't need to focus on menswear anymore. Even when searching for magazines, nothing decent came up. That was until when I walked into a CD store and spotted the magazine.

Indeed, it was a mainly black, white and red cover that spelled hard metal rock (which I'm not a major fan of except for some stuff from Garbage, Linkin' Park and Marilyn Manson). But when you look closely, the poses, details of the outfits, menacing looks and make up all add up into some form of androgynous silent fierceness. When you see a cover like that, you know that the inside would be filled with Japanese fashion that can be used for future reference. Flipping through the magazine in the comforts of the home couch, I was almost drooling at the GazettE's photoshoot. But when I looked further into the magazine, there weren't any more groups that were as well dressed or presented as the cover boys. At that moment, I knew I had to look into their music. Lucky for me, the song Distress and Coma was released only a few days before so I was able to see clearly what they were wearing in the music video. It was rock alright, but a softer, electrical, mysteriously menacing tune filled with raging emotion that could pierce right through you. I think it's partly due to Ruki's deep voice that added the sex appeal. But overall, the video really did it: the dirty, crazy and distressed ballerina, the dark dingy rooms, the black and white settings, Ruki's dark vampire red wine coloured outfit with lace gloves, blonde hair and yellow (I think?) contacts, the fire raging through in the final leg, snow flakes falling... And Ruki's "oyasumi" (meaning "goodnight") completed the full seduction before blowing fully into the final chorus.

So I'm now really using the group as one of my current main sources of inspiration. I actually want to copy their make up, hair style and outfits and add them to my design. Even my classmates now have noticed that I've been adding a lot of punk rock style into the way I dress recently.

I've talked enough for now, I desperately need sleep. But before I go, here are some eye candy.

This photo is taken when the group released Leech last year. A song that I'm not particularly fond of, but the PVC certainly makes a statement.

I don't know what song was released with this look, but Ruki looks a bit like a pimp with the aviator sunglasses and silver suit. The others still look really cool though.

And finally, one of my favourites from the group, Cassis. This is actually a love song and if the English translation of the lyrics are accurate, it's a truly beautifully written song. And the best thing I like about it? It's not cheesy - like...Boyzone pop cheesy.

The GazettE - Cassis with English subtitles -

Btw, I've fixed the video for Distress and Coma. Youtube is busy being ghey and I can only access imeem at the moment. Thank goodness I've got a new entertainment source!

Oyasumi.

Spring Cleaning

2009-04-19T20:22:00.002+08:00

After months of piling things up, I've finally (spent 2 days) cleaned my poor flat (because I was forced to).

I managed to find all sorts of weird stuff lurking about in there. Man, months of things can really create a horrible mess.

So, as the landlord is bringing people over (who are buying a flat), I'd better keep it that way.

Life's Journey: The Next Step

2009-04-18T20:14:00.003+08:00

Out of all people I expect to be online on MSN, today there was one person whom I certainly didn't expect: my childhood best friend.

After a few greetings, we talked a bit to catch up on the past. Apparently she's now married and has a kid. And her younger sister too. Given the rate at which things are going on, it seems that many people my age have already started settling down. And I am still studying.

But perhaps I work at a slower rate. I develop one step behind most people. But again, I'm doing things in my own pace, one step at a time.

I'm going to make them proud. Especially her. I know she's watching me somewhere, appearing in my state of unconsciousness. I will have a sense of nostalgia, but reflecting on the past will make me a stronger person in the end. After all, life is about moving forwards.

Unravelling and Problem Solving

2009-04-17T00:28:00.002+08:00

After some more intensity and a range of events that happened, I feel like I'm really losing it. My sanity, my sense of responsibility, my will to get certain things done...all gone. I've been agitated since Easter as that day approaches.

This is probably the point where it gets all emo. But let's not go there with teenage angst.

But seriously, recently I haven't been myself. It's as though a cold fist is closing in on my heart and twisting it while it's thumping hard to break free. I feel like I've been ventilating more frequently and am spending more restless and sleepless nights.

And this is sort of affecting my designs in a way. I don't seem to care much about what I'm doing anymore. Is this what they call "designers' phase" where we simply drift in and out of what we do?

Life feels like a bitch at the moment.

Defining Inspiration

2009-04-09T18:46:00.004+08:00

After a near full week of intensive start of term, I think I finally understand what inspiration really is. The dictionary term for inspiration is: "Stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity".

I shall further explain in my own words.

