I didn't bring my camera this time, so here is another photo that I snapped last week.
Showing posts with label GOGO7188. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GOGO7188. Show all posts
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Chirinuru Wowaka - チリヌルヲワカ - Round II
I said in my last post that I would go see Wowaka again next week. Well I kept my word and went to see them rock Shibuya's O-West this evening. My only complaint is that they didn't play my favorite song, Kasugai. Here's the video if you are curious. I think this song totally rocks.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Chirinuru Wowaka - チリヌルヲワカ
While Akko from GO!GO!7188 is on maternity leave, guitarist Yuu Nakashima has taken the opportunity to focus on her other band, Chirinuru Wowka (known as Wowaka to English speaking audiences). Recently, they've been touring extensively in support of an upcoming mini-album release scheduled for April. Last Friday night, Wowaka played at Koenji High with Kinoco Hotel, the retro rock group that I first saw with GO!GO! last May.
While GO!GO!'s sound is ska-influenced and playful, Wowaka takes on a more straight ahead rock-oriented approach. Simply put, the band's songs have an anthemic quality, supported heavily by second guitarist Natsuki Sakamoto. To non-Japanese speakers and first-time listeners, Yuu's high pitched vocals and use of falsetto can be a bit off-putting, something definitely apparent in GO!GO!'s quirkier songs. But in Wowaka's music, I think Yuu has found a fitting match for her characteristic vocal style. The band's newest single, White Hall, definitely illustrates this synthesis.
As a musician and artist, Yuu is mysterious and fascinating. In person, she is painfully shy and unassuming. It's almost hard to imagine that she fronts two well-known rock bands. Her posture is slightly awkward and her bangs often hide half her face. I've had countless opportunities to talk with her, yet somehow our conversations never go beyond everyday greetings. She is no different on stage, where she only lets out a few sentences during her set, all with an overly reserved tone that suggests a shy girl more than a grown woman.
But all of this changes when she plugs in her signature Telecaster guitar. As I've written time and time again, she can totally wail; she is a brilliant guitarist admired far and wide in Japan. Her fretwork is complex and busy, yet oddly tasteful. During her solos, Yuu often steps up onto a small podium placed center-stage and showcases her energetic playing for a wild-stricken audience. At the end, she always leans deeply into her last slide down the fretboard.
Akko's ability to fire up a hungry crowd is hard to replace, but Wowaka certainly had their fans jumping off their feet. I'm going to have to go see them again next week.
____
Chirinuru Wowaka
Yuu Nakashima, brilliant and mysterious
Guitarist Natsuki Sakamoto was the bubbliest in the group. After the show, he let me strum is 1969 Les Paul which he claimed cost him 15 grand.
Kitsch-rock outfit Kinoco Hotel took the final slot of the night. They deserve a post in their own right.
One of the most exciting moments of the night was when their lead singer jumped up on her keyboard to do a risque dance.
While GO!GO!'s sound is ska-influenced and playful, Wowaka takes on a more straight ahead rock-oriented approach. Simply put, the band's songs have an anthemic quality, supported heavily by second guitarist Natsuki Sakamoto. To non-Japanese speakers and first-time listeners, Yuu's high pitched vocals and use of falsetto can be a bit off-putting, something definitely apparent in GO!GO!'s quirkier songs. But in Wowaka's music, I think Yuu has found a fitting match for her characteristic vocal style. The band's newest single, White Hall, definitely illustrates this synthesis.
As a musician and artist, Yuu is mysterious and fascinating. In person, she is painfully shy and unassuming. It's almost hard to imagine that she fronts two well-known rock bands. Her posture is slightly awkward and her bangs often hide half her face. I've had countless opportunities to talk with her, yet somehow our conversations never go beyond everyday greetings. She is no different on stage, where she only lets out a few sentences during her set, all with an overly reserved tone that suggests a shy girl more than a grown woman.
But all of this changes when she plugs in her signature Telecaster guitar. As I've written time and time again, she can totally wail; she is a brilliant guitarist admired far and wide in Japan. Her fretwork is complex and busy, yet oddly tasteful. During her solos, Yuu often steps up onto a small podium placed center-stage and showcases her energetic playing for a wild-stricken audience. At the end, she always leans deeply into her last slide down the fretboard.
Akko's ability to fire up a hungry crowd is hard to replace, but Wowaka certainly had their fans jumping off their feet. I'm going to have to go see them again next week.
