HAP Mini Concert Features Secilia Luna in Singapore

On November 27, 2011, Haru House hosted a special anniversary event called HAP Mini Concert featuring visual rock from the holier end of the spectrum. Over the past year, Haru House has become the go to place for Japanese subculture/cosplay and related merchandise. For the first time, they brought in a visual band with an emphasis on Angelic j-rock and Secilia Luna made their first venture to Singapore, the angels ready to rock.

Secilia Luna is an indie VK band from Tokyo. Their songs combine classical and rock elements and usually deal with Christian themes. Since Secilia Luna’s members are “Angels,” their fans are part of the “Tenshikyô” (“Angel-Religion”) and thus called “Angels” as well. Incidentally, all of members are male except for their bassist, which is rare given the gender makeup of most VK bands.

As the concert started, the lights went down and white light illuminated the crowd who pushed forward and rushed towards the stage. They cheered loudly as the band took their spots one by one. The singer, Mirai, introduced the show by shouting “Hello Singapore, We are Secilia Luna from Japan!” which got the crowd cheering and fists pumping ready for their first hit song, entitled “Providence.” The first two rows of the crowd erupted into a sea of headbanging. Next was “Akatsuki No Seika,” which was definitely one of the harder rock songs of the set. Rio can really wail and her fingers are like fire on that bass fret-board. A mix of thunderous drums and two insane guitar-lines topped the song off, making the hairs on people’s necks stand on end. In the next track, “Shard” from Secilia Luna’s new album Tenshikyo Kakumei. With a melodic opening and a steady 4/4 beat, “Shard” got the crowd swaying in time. The energy picked up again as they began to play  “Solution.” The fast energy of the song fed right into the crowd’s screams as they played on. During the guitar solo in the song, Ageha stepped forward and was cast in a white spotlight as he played, drawing the crowd’s attention. They cheered loudly as he exhibited the utmost dexterity, fingers flying along the frets. Clear notes carried through the crowd, and with the end of the song, Mirai called out to the crowd, “it’s our first time in Singapore, and our fans are so warm and cute, everybody is like angels!”

Unfortunately, the next two tracks “Hattori” and “Authority” were a touch muffled and Mirai’s beautiful, but nevertheless powerful voice was drowned out by bass and drums hammering through a medley over confusing background music. However, when familiar chimes began, the fans squealed for the start of “Crescent.”  The hyped up energy carried to the crowd as the fans sang along to the chorus.

“Syuyo Warerano Tsuimiwomo Yurushitamae” continued the rock feel that the band had developed but the pop level went up as they played “Primary” and Mirai kept the energy high, engaging the crowd. “Sacred Ray” was the final song of the set maintaining the energy levels until the end. The band ran from side to side, playing with each other and bouncing up and down.  As they finished the number, they waved and thanked the crowd.

Shouts of “Encore!” came from the fans and After about five minutes, the band re-emerged onstage. “Thanks for the encore!” shouted Mirai. Encore songs “Kouhouyuu” and “Yurikago” were obviously the crowd’s favourrites. The emotional vibes kept everyone listening eagerly and bouncing around to the starting pop. The numbers were contrasted well and ended the concert on a good note.

Secilia Luna’s compositions are well balanced, alternating between straight-up rock riffs and soft passages to release the pressure. Overall, their energetic electro-synth elements encopasse authentic j-rock. They also know how to lead the crowd! With their trip to Singapore, Secilia Luna’s fanbase has definitely increased and many will be looking forward to the Angels’ next visit.

Set List:

1. Providence
2. Akatsuki No Seika
3. Shard
4. Solution
5. Hattori
6. Authority
7. Cresent
8. Syuyo Warerano Tsuimiwomo Yurushitamae
9. Primary
10. Sacred Ray

Encore

1. Kouhouyuu
2. Yurikago