We're inspired everyday. Not necessarily in the design sense, but we're always inspired by something. For example, if the weather reaches 30C on a bright sunny day, I'll be inspired to wear my sunglasses and eat some ice cream. Or say...if I were watching a documentary on Parisian city life, I'll probably want to go to Paris for holiday because it looks like an awesome city - which means that I'm inspired to go to Paris. Or maybe I've had a stressful week and I want to take a long candlelit relaxing bath to wind down, then I'm inspired to do so. Then perhaps I'm watching a horror movie and there's a scary little girl in green lights at the top of the stairs, I'll probably start screaming and hiding my face under the covers. All this is inspiration. It's when something stimulates us to want to do certain actions with certain emotions.

Now for the design part. As designers (this is the same for people working in the arts field), our level of inspiration should be a lot higher compared to others. Meaning that we should constantly be aware of our surroundings, frequently taking things in and analyzing why we want to do certain things; finding inspiration becomes way easier once you know where to look. Actually, let me rephrase that: finding inspiration is all about knowing who you are. Knowing your likes and dislikes. Knowing why you like certain things, and why you don't. Understanding what things you're drawing to. Your preferences. Of course, there are more things about yourself to discover through the process, but let's stop here for now.

And given my current mind state, I've been really inspired lately by the GazettE (<3). I've been searching for their photos high and low and I've come across some older ones of what they look like.

This is Ruki from the earlier days:

And this is the cover of Neo Genesis magazine in 2006 (Uruha can really pass off as a girl with those hot pants and thigh boots).

I'm serious when I said that Uruha could pass off as a girl.

Cockroach days.

What I'm amazed at is that despite the fact that they're more of the punk rock look, they could come up with dramatic image changes from song to song and from album to album. And it's just not like...maybe hair up today and hair down tomorrow. They could still manage to look completely different in terms of style while maintaining the same "we're the GazettE" essence. I really would like to follow that as an example.

And right now, I'm really inspired to do a really cool looking vector art on Ruki and/or Uruha. I think their strong make up, hair style, colours, styling and poses could really give inspiration. They're absolutely gorgeous. I could use some eye candy now. *drool*

One Day in Mong Kok

2009-04-06T00:25:00.006+08:00

I ought to take more trips down to the Mong Kok area. Apparently, places like Argyle Center on Sai Yeung Choi South Street have loads of really cool boutiques. And aside from spending nearly HK$1000 on some cool Japanese imported clothing, I've also managed to grab another $1000 worth of gothic lolita items, though less lolita and more grown up goth. Chains, lace, leather, tartans, buckles, spikes...you name them. Blame it on the GazettE for my recent interest in dressing up like a problem emo child! I have to admit, I feel that the items I got were real bargains.

Hong Kong is a dangerous place for money spending.

And strolling along Gold Fish Street (I forgot the real name of the street) looking at pets have fed some weird feeling of nostalgia. Especially when I smell unwashed doggies.

Of course, in the end, in search of more hawtness, I've stumbled across some really awesome gif animation of the GazettE in Distress and Coma (credit goes to rubyzinha). Ruki (the vocalist - the guy with the lace gloves) is so seksi. Speaking of which, it's written somewhere that he's only 162cm. That's like...about 1 inch taller than me. o___O

My favourite image? This one.

Anyway, more decorating for my blog!

*starts singing* I'll tell you what distress means, fill me up with your dreams...

New Layout

2009-04-04T03:24:00.004+08:00

Wow, it's been a while since I last touched html. And I feel great about doing this! I've decided to use the GazettE as my background (because most of the other stuff suck). They don't have any cool KAT-TUN or Koda Kumi templates either.

I think I've kind of stopped wanting really girly fantasy designs lately. If I were 13 today, I would probably have gone for a One Piece/Final Fantasy/Zelda background. Or a cute one. Then again, if I were still 20, I'd probably have gone for a love design. But I think I'm better suited to having a more cool goth metal feel lately. I might change it again soon though, I think the image used on top could be way cooler.

Now all that's missing is a really cool avatar to go with the background. Misao and Nico Robin don't really match up here.

Edit: It's done, I now have a really cool the GazettE inspired avatar! Amantis is back in business. =)

the GazettE

2009-04-04T00:37:00.001+08:00

When Volume 32's cover of Neo Genesis magazine (the Japanese "New Standard Rock Magazine") caught my eye, I started becoming interested in the GazettE, a metal band that I've never heard of. Then again, knowing me, it was the way the entire band looked that got my attention. Very Marilyn Manson, but yet still looking undeniably...hawt. Seriously hawt. And totally seksi. Contrary to what my initial impression was before I heard their music, it wasn't that difficult to listen to in terms of those super emo screaming that can normally be heard in the likes of Linkin' Park.

