STYLISH WAVE – EXTRA April 22 2012

Nine bands took the stage for the 2012 edition of STYLISH WAVE EXTRA at Club CITTA. The excited crowd was in for a varied show with bands of all styles and ages.

GUILD

“Kawasaki, let’s have a blast!” GUILD’s vocalist RYUICHI yelled out in welcome. “Good Bye Days, Say Hi Friends” opened the set, steady drums setting the pace for the hand choreography that got the mainly female audience waving in unison. Despite generally weak vocals and instrumentals, the band managed to entertain with their loud and energetic performance.

The emcee was particularly daring with the four members actively participating, drummer KOICHI blowing loud kisses to the fans as the vocalist talked, feigning outrage. The drummer moved forward to take the vocalist’s place as RYUICHI took guitarist YOSHIHIRO’s place, leaving the latter no solution apart from the drums for the “furitsuke corner” where the crowd were taught the choreography. In the minutes that followed, KOICHI tried to impersonate RYUICHI and the vocalist took on the instrumental side. The crowd didn’t seem to mind the switch and followed the choreography zealously.

Returning to their original parts, GUILD moved on to “Usojanai,” the words “Usojanai” repeated to exhaustion while the crowd waved towels and danced to the beat. Flashing hearts, jumps, mosh and pumping fists took over the hall, the crowd singing the chorus loudly with the band. In “Burning Love,” KOICHI stood out with his drumming while YOSHIHIRO stole the song with a swift riff, showing the band’s potential. “We would like to thank Hoshiko-san for inviting us here today!” As the vocalist thanked the host of the show, Hoshiko himself stepped onstage to the band’s surprise and ended by taking pictures of both band and crowd for a fun conclusion to the opening set.

Set List

1. Good Bye Days, Say Hi Friends
2. Usojanai
3. Burning Love

ZUCK

ZUCK entered to a loud, electro intro, lights flashing brightly while the crowd welcomed vocalist YUU and guitarist TSUKASA with open arms. “MONSTER” warmed up the crowd, fists flashing rapidly before the crowd started hopping rowdily left and right. The  guitarist and vocalist set an example as they flashed bright smiles at the fans. Musically, ZUCK brought LM.C to mind, yet the two official members ended up overshadowed by the support bass and drums, who made a clear impact. “Soushitsu、complex” brought with it fresh air, YUU’s jazzy tone and TSUKASA’s fiery riffs improving the atmosphere.

“We don’t want it to end but this is the last song!” the vocalist confessed as he introduced “Tsubomi.”  The cheerful routines continued to a joyful tune that got the crowd jumping and moving wildly. It was refreshing to finally hear YUU sing out, his voice sweet and clear for the calmer parts of the song while the guitar solo added intensity. The band skillfully controlled the crowd who moved constantly to the jolly tunes, making ZUCK an interesting addition to the night’s diverse line-up. “Today ended so fast!” YUU exclaimed. “It was fun to be here!” the guitarist agreed. With the crowd cheering and shouting, the two bid their farewells, hide’s “D.O.D” easing the wait for the next band.

Set List

1. MONSTER
2. Soushitsu、complex
3. Tsubomi

v[NEU]

The intro music had barely begun when colorful lights started sprouting from the crowd, welcoming v[NEU]. Cheerful and bright, the band displayed their energy from the start, moving around continuously. Mitsu took the lead for “Hold My Hand,” his voice sweet and clear through the performance while Takumi took the front for a feisty guitar riff. Holding hands, the crowd swayed to the catchy music. The cute actions continued through “YES≒NO.” The song opened with a collective jump, crowd moshing frantically with Hiro. “Let’s go, let’s go!” the vocalist sang with a wide smile while the fans flashed hearts at him. Making the performance jolly and fun, Kayuu got the crowd yelling “Stylish!” in honor of Stylish Wave, the whole hall joining in between giggles and cheers.

The crowd seemed to be having a blast as they moved on to “Pink marble.” Sans guitar, Kayuu took to the front, skirt bouncing as he hopped around the stage, rapping and sharing the vocals with Mitsu. Punching the air and hopping, the guitarist fired up the crowd. The tune was catchy and the energy contagious, sure to encourage swaying to the rhythm. Meanwhile, ЯeI kept it cool behind the drums, setting the pace for the pumping fists that accompanied “in my secret..” which brought the set to a whirling finish.

Set List

1. Hold My Hand
2. YES≒NO
3. Pink marble
4. in my secret..

HERO

Hero opened the set with an emcee and the crowd couldn’t contain their laughter when vocalist JIN welcomed everyone with a funny GACKT impersonation. “Ring a Ding a Song” followed suit and got the crowd moving in unison to the pop tune. The transition from cute and poppy to fast and heavy was interestingly accomplished and did wonders for the crowd. Fast clapping opened “Iro awase no housoku,” the enthusiastic choreography making for an amusing scene. The moving hands resembled a sand storm while onstage, yu-ta and SARSHI kept it cool, flashing smiles at the audience.

“Can you please light up the stage?” the vocalist asked. “More! Don’t be worried! More!!” The emcee went on about the dangers of headbanging (or, rather, not headbanging). “If the person next to you is not headbanging, just hold them by the neck and say “Headbang, damn it!” JIN ordered in an overly serious tone.

After the passionate emcee,there was nothing more appropriate than “Ningen teigi” to get the crowd thrashing heads. The audience’s reaction was priceless and made up for the lack of impressive instrumentals, the fans moving in unison and yelling in death voice before the hall turned around and started headbanging with their backs to the stage and facing the cameras that were broadcasting the show live. “That’s it!” the vocalist yelled out. “Show the people watching at home how it’s done!” The commands continued and the crowd happily complied, twirling and sitting on the floor for the final round of headbanging. “Chou kageki ai uta” ended the set between growls. “Come see us at AX! We love you!”

Set List

1. Ring a Ding a Song
2. Iro awase no housoku
3. Ningen teigi
4. Chou kageki ai uta

BORN

The tone changed drastically with the entrance of BORN. Red lights and a heavy intro welcomed the band to the stage, pumping fists and a piercing growls clearing a path for the feverish “Chemical romance.” The choreography contributed to wild scenery as the band twirled while the crowd moshed dangerously, taking everything in their path. Guitars flashed up, K spinning while Ray danced to the beat, both drowning in the tune. While Ryoga kicked the air and TOMO pounded the drums, the band moved on to “RADICAL HYSTERIA.” On the ceiling, a mirror ball danced, shiny white stars shedding light on the crowd. Arms spread to the side, Ryoga tilted his head back, calling the heavy artillery. The four men in front stomped their feet heavily as they headbanged to the fast drums. The guitarists moved constantly between fierce solos, Kifumi close behind, tapping the bass fiercely as he interacted with the audience.

“RED DESIRE” continued the rampage, fast clapping giving way to a cute routine that saw the crowd swaying in unison. The stage didn’t seem big enough for the band, Ryoga growling and shaking violently to the tune, his strong stage presence was undeniable. Rolling fists opened the last song, “DIRTY STACKER,” and with a yell, Ryoga summoned thrashing heads. “Are you ready?” Hair flew violently before a black tidal wave washed the venue, the crowd swept up without exception. The drummer crossed his arms over his head, letting them fall violently as he set the tempo and the guitar trio moved with the crowd at the last.

Set List

1. Chemical romance
2. RADICAL HYSTERIA
3. RED DESIRE
4. DIRTY STACKER

UNITE

UNITE opened the set with “starting over” and its joyful pop tune. The crowd’s reaction came immediately, the hall moving to the rhythm while the band gave it their all, firing up zealously. The band’s lively attitude and bright costumes mingled with heavy drums and feisty guitar. “BadRequest” saw the crowd clapping loudly to the steady drums, jumps interposing with cute waves to the overly catchy tune. Colorful lights twinkled brightly for the guitar solo and while Yui sang, Mio (guitar), LiN (guitar) and Haku (bass) pumped the crowd.

The tone grew graver for “Zetsubou creator.” Despite the nice guitar lines, the song was all over the place with the band’s not-so-successful attempt to mix catchy pop tunes with heavy growling. The audience were pleased enough though and moved excitedly to the beat, first right and left, then back and forth. “AIVIE,” the band’s new single, opened with a growl and got bodies moving. The band flashed smiles and flirty looks to the fans as they kept it cool. This, too, was a little unsettled but the catchy tune and the interesting riffs made for a nice closing number.

Set List

1. starting over
2. BadRequest
3. Zetsubou creator
4. AIVIE

THE MICRO HEAD4NS

The youngest band at the event but the one whose members have been in the business for the longest, THE MICRO HEAD4NS came onstage to a slow, dramatic intro that got heavier to welcome “HELLO MY CLONE.” The song kicked off with TSUKASA’s puissant drumming, guitars and bass following suit. No need for flashy outfits and funny emcees, the band did what they do best and let their powerful instrumentals speak, bass pounding and guitars blasting.

“GLORIOUS BLAZE” brought with it pumping fists and headbanging. ZERO moved constantly, twirling and thrashing his head between hot bass lines, kazuya firing up the crowd. “We had our first live at Stylish Wave. We have come a long way. There is still no furitsuke, so enjoy the songs freely. To keep this moment forever, we give you ‘Photograph!’”

The fast tune mingled with heavy drums and feisty guitars, making for a strong piece and then towels flashed up, twirling rapidly for “I Surrender.” The crowd seemed intoxicated by the electronic beat and the feisty riffs. Ricky swayed his hips as he danced to the hot beat and with a solo, kazuya took the song home, making the transition to “MONSTER’S ROAR” very swift. Fists flashed up, pumping fiercely to shouts of “oi!” as red lights flashed to loud sirens. The rhythm intensified and the fire from the performance could be felt as SHUN thrashed his head, braids flying dangerously as he let his fingers fly over the strings. It was an ardent finale that left the crowd craving more.

Set List

1. HELLO MY CLONE
2. GROLIOUS BLAZE
3. Photograph
4. I Surrender
5. MONSTER’S ROAR

Kra

The night’s guests came next, wasting no time and diving into “Fushiginasekai kara no joutaijou.” Keiyuu’s smile and cheerful attitude was contagious and made the performance fierce yet fresh. The audience danced while the band twirled and swayed, showing unflagging energy as they worked the venue. “Muma” brought bassist Yura and guitarist Taizo to the front for hot solos while Keiyuu adopted daring poses, seeming to be having a blast as he joyfully danced to the beat, right leg up and he hopped with his arms to the sides at odd angles.

The new song, “Honne,” was warmly welcomed with its overly catchy tune. The bass stood out throughout the strong ballad, a feisty vocal solo bringing Keiyuu to the spotlight as the song approached its end. The crowd was on fire and the entire hall followed the hand routines. “Artman” caused quite an impact with its stunning vocals and strong rhythm section. Head banging, yells and the crowd singing as one led the band to “Sabiiro no uta.” It was a beautiful ending with the crowd lit by blue light sticks. The dancing lights made quite an impact while the vocals soared to the sky in outstanding solos. Keiyuu completely mesmerized the crowd with his vocals, voice rising and falling with impeccable control, all the while, he teased the other members and poked Yura with the light stick. Yasuno’s dynamic drumming was every present through the set, a sight not to be missed that completed the fun, catchy Kra atmosphere.

Set List

1. Fushiginasekai kara no joutaijou
2. Muma
3. Honne
4. artman
5. Sabiiro no uta

Kiryu

The curtain rose to reveal Kiryu already on stage with their original and daring costumes. Diving into “Gokumon,” the band got the crowd moving back and forth, Takemasa’s legs wide apart as he headbanged violently. It was an impressive scene and the five men managed to get the crowd moving even after eight bands. Club CITTA rocked for “Kisai” with bodies gyrating violently to the beat and girls jumping over each others’ backs as they tried to crowd surf.

The band resembled an army of zombie samurai. In a cute emcee, the vocalist explained that his face was still a little swollen after his visit to the dentist but that didn’t stop him from segueing into another heavy number. Mitsuki and Hiyori moved constantly for “Oboro,” firing up the crowd. The band mingled Japanese influences and heavy rock interestingly and did a superb job at working the crowd.

Massive headbanging opened “Kurenai tsubaki,” Junji pounding the drums as hard as he could. The guitarists didn’t stop moving, bending towards the crowd who reached for them excitedly. Despite the band’s somewhat scary appearance, the performance was relaxed and casual, with a strong focus on interaction with the crowd and the fans gave it their all. “Darekarekoku” was the night’s last song and saw the hall moving as one despite the intricate choreography. The song brought the crowd together no matter who they had turned up to see, joining their hearts for the last round and following the beat with unflagging energy.

Set List

1. Gokumon
2. Kisai
3. Oboro
4. Kurenai tsubaki
5. Darekarekoku

From hyper and poppy to violent and frightening, the event featured a wide variety of music and styles, all inherently Visual Kei. That continuing wave of stylish music and staging really brought the event’s title into play. Be sure to keep an eye out for many more Stylish Wave events to come via the link below:

取材協力：club Zy.