Jack in the Box December 2011
MUCC
The lights went out and the fans had no idea which band was to come, but a familiar guitar chord prompted screams for MUCC. Jets of fire exploded from the back of the stage, bursts of flame timed with the beat as the band began with “Rojiura Boku to Kimi He.” The audience bounced along to the atmospheric song. A nice guitar line from Miya matched Satochi’s sharp drumming, and Tatsurou’s growl accented the sound as he threw his hands out. Red lights flared to match the long, vocal runs, and the song finished with standout guitar and another pyrotechnic flare. The band’s monochrome palette made them stand out against the flashy theatrics throughout the set.
MUCC kept up unique and oddly artistic movement throughout the set, Tatsurou giving jack rabbit-like jumps and bassist YUKKE owning the stage with his strut. “I want everyone out of their seats!” Tatsurou yelled, and that was almost a given with the huge crowd reaction for “Ageha” as the band started a plaintive guitar wail set off by heavy drum and bass. Tastsurou gave the finger to the audience, his voice gritty before taking a more melodic turn in the chorus then working up to a near-falsetto, demonstrating impressive range. Miya got on his knees to play, and the beat changed to something more rock as a disco ball lit up and Budokan became a giant dance party. The stands shook with the force of the crowd jumping for “Falling Down” and a green field of laser lights spread over the arena. Bass and guitar took the front of the stage, playing fast, and Tatsurou gave high kicks across the stage as he sang.
The party atmosphere continued with “Fuzz,” the crowd was cheering as Tatsurou broke out his harmonica for the signature notes, and YUKKE rocked out with his massive upright bass. Upbeat drumming and a dramatic guitar riff lead into “Saishuu Ressha.” The drums and bass had a jazzy swing and the instrumentalists showed off their skills. Then the band left the stage for a moment and fans called for the members, hoping the set wasn’t over. The members soon returned. “I didn’t know if we would be first or last, and I didn’t know what the atmosphere would be like, so I didn’t plan what to say,” Tatsurou admitted. “We don’t have very long up here, but it would be great if you thought you wanted to see more!”
“Arcadia” saw the return of the upright, band posing in spotlights as Satochi picked up a bongo-influenced beat. Blue, then red and green lasers lit the stage as Tatsurou jumped and twirled on stage, YUKKE even swinging around with his massive instrument. The song made excellent use of synthesizer blended with organic sounds of cool piano and keyboard notes. Between the flashy lasers and rhythmic beat, the number was mesmerizing. “Na no Nake Yume” saw hardcore headbanging from the crowd, some going so far as to hang themselves over the second and third floor balconies as the fans in the arena moshed. The song was powerful and finished with a big scream.
“Thank you!” Tatsurou said. “Jack in the Box will continue, but this is our last song!” “Nirvana” had a quick pace and the stage lights turned rainbow. Funky bass lead the song and Tasurou was all smiles as they finished with big bows.
Set List
- Rojiura Boku to Kimi He
- Ranchuu
- Ageha
- Falling Down
- Fuzz
- Saigo Reisha
- Horizontal
- Arcadia
- Na no Naki Yume
- Nirvana
Kate Havas first became interested in Japanese fashion in college when visual kei and anime were just beginning to make their way to America. Having already been involved in the American fashion scene, she expanded her interests to include gothic lolita, Japanese punk, gyaru, and other Japanese subculture styles. Kate signed onto ROKKYUU in order to bring up-to-date news on Japanese fashion trends and the personalities behind these various subculture brands to fans all over the world. Follow her on twitter at keito_kate!
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