Broken Doll - http://brokendoll.jp/
November 11, 2010
Contributor: Cori
------------------------------
I got out to Club Doctor on Tuesday night to catch up with my friends from ATP. While I was there I caught another fun band called Broken Doll.
These guys seemed a bit over the top at first. I mean the guitarist guitar was florescent green with pink knobs, and the girls had pink and green hair, and everyone was dressed like it was the 80's all over.
After I heard them play tho, I really got a good feeling from their music, and judging from the crowed it seemed most everyone liked them, including my friend Taata from ATP, and she's hard to please. At least she said they were cute.
Anyways, the music was a mix of 80's punk, new-wave, with a kind of blend of j-pop and heavy synth. I was surprised that the mix worked so well, but the singer Sachi's voice is so damned cute that it just really pulled the whole thing together brilliantly. In fact her voice was pretty sexy I was thinking by the end.
The group has some pretty decent talent overall. I was pretty impressed with the guitarist, Kensuke. I guess because I saw his guitar first, then heard him play it, it sounded better than I thought it would.
Also the female bassist, Shiori, was pretty good. Her fingers were long and nimble and she played the bass like she was born with it in her hands.
The drummer, Youhei was a bit of a metronome. He kept a pretty simple but workable beat for this band. I felt he could probably get a bit more rest by adding a bit of variety through some changes and let the bass carry more. He did drop his stick at one point too, but he covered it pretty well.
Overall this band had a very upbeat sound and the feeling made you want to get out and dance. It reminded me of those 80's Raves we used to have back in the old days, so I got a great vibe from these guys.
I talked to Shiori and Sachi after the show. They are so much fun!
If you get a chance to see this band you will surely have a good time!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Shinjuku - Club Doctor Review
Club Doctor - Shinjuku
http://www.clubdoctor.co.jp/
----------------------------
Contributor: Cori
November 10, 2010
----------------------------
Tonight I made it back out to Club Doctor in Shinjuku. It's been awhile so I wanted to wait until I went back to give them a proper review.
The place is very centrally located which for me is a huge plus. I mean it's only a few minutes walk right down the street from Shinjuku Station, and you can't miss it.
I talked to the booking girl at the door Ami, and she was hella cool. She informed me it was free drink night. Wow, never in my 5 years in Japan have I seen free drink night at any of the clubs. It was great.
I got there a bit early and there was only a couple of people there, which was surprising since every time I've been, the place is always packed. I waited a bit and it filled up slowly over the night. By the end of the night it was packed with a lot of people and becoming a very fun atmosphere.
The club itself has a great layout. Nice large area for the audience, great setup with a backstage area and everything. One thing is there's not a lot of space backstage, so there's a separate area the bands sometimes keeps there gear over near the restroom, but at least there is a big drape hiding it. Pretty clever use of space.
The sound at Club Doctor was really good. I was impressed. I heard from some of the bands that the equipment was not so great, but not bad either. I find that hard to believe because the sound was great. I guess that's the important thing. I do thing they could use some more bass. Lower dB's seemed not so audible, but other than that it was great.
All of the staff at this place was very helpful and cool. I was very glad to get to meet with Ami, I introduced her a bit a friend's band (ATP), and she seemed happy about that too. I hope they can play there more often.
The lighting for Club Doctor was not bad, but it wasn't that great either. I think they could do a lot with some great blacklights, more spot lights, etc. Give me Trippy!? Ya! Do it now! Actually that would have looked great from one of the 80's punky/new wave bands called Broken Dolls that played here. They were all wearing florescent great, it was great! :)
Actually, Club Doctor is becoming one of my favorite live houses. If you can get the chance, by all means, head out to Shinjuku, take the west Exit at the street level, cross the street, turn right, walk about 5 block and you'll find Club Doctor in the basement on your left. Tell Ami that I sent you. Maybe she'll hook us up with free drinks again next time.
http://www.clubdoctor.co.jp/
----------------------------
Contributor: Cori
November 10, 2010
----------------------------
Tonight I made it back out to Club Doctor in Shinjuku. It's been awhile so I wanted to wait until I went back to give them a proper review.
The place is very centrally located which for me is a huge plus. I mean it's only a few minutes walk right down the street from Shinjuku Station, and you can't miss it.
I talked to the booking girl at the door Ami, and she was hella cool. She informed me it was free drink night. Wow, never in my 5 years in Japan have I seen free drink night at any of the clubs. It was great.
I got there a bit early and there was only a couple of people there, which was surprising since every time I've been, the place is always packed. I waited a bit and it filled up slowly over the night. By the end of the night it was packed with a lot of people and becoming a very fun atmosphere.
The club itself has a great layout. Nice large area for the audience, great setup with a backstage area and everything. One thing is there's not a lot of space backstage, so there's a separate area the bands sometimes keeps there gear over near the restroom, but at least there is a big drape hiding it. Pretty clever use of space.
The sound at Club Doctor was really good. I was impressed. I heard from some of the bands that the equipment was not so great, but not bad either. I find that hard to believe because the sound was great. I guess that's the important thing. I do thing they could use some more bass. Lower dB's seemed not so audible, but other than that it was great.
All of the staff at this place was very helpful and cool. I was very glad to get to meet with Ami, I introduced her a bit a friend's band (ATP), and she seemed happy about that too. I hope they can play there more often.
The lighting for Club Doctor was not bad, but it wasn't that great either. I think they could do a lot with some great blacklights, more spot lights, etc. Give me Trippy!? Ya! Do it now! Actually that would have looked great from one of the 80's punky/new wave bands called Broken Dolls that played here. They were all wearing florescent great, it was great! :)
Actually, Club Doctor is becoming one of my favorite live houses. If you can get the chance, by all means, head out to Shinjuku, take the west Exit at the street level, cross the street, turn right, walk about 5 block and you'll find Club Doctor in the basement on your left. Tell Ami that I sent you. Maybe she'll hook us up with free drinks again next time.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
ATP Shibuya Lush Live
August 12, 2010
Contributor: Cori
------------------------------
Got out to see ATP tonight. Really nice show this one, because the sound system at Lush is great. You can check out my review of Lush to see what I said about that.
I really got a great feel from the band lately. They seem to be getting back to their roots a bit, and more into a new feel of some older sounds such as from the 60's and psychedelic era.
From the 1st song, I don't know if it was the almost candlelight feel from the Live house, but it sounded a lot like The Doors. I kind of got that same excitement.
The show consisted of only about 4 songs. This is pretty typical of most of the shows due to how many bands that generally perform. They each get about 40 minutes to play.
The sound tonight was just amazing. I could see it from the crowd there too. They just stared with their mouths agape, totally not expecting to see this level of music from an ordinary live house showing.
ATP's music is truly professional, so I feel lucky I get to see them each time.
I really had high hopes for my iPhone to do some better video at the live shows, but the microphone is horrible. I can only hope to bring a good camera. I do plan on getting a more compact camera with HD video soon so I can always keep it with me and post stuff from the live shows.
Getting back to the show, Taata's voice was amazing tonight, and so was her keyboarding. I feel for them a bit because they are short a bass player. Taata fills in nicely tho with the keyboards and synth.
Mug was flawless on the guitar as well. He's really stepped up lately as well due to missing bassist. He's also having to play some new rifts more psychedelia related. So it's been very fun to watch.
I talked to Kaz for a bit before the show. He seems to have had some driving trouble lately :) Good thing for him he doesn't have any problem with the drums.
I being a drummer myself, am in awe sometimes at the licks he plays, and the way he makes it look effortless. The guy is one kick-ass drummer, and he really brings the whole show together.
As you can see he's usually in the dark, but they really need a spotlight on him at times. Great job to Kaz as always!
If you haven't been to an ATP show, you really need to make it out to see this band. They are definitely one of the top bands I've seen in my 5 years here in Japan. You won't be disappointed.
Check out a few videos from one of their live shows:
ATP Live Show Chiba-ZX Part 1
ATP Live Show Chiba-ZX Part 2
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Shibuya Lush
Lush - Shibuya
http://www.toos.co.jp/lush/
----------------------------
Contributor: Cori
August 12, 2010
----------------------------
I had the chance to make it out to a new place this week! At least for me that is. The name of the place is Lush, and it's located in brilliant Shibuya.
The club is about a 5 minute walk from Shibuya Station. Take Hatchiko Exit and turn right, walk down behind the station, cross the main intersection, then turn left and cross over again. Turn right and walk up the street 2 rather long blocks, take a left, and about 20 yards down take a right and you will see it on your left. It's in the basement. Look for some red marble stairs leading down.
The club itself was rather uncrowded, which is pretty typical of most of the Japanese live houses. It was great for me because it gave me room to walk around and pick a good spot to watch the bands from.
There was very few chairs, but it seemed as if there was just enough crowd to fill the maybe 20 chairs and 3 tables they had, plus a few (like me) standing.
The lighting in this live house was not great. It looked pretty cheap. They did have a mirrored ball, but it was in the corner and it didn't even disperse the light. The stage lighting was just a few colored can bulbs as well. One thing I did like about the lighting is that between sets, the had a low incandescent lighting which gave the feel of candlelight.
A few things that really shined about this club was the amazing sound system. It was crystal clear, and sounded like a great theater sound system rather than a live house. I was pretty impressed. I didn't feel like I was getting shock hammered from all sides like in most of the live houses, and I could really enjoy the music more.
Another thing was that the staff was very cool here, drinks were cheap and when I ordered my Gin & Tonic (extra strong) they quickly hooked me up with no complaints, and even gave me some complimentary snacks! Very cool!
For a centrally located live house, with a great sound system, this is surely a great place to go hang out. There is also a Kuiana Burger right behind their building in case you are hungry :)
I'd give this place a 4/5, but if they'd do something a little more dramatic with the lighting they'd easily get 5/5. This place is well worth the visit, and I will be seeing more shows there in the future.
http://www.toos.co.jp/lush/
----------------------------
Contributor: Cori
August 12, 2010
----------------------------
I had the chance to make it out to a new place this week! At least for me that is. The name of the place is Lush, and it's located in brilliant Shibuya.
The club is about a 5 minute walk from Shibuya Station. Take Hatchiko Exit and turn right, walk down behind the station, cross the main intersection, then turn left and cross over again. Turn right and walk up the street 2 rather long blocks, take a left, and about 20 yards down take a right and you will see it on your left. It's in the basement. Look for some red marble stairs leading down.
The club itself was rather uncrowded, which is pretty typical of most of the Japanese live houses. It was great for me because it gave me room to walk around and pick a good spot to watch the bands from.
There was very few chairs, but it seemed as if there was just enough crowd to fill the maybe 20 chairs and 3 tables they had, plus a few (like me) standing.
The lighting in this live house was not great. It looked pretty cheap. They did have a mirrored ball, but it was in the corner and it didn't even disperse the light. The stage lighting was just a few colored can bulbs as well. One thing I did like about the lighting is that between sets, the had a low incandescent lighting which gave the feel of candlelight.
A few things that really shined about this club was the amazing sound system. It was crystal clear, and sounded like a great theater sound system rather than a live house. I was pretty impressed. I didn't feel like I was getting shock hammered from all sides like in most of the live houses, and I could really enjoy the music more.
Another thing was that the staff was very cool here, drinks were cheap and when I ordered my Gin & Tonic (extra strong) they quickly hooked me up with no complaints, and even gave me some complimentary snacks! Very cool!
For a centrally located live house, with a great sound system, this is surely a great place to go hang out. There is also a Kuiana Burger right behind their building in case you are hungry :)
I'd give this place a 4/5, but if they'd do something a little more dramatic with the lighting they'd easily get 5/5. This place is well worth the visit, and I will be seeing more shows there in the future.
SANKIKU Review
Sankiku
----------------------------
Contributor: Cori
August 11, 2010
----------------------------
I was out at a new club called Lush out in Shibuya on Wednesday night to catch up with Mug, Taata, Kaz & Taku from ATP, and I got to see a rather young band with some potential.
They are fronted by a female vocalist/keyboardist (Maho) who has the voice of a siren. Honestly, their first cut was very experimental sounding with elusive, winding background melody, and Maho weaving her siren's spell.
I was really excited at first because it had an amazing feel, somewhat similar to Sígur Rós, who's antics of singing non-lyrics and ghostly harmonies still draws in many a would be melancholist.
I did become a bit disappointed however, because the band seems to be mismatched. The guitarist kept cutting into a tirade and leading the band to a style which seemed at least to me, not to suit them. He was a very *good* guitarist, but I felt as if Maho's lyrics and singing style are much different.
I felt myself going through mood swings during the show as they sometimes hit these perfect experimentals, while Maho worked the crowd with her beautiful voice, but then, off they go into a pop song, and back. I wasn't sure where they wanted to go, or even if they knew where they were going.
I haven't heard this much potential from a young band in a while. If I could offer my advise I would tell them to tone back the fast rifts, work the experimental, slow and haunting background sounds, and let Maho lead and work her magic. This bands power is their vocals.
I talked to Maho after the gig, and told her how beautiful her voice was. I also asked if they had a website, which sadly they don't still. I think they are a bit young, but I'm holding out high hopes for them to pull it together!
I will probably go see this band play at least once more to make sure I have a proper feel.
If you like melancholy, experimental styles, this band might be for you.
----------------------------
Contributor: Cori
August 11, 2010
----------------------------
I was out at a new club called Lush out in Shibuya on Wednesday night to catch up with Mug, Taata, Kaz & Taku from ATP, and I got to see a rather young band with some potential.
They are fronted by a female vocalist/keyboardist (Maho) who has the voice of a siren. Honestly, their first cut was very experimental sounding with elusive, winding background melody, and Maho weaving her siren's spell.
I was really excited at first because it had an amazing feel, somewhat similar to Sígur Rós, who's antics of singing non-lyrics and ghostly harmonies still draws in many a would be melancholist.
I did become a bit disappointed however, because the band seems to be mismatched. The guitarist kept cutting into a tirade and leading the band to a style which seemed at least to me, not to suit them. He was a very *good* guitarist, but I felt as if Maho's lyrics and singing style are much different.
I felt myself going through mood swings during the show as they sometimes hit these perfect experimentals, while Maho worked the crowd with her beautiful voice, but then, off they go into a pop song, and back. I wasn't sure where they wanted to go, or even if they knew where they were going.
I haven't heard this much potential from a young band in a while. If I could offer my advise I would tell them to tone back the fast rifts, work the experimental, slow and haunting background sounds, and let Maho lead and work her magic. This bands power is their vocals.
I talked to Maho after the gig, and told her how beautiful her voice was. I also asked if they had a website, which sadly they don't still. I think they are a bit young, but I'm holding out high hopes for them to pull it together!
I will probably go see this band play at least once more to make sure I have a proper feel.
If you like melancholy, experimental styles, this band might be for you.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Molice
www.themolice.comBy Tom Melesky
In 1995 my friends and I in Boston, Massachusetts were convinced that Japan was the source of international chic when it came to pop culture.
Of course when it came to places outside my home country, we were mere babes in the woods. What we actually knew of Japan was minimal, but how could a country that put out things like Akira, Resident Evil, Ghost in the Shell, and Tekken 2 not be the coolest place on Earth? The worlds that were conjured up in these games and movies left us in a child-like state of awe.
Cut ahead a few years and I had made the continental leap to Asia. Reality had caught up with me and I found out that Japan was like every other country with features both good and bad. Johnny's overexposure, unfunny tarento overacting, NOVA, saigen dramas, and hamburgers w/fried eggs on top had cooled my love affair with the country.
But, occasionally, flashes of brilliance with a level of inventiveness and newness that appealed to my western sensibilities shone through and took me back. Over the next 10 years I encountered things like Kasou Taishou(Matrix Ping Pong), Shiodome, Genki Sudo, Paprika, anything w/Hayao Miyazaki (pre-Haru no Ugoku Shiro), the A-Tribe stuntmen, Fuji Rock, and Summer Sonic, but these were few and far between and my cynicism level was on the rise.
So imagine my surprise in 2007 when I discovered that feeling of awe again one night in Shibuya's O-Crest. It was a quiet night when a female fronted, 4 piece band took the stage. Unfazed by the low numbers, this opening band tore into their set and never looked back, making me all but forget the other 4 bands on the card. It was my first experience seeing Molice live, but most assuredly not my last. (At last count, it was 25 times, spanning 3 countries)
With skills honed originally in the band China Chop, lead singer Rinko & guitarist Yuzuru distilled and focused their vision of what would eventually become Molice before recruiting bassist Ikuhiro and drummer Takashi Koyama.
Your typical Japanese listener would consider them the unJ-Rock Japanese rock band. And that's a title that would suit Molice fine.
Many terms have been thrown around when describing their music: alternative, surf-rock, retro, shoegaze, pop, punk....but at the same time each song retains its own distinct flavor, from the dancey "Headphone," to the funk inspired "Romancer," to the more introspective "Awai Kaze" and " Fine Wave" There's only one word that doesn't come into the equation: formulaic.
But that still doesn't tell the whole story. Molice's albums have a cinematic sense and are usually themed after one of their favorite movies. The first was inspired by Blade Runner and the second, Farenheit 451. A look into Molice's name reveals a little more. It's a combination of the katakana pronunciations of Police, Morrissey, (Jim) Morrision, and Maureen (Tucker) A look into Molice's influences peels back another layer. In addition to the aforementioned, the list includes the Pixies, Beatles, and Television. So which is it? The truth is, it's all of those and more.
To truly take Molice in, you have to see them live. That's where the power the music really hits you. (listen to the break in Headphone or the transition from Jewel Story to Superstar) Someone high up in Japan's music scene must have seen this when the fledging band was selected to perform in 2007's Summer Sonic only months after their formation.
They steadily progressed upwards from there. After the release of their 1st album, Doctor Ray, the band received critical praise, international radio broadcast, and airplay of the videos "Ms. Panic" and "Headphone" on Space Shower TV and France's Nolife TV. Interestingly, despite the fact that 90% of Molice's lyrics are in Japanese, a majority of the coverage received was by the English speaking media (through J-music websites, magazines, and blogs.)
The bands international debut came in London at the end of 2009, but it was soon followed by a breakthrough performance at the C.A.M.A. 2010 Festival in Hanoi, Vietnam. This came a couple of months after the bands 2nd release "Catalystrock" which saw a big jump in press coverage and Molice's first personal TV appearance on Fox Japan's "Backstage Pass"
3 1/2 years is not a long time for accomplishments like these but on the heels of this list more is yet to come. Molice is scheduled to be the main musical event of the Anime Weekend Atlanta, one of the 10 biggest anime Conventions in North America. Not a bad way to make your US debut.
I trust people have moved on past Tekken 2, but I expect more than a few reactions to mirror mine.
Don't take my word for it. Check the following official Molice videos and see if you agree:
Ms. Panic
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMQXREe3LsI
Headphone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6fYYTD0dQOo
Awai Kaze (Pale Wind)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUmuGaxfYp8
Romancer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RBX1ASxjEw
Sunday, July 18, 2010
ATP (Adenosine Tri-Phosphate) BIO
ATP (Adenosine Tri-Phosphate
http://atpmania.com
http://www.geocities.jp/atpmania/
----------------------------
Contributor: Cori
July 18, 2010
----------------------------
ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate) is:
1. energy-craving molecule present in all life forms
2. ATP assaults your senses with maximum sonic excitement.
Band History:
* After breaking up his former band, African Tribe Punk, sonic experimental guitarist Mug started to run "Bazooka recording Studio" in Tokyo. And
soon he started to look for members to form Adenosine Tri Phosphate. Fellow University of Chicago graduate Taata,
and LA's MI drummer Kazz were invited into the new ATP.
* The concept of the new band was....
"Pop Music with Punk Spirit..and Sonic Experimental Twist.....".
* CD, Sun Dancer. This allowed the band to move on to bigger venues,
ultimately leading to appearances on Japanese national television shows such as Zeus' Holiday and Jaka-Jan. Dash/Dash, a documentary styled program, touted ATP as the best thing in Japanese alternative music.
* Then, ATP decided to "live" in the studio. For more than 2 years,
ATP did not play in front of audience, and instead
they continued their search of new music in the studio by experimenting, producing others, and continuously recording...
* Aroused Zen Monk was the band's first album since Sundancer. It was a collection of songs ATP recorded during the time. And it became available to the world thanks to newly established media, Internet.
MP3.com, one of the founder of the movement really helped ATP to gain many overseas Fans. In fact, their songs were downloaded more than ONE MILLION times.
MP3.com's chairman, Mr. Robertson even mentioned ATP in his newsletter, as the Greatest unknown band from Asia, and as
the good example of Internet possibility.
* Aroused Zen Monk (Mp3 CD)
became one of the best sellers at MP3.com, and even made Top 10 in
several College Radios...all without any promotion activity....thanks to
Mr. Robertson and Internet.
* ATP did the first overseas tour in 2000, visiting all over Asia. ATP finished the long exciting tour with Headlining appearance at "Psychedelic 2000" festival in HongKong.
* In 2001 ATP released the soundtrack for the anime movie Guilstein, an action/horror film based on the manga by Tamaki Hisao. CD is released from Universal/Kitty. DVD is released throu Shogakukan in Japan.
* In 2002 ATP toured all over Japan. Including headlining appearances at "All Tomorrow's parties 2002 Tokyo" festival and "Greater Tokyo" festival.
* ATP helped their friend J-rock singer Momoyo to reform the legenday "lizard". They played a few gigs and new lizard in Tokyo.
* From 2003 to 2004, ATP took a hiatus again in their recording studio.
Except for a few gigs in small clubs ATP spent most of their days in the studio.
The result was more than 50 new songs!
(Demo version of some of those songs are available from internet,
such as soundclick.com.)
* In 2005, ATP finally landed in USA. ATP did their first US tour in
in California/USA. Played in clubs and colleges.
(Thier performance at DNA lounge in SanFrancisco was Webcasted).................
* In January 2007, ATP's new maxi single "A Wish Away" was released. The song "a wish away" was already internet smash hit. Soundclick.com (one of the largest US music site) rated the song the best J-pop. 5 more songs from 2003-2004 sessions and 2 Live takes from US tour were listed in this CD.
* In 2010, ATP finally finished mixing a long awaited new album "Welcome To My Psychedelic World". 15 new songs were recorded and mixed at thier new studio "Spider House" by themselves. They are planning to release the album sometime in the late spring in Japan, and a little later around the world. They are planning to tour in Japan and Australia.
* ATP is more active than ever outside of their studio, Mug says, " I think we finally found the way to play ATP right... we can now kick ass techinically and play pop tunes while still remaining experimental and punk....and rather emotional.
http://atpmania.com
http://www.geocities.jp/atpmania/
----------------------------
Contributor: Cori
July 18, 2010
----------------------------
ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate) is:
1. energy-craving molecule present in all life forms
2. ATP assaults your senses with maximum sonic excitement.
Band History:
* After breaking up his former band, African Tribe Punk, sonic experimental guitarist Mug started to run "Bazooka recording Studio" in Tokyo. And
soon he started to look for members to form Adenosine Tri Phosphate. Fellow University of Chicago graduate Taata,
and LA's MI drummer Kazz were invited into the new ATP.
* The concept of the new band was....
"Pop Music with Punk Spirit..and Sonic Experimental Twist.....".
* CD, Sun Dancer. This allowed the band to move on to bigger venues,
ultimately leading to appearances on Japanese national television shows such as Zeus' Holiday and Jaka-Jan. Dash/Dash, a documentary styled program, touted ATP as the best thing in Japanese alternative music.
* Then, ATP decided to "live" in the studio. For more than 2 years,
ATP did not play in front of audience, and instead
they continued their search of new music in the studio by experimenting, producing others, and continuously recording...
* Aroused Zen Monk was the band's first album since Sundancer. It was a collection of songs ATP recorded during the time. And it became available to the world thanks to newly established media, Internet.
MP3.com, one of the founder of the movement really helped ATP to gain many overseas Fans. In fact, their songs were downloaded more than ONE MILLION times.
MP3.com's chairman, Mr. Robertson even mentioned ATP in his newsletter, as the Greatest unknown band from Asia, and as
the good example of Internet possibility.
* Aroused Zen Monk (Mp3 CD)
became one of the best sellers at MP3.com, and even made Top 10 in
several College Radios...all without any promotion activity....thanks to
Mr. Robertson and Internet.
* ATP did the first overseas tour in 2000, visiting all over Asia. ATP finished the long exciting tour with Headlining appearance at "Psychedelic 2000" festival in HongKong.
* In 2001 ATP released the soundtrack for the anime movie Guilstein, an action/horror film based on the manga by Tamaki Hisao. CD is released from Universal/Kitty. DVD is released throu Shogakukan in Japan.
* In 2002 ATP toured all over Japan. Including headlining appearances at "All Tomorrow's parties 2002 Tokyo" festival and "Greater Tokyo" festival.
* ATP helped their friend J-rock singer Momoyo to reform the legenday "lizard". They played a few gigs and new lizard in Tokyo.
* From 2003 to 2004, ATP took a hiatus again in their recording studio.
Except for a few gigs in small clubs ATP spent most of their days in the studio.
The result was more than 50 new songs!
(Demo version of some of those songs are available from internet,
such as soundclick.com.)
* In 2005, ATP finally landed in USA. ATP did their first US tour in
in California/USA. Played in clubs and colleges.
(Thier performance at DNA lounge in SanFrancisco was Webcasted).................
* In January 2007, ATP's new maxi single "A Wish Away" was released. The song "a wish away" was already internet smash hit. Soundclick.com (one of the largest US music site) rated the song the best J-pop. 5 more songs from 2003-2004 sessions and 2 Live takes from US tour were listed in this CD.
* In 2010, ATP finally finished mixing a long awaited new album "Welcome To My Psychedelic World". 15 new songs were recorded and mixed at thier new studio "Spider House" by themselves. They are planning to release the album sometime in the late spring in Japan, and a little later around the world. They are planning to tour in Japan and Australia.
* ATP is more active than ever outside of their studio, Mug says, " I think we finally found the way to play ATP right... we can now kick ass techinically and play pop tunes while still remaining experimental and punk....and rather emotional.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Daisy Bar - Shimokitazawa
Daisy Bar - Shimokitazawa
http://www.daisybar.jp/
----------------------------
Contributor: Cori
June 26, 2010
----------------------------
The Daisy Bar is one of many live houses in Shimokitazawa. It is a bit further to get to from the station, but not much. About a 7 min walk.
This is a really great club. There seems to be plenty of space, and the bar is around the corner a bit from the main stage so you can actually communicate and hear while order some drinks.
There was only 1 or 2 small tables pulled back against one of the walls but it wasn't that crowded this night due to heavy rains, so it wasn't that big of a deal.
There was also some steps that seemed to be littered about, and people hanging out and sitting down around those, which made the club seem a bit more cozy. This is a really good spot to hang out with some friends, drink and relax I think.
The staff was pretty cool too. I talked to the guy taking money out front for a few minutes and he was great! Thanks whoever you were ;)
All in all I'd give this club a 5/5. Even the rain couldn't wash this place out.
The directions to the club are pretty easy as well. Here's the directions I got from K-Go the night I went to see Honeydew play there:
Take Odakyu line or Keio Inokashira line to Shimokitazawa.
Get out at Shimokitazawa Minamiguchi (South Exit)
make left at McDonald's.
make right at First Kitchen,
go straight down the curvy street for a while.
Walk pass Italian Tomato Cafe Jr. .
Make left at the corner of shoe store "Step in Step"
Daisy Bar is located in the left hand side of the street.
And it's in the basement.
Or, watch this video. Direction to Daisy Bar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKTF_8u6zK0
If you like a more relaxed live house, come check it out for sure!
http://www.daisybar.jp/
----------------------------
Contributor: Cori
June 26, 2010
----------------------------
The Daisy Bar is one of many live houses in Shimokitazawa. It is a bit further to get to from the station, but not much. About a 7 min walk.
This is a really great club. There seems to be plenty of space, and the bar is around the corner a bit from the main stage so you can actually communicate and hear while order some drinks.
There was only 1 or 2 small tables pulled back against one of the walls but it wasn't that crowded this night due to heavy rains, so it wasn't that big of a deal.
There was also some steps that seemed to be littered about, and people hanging out and sitting down around those, which made the club seem a bit more cozy. This is a really good spot to hang out with some friends, drink and relax I think.
The staff was pretty cool too. I talked to the guy taking money out front for a few minutes and he was great! Thanks whoever you were ;)
All in all I'd give this club a 5/5. Even the rain couldn't wash this place out.
The directions to the club are pretty easy as well. Here's the directions I got from K-Go the night I went to see Honeydew play there:
Take Odakyu line or Keio Inokashira line to Shimokitazawa.
Get out at Shimokitazawa Minamiguchi (South Exit)
make left at McDonald's.
make right at First Kitchen,
go straight down the curvy street for a while.
Walk pass Italian Tomato Cafe Jr. .
Make left at the corner of shoe store "Step in Step"
Daisy Bar is located in the left hand side of the street.
And it's in the basement.
Or, watch this video. Direction to Daisy Bar
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKTF_8u6zK0
If you like a more relaxed live house, come check it out for sure!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Club Goodman - Akihabara
Club Goodman - Akihabara
http://clubgoodman.com
----------------------------
Contributor: Cori
June 23, 2010
----------------------------
Club Goodman is one of the best live houses that I've been to, and I've probably spent more time here than any of the others.
The sounds quality of this house is excellent, and the staff is very friendly. They have a great backstage dressing room area, which some of the other houses don't have. I think this is a plus when going back to talk to the band members away from the noise but still within the club. Additionally for band members it's great because they have an actual place to change, and keep some equipment until it's their turn to setup and go on stage.
They have several tables in the floor which is good, and on one of the far side walls there is a long bench for many people who might want to sit down. Additionally, under the loft where the sound guys sit, there is another sitting area with tables and chairs.
This house is amazingly simply and quick to get to from Akihabara station. Just walk out the Showadori Exit, out of the station and past Yodobashi Camera on the left. Cross the street, and make a right. Walk down 3 side streets and make a left. Club Goodman is about 20 meters down on the right side, past the music store, and is located in the basement (as most are).
Pricing for this place is about the same as the others, around 2000-2500 yen depending on the headliners etc. Again, this is pretty standard.
Club Goodman has a really nice screen where they play music videos, etc. during intermissions. Very cool! Additionally, they have several TV displays and cameras to record the shows, which I haven't seen in many of the live houses.
All in all, Club Goodman ranks as one of my top 3 live houses in Tokyo.
Please find their link here, and go out to visit them sometime!
Club Goodman
http://clubgoodman.com
----------------------------
Contributor: Cori
June 23, 2010
----------------------------
Club Goodman is one of the best live houses that I've been to, and I've probably spent more time here than any of the others.
The sounds quality of this house is excellent, and the staff is very friendly. They have a great backstage dressing room area, which some of the other houses don't have. I think this is a plus when going back to talk to the band members away from the noise but still within the club. Additionally for band members it's great because they have an actual place to change, and keep some equipment until it's their turn to setup and go on stage.
They have several tables in the floor which is good, and on one of the far side walls there is a long bench for many people who might want to sit down. Additionally, under the loft where the sound guys sit, there is another sitting area with tables and chairs.
This house is amazingly simply and quick to get to from Akihabara station. Just walk out the Showadori Exit, out of the station and past Yodobashi Camera on the left. Cross the street, and make a right. Walk down 3 side streets and make a left. Club Goodman is about 20 meters down on the right side, past the music store, and is located in the basement (as most are).
Pricing for this place is about the same as the others, around 2000-2500 yen depending on the headliners etc. Again, this is pretty standard.
Club Goodman has a really nice screen where they play music videos, etc. during intermissions. Very cool! Additionally, they have several TV displays and cameras to record the shows, which I haven't seen in many of the live houses.
All in all, Club Goodman ranks as one of my top 3 live houses in Tokyo.
Please find their link here, and go out to visit them sometime!
Club Goodman
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Contact
Here is a listing of our contributors and their contact information:
Cori: band(at)theantigen(dot)com - Founder of the site and contributor
Cori: band(at)theantigen(dot)com - Founder of the site and contributor
Live House Reviews
This page is a listing of all of our Live House reviews.
Club Goodman - Akiba
Daisy Bar - ShimoKita
Lush - Shibuya
Club Doctor - Shinjuku
Club Goodman - Akiba
Daisy Bar - ShimoKita
Lush - Shibuya
Club Doctor - Shinjuku
Band Reviews
This page is dedicated to reviews & BIOs of the bands.
ATP - Welcome To My Psychedelic World CD Review
ATP - Band BIO
Molice - Band Review
Sankiku - Band Review
ATP - Live Show Review @ Shibuya Lush
Broken Doll - Live Show @Club Doctor
ATP, Motor Pool, 音の歩きかた @Club Doctor
ATP - Welcome To My Psychedelic World CD Review
ATP - Band BIO
Molice - Band Review
Sankiku - Band Review
ATP - Live Show Review @ Shibuya Lush
Broken Doll - Live Show @Club Doctor
ATP, Motor Pool, 音の歩きかた @Club Doctor
Monday, June 21, 2010
ATP New CD Review
ATP New CD Review
----------------------------
Contributor: Cori
June 21, 2010
----------------------------
I recently picked up a copy of Adenosine Tri-Phosphate (ATP)'s new CD
"Welcome To My Psychedelic World".
This is a truly amazing CD. It encapsulates everything ATP has done in their career, and nicely encodes it into a brilliantly mastered Psychedelic theme.
For those of you who do not known ATP, this is a Japanese band formed by 2 members Taata & Mug who met at the university in Chicago. They joined additional member Kaz and began making music. They have also had various other musicians play bass and keyboards for them. The most recent being the lead guitarist/vocalist for the band Zero, who's named is Kojiro.
ATP's brand of music is experimental, rock & psychedelic. Their most popular hit was 'Here we are', although recently I've had a lot of people express to me their interest in getting the English translation of 'Raining in Kyoto' which is another brilliant song.
It always amazes me when I see ATP live. I usually get to the live house a bit early because I like hearing all of the bands. What I can never get over, is that after listening to the other bands, and ATP comes on, you realize that this band is in a whole other level of greatness. It's like watching your friends garage band headline for Aerosmith or something. A rather large difference. This band has the look, they have the sound and they are immensely professional about their music.
Their latest CD seems to combine all of their skill and sound and rewind them into this masterpiece of music. It has some lighter songs compared to their earlier stuff, and the sound of Taata's voice is very clear. There is also a deep air of ambient sounds throughout the cut, which adds layers of depth and ties together the whole arrangement.
Some of my favorite cuts from this CD are Arabian Moon, which brilliantly uses technological wizardry to to manipulate Taata's voice as she lifts her voice and carries you away.
Another is 奇妙なバタフライのお話 (Strange Butterfly's Chat). The track is one of the deeper on the CD, but for me it brings back the feeling I got from one of my all time favorite tracks 'Into Color' which hit a melancholy nerve so deep that few songs have been able to do.
TNC is another cut on this CD which I should mention. This song was orginally un-named, but turned out to be so good that it's been carried at nearly every show they do. I get the feeling that this song would make a great soundtrack for Ghost in the Machine, Deus-Ex and many other popular Anime.
In fact, ATP has done soundtracks for famous Anime such as Guilstein.
I recently caught ATP's show at the live house, and talked to the band. After talking to them it's easy to forget how great their music is, and then they jump on stange to transport you to another world, and you remember.
Mug is is one of the most versitile guitarists in the business, and Kaz's drumming is rock solid through every show I've seen. Taata's voice ties the whole package up nicely and makes this band one of the best headliners I've seen for any live house, ever.
Do yourself a favor, and check this band out, and pick up this CD!
Please also check out ATP's Website
----------------------------
Contributor: Cori
June 21, 2010
----------------------------
I recently picked up a copy of Adenosine Tri-Phosphate (ATP)'s new CD
"Welcome To My Psychedelic World".
This is a truly amazing CD. It encapsulates everything ATP has done in their career, and nicely encodes it into a brilliantly mastered Psychedelic theme.
For those of you who do not known ATP, this is a Japanese band formed by 2 members Taata & Mug who met at the university in Chicago. They joined additional member Kaz and began making music. They have also had various other musicians play bass and keyboards for them. The most recent being the lead guitarist/vocalist for the band Zero, who's named is Kojiro.
ATP's brand of music is experimental, rock & psychedelic. Their most popular hit was 'Here we are', although recently I've had a lot of people express to me their interest in getting the English translation of 'Raining in Kyoto' which is another brilliant song.
It always amazes me when I see ATP live. I usually get to the live house a bit early because I like hearing all of the bands. What I can never get over, is that after listening to the other bands, and ATP comes on, you realize that this band is in a whole other level of greatness. It's like watching your friends garage band headline for Aerosmith or something. A rather large difference. This band has the look, they have the sound and they are immensely professional about their music.
Their latest CD seems to combine all of their skill and sound and rewind them into this masterpiece of music. It has some lighter songs compared to their earlier stuff, and the sound of Taata's voice is very clear. There is also a deep air of ambient sounds throughout the cut, which adds layers of depth and ties together the whole arrangement.
Some of my favorite cuts from this CD are Arabian Moon, which brilliantly uses technological wizardry to to manipulate Taata's voice as she lifts her voice and carries you away.
Another is 奇妙なバタフライのお話 (Strange Butterfly's Chat). The track is one of the deeper on the CD, but for me it brings back the feeling I got from one of my all time favorite tracks 'Into Color' which hit a melancholy nerve so deep that few songs have been able to do.
TNC is another cut on this CD which I should mention. This song was orginally un-named, but turned out to be so good that it's been carried at nearly every show they do. I get the feeling that this song would make a great soundtrack for Ghost in the Machine, Deus-Ex and many other popular Anime.
In fact, ATP has done soundtracks for famous Anime such as Guilstein.
I recently caught ATP's show at the live house, and talked to the band. After talking to them it's easy to forget how great their music is, and then they jump on stange to transport you to another world, and you remember.
Mug is is one of the most versitile guitarists in the business, and Kaz's drumming is rock solid through every show I've seen. Taata's voice ties the whole package up nicely and makes this band one of the best headliners I've seen for any live house, ever.
Do yourself a favor, and check this band out, and pick up this CD!
Please also check out ATP's Website
Welcome
It dawned on me at the we early hours that I should probs do a blog related to music, but it's a big part of who I am, what I like and how I live. I go to live house quite frequently here so I'd like to start giving the bands I see an honest review in English and hopefully gain them some additional exposure.
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