And here's a video of the band in action in the song Distress and Coma:

Distress And Coma Full pv - the gazette

I totally love the lace gloves! I really ought to make something similar. My honest opinion? They really have style.

Twilight Princess

2009-04-03T12:47:00.000+08:00

I'm finally done with the game! I've still got a couple of side quests to do, but I've actually beaten the final boss! He's a real bitch near the end, but after a few years of on and off playing, it's been fun. Now all that I need to do is to clean up and finish the crazy Cave of Ordeals.

Ah...I love my Wii.

Home Comforts

2009-03-29T11:45:00.000+08:00

After being stuck in the frikkin' cold for months, I'm so glad to be back in Hong Kong for my break. I've literally pampered myself within the last 48 hours, ranging from bath soaks and leg waxes to the hair salon session and real manicures. And it's nice to have someone looking after me and thinking for my meals for once. Now I need some retail therapy.

I can finally feel my sanity returning to me now. I actually feel like a human again.

Ugh, it ought to be finished by now!

2009-03-26T11:57:00.000+08:00

Damn me for not working faster. Damn me for getting distracted really easily. Damn damn damn. Man, I just hope that this Triumph comp is worth my zits. And I need a good scrub. And a warmer bed. Damn you Shanghai for being this cold still!

Edit: I plan to go home on time tomorrow. Work work work! 'cuz I need a full body scrub at New Star. I hope it's not closed by the time I get there tonight!

How Embarrassing!

2009-03-25T18:37:00.000+08:00

I think I should stop being so passive. Wait, it's all the fatigue's fault. I was shopping for some extra fabric at the market, and I was asking for a certain silk print that the stall didn't have. Apparently, the one that I wanted was only 2 positions away! Damn me for causing this embarrassment! Damn my fatigue!

Thankfully, both the store people were nice to me at the time and laughed it off when they saw how totally tired I looked.

Man, Triumph is killing me.

Oh You Fucking Bastard...

2009-03-24T23:07:00.000+08:00

Youtube has been blocked...again! GAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! Where the hell am I going to watch KAT-TUN videos now?! Gimme back my source of entertainment!

Slumdog Millionaire

2009-03-23T17:56:00.000+08:00

Overall, I thought it was a pretty good movie. Of course, it has its funny moments, but I truly loved the storyline for being realistic instead of playing the events down. Especially in situations where it's flee or die.

The sideways nod/shake is so typically Indian though! Hahaha.

SOTM: Rescue (KAT-TUN)

2009-03-22T23:19:00.001+08:00

It's been a while since I did those Song of the Moment (SOTM) entries. I feel like a teenager again! =P

kattun - Rescue - Kattun

But yes, the latest one that got stuck in my head is KAT-TUN's latest release Rescue. Initially, I didn't even like the song that much, but after watching the video twice or so, it sort of grew on me a bit. Mainly because I love the black and white theme and the dance sequence. And Nakamaru's beatboxing sounded really cool here. Cooler than what he did in Lips. Of course, other than Akanishi and Ueda, they all have new hairstyles, which is refreshing.

New stuff

2009-03-22T11:26:00.000+08:00

I need a new layout for this blog. The dots just don't suit me at all, but I refuse to use the common black preset template that the entire population of bloggers on blogger use. Then again, I probably wouldn't be able to do that until I actually get my ass back home.

And I'm doing something completely different and new to me. Last week, sort of like out of whim when my crazy (but adorable) teacher breezed past me and suggested I take part in the Triumph Inspiration Award '09 design competition. I'm part excited and part nervous about taking part. Obviously, there are so many people who will be taking part I doubt I'll be able to get through with my limited design experience. But hey, it will be good fun. =)

Chinese website (Chinese only)
International website (English) - for some reason, the Great Firewall of China blocked this. tsk.

Start over? The New Procrastination Station

2009-03-18T00:58:00.001+08:00

Yeah, I'm known to own a series of blogs. But since I'm not even allowed to log into Livejournal or iBlog while in China (which really sucks, because I was a dedicated blogger until 2 years ago), I might as well start a new one.

So yes, I shall officially nickname it...the new procrastination station! Because I'm meant to be doing something else other than blogging. =P