____
Chirinuru Wowaka
Yuu Nakashima, brilliant and mysterious
Guitarist Natsuki Sakamoto was the bubbliest in the group. After the show, he let me strum is 1969 Les Paul which he claimed cost him 15 grand.
Kitsch-rock outfit Kinoco Hotel took the final slot of the night. They deserve a post in their own right.
One of the most exciting moments of the night was when their lead singer jumped up on her keyboard to do a risque dance.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Major Label Debut: Disclosed
In late March, I somewhat facetiously remarked that I had made my major label debut with a major rock band, but was bound by a non-disclosure agreement and couldn't reveal any details.
The true story isn't quite as sexy, but it was still a cool experience for me. While recording their latest album Go!!GO!GO!Go!!, the management and members of GO!GO!7188 were looking to round up a group of people to record the shout chorus for the opening track. I've done a little bit of work with the management in the past, so they called me in on active duty to join in on the fun.
I've been playing music all my life and have a bit of experience playing drums at major recording studios in New York City, but I have never seen a recording studio quite as gargantuan as the one GO!GO! was using. The huge control room alone was only a third the size of the soundstage.
The small group of us gathered around a few microphones, were given instructions, and then were directed by bassist Akko to shout as loud as we could. "GO!...GO!GO!GO!...GO!...GO!GO!GO!" The engineers then multiplied our tiny ensemble to make us sound more like a screaming arena audience.
Go!!GO!GO!Go!! was released about a month ago on June 2nd and is available at major record stores throughout Japan.
When you get your hands on the album, flip to the back of the sleeve...
And take a closer look at the 'Special Thanks to' part...
In all seriousness though, Go!!GO!GO!Go!! is a great album that shows a bit of a departure from the band's previous release, Antenna. For one, Yuu's guitar work on the album is noticeably more intense. But keeping with the band's signature style, there is still a lot of catchy songwriting and vocal interplay between Akko and Yuu.
My personal favorite song on the album is track 12, "Kyou no Uta" (Song for Today). The verse contains a little melodic interplay with a stereotypical asian melody that is followed by an exciting anthemic chorus. Another highlight of the album is the fourth track, "Saigo no Bansan" (The Last Supper). The song contains characteristcally GO!GO! style punk and ska guitarwork. Thrown in the middle of the song is an incredibly powerful and well placed guitar breakdown that gets me jumping everytime.
Finally, check out the video for "Mayakashi no Sekai" (Fake World) which is available via youtube. I think this song combines various elements that I've been trying to describe when I write about this band,
mainly the group's quirky sense of melody, intense guitarwork, and energetic stage presence. And like the previous two songs, the listener is again treated to an anthemic chorus and aggressive guitar breakdown.
Check it out:
mainly the group's quirky sense of melody, intense guitarwork, and energetic stage presence. And like the previous two songs, the listener is again treated to an anthemic chorus and aggressive guitar breakdown.
Check it out:
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
GO!GO!GO!...till 6AM
This next bit isn't really much of an article, really just a few musings about getting the chance to hang out with a band that I really respect. After Rogue Wave last Tuesday, a few of us managed to party the night away straight till 6AM. It was one of those excellent nights spent in great company where sleep deprivation the following day is almost a pleasure. In any case, read on if you are interested...
___
I've seen GO!GO!7188 on stage multiple times, greeted them backstage, listened to and pondered over their music, and have even done a little business with their manager. But at Rogue Wave last week, I was afforded a rare opportunity to spend some personal time with the group and learn a little bit more about their individual personalities and musical ambitions.
Onstage and offstage, the members of GO!GO! have virtually the same personas. Drummer Turkey, who actually goes by Turkey in real life, can be the clown of the group. As the only guy, he is often singled out by the other two. To break the ice with me, he facetiously told me that I looked like Antonio Banderas (a statement without one ounce of truth.) Drums and percussion is also my background, so we had an interesting conversation about musical influences. When I asked him about his favorite group, he didn't hesitate to mention the Foo Fighters. Turkey and I spoke in Japanese, but he was keen to share with me the vulgar English he had learned from a mutual friend.
Yuu, the guitarist and songwriter, is somewhat shy and reticent in person and on stage. When she makes an announcement to the audience, there is always a slight quaver in her voice. But all of this is in direct contrast to her guitar playing. She always strums a Fender Telecaster and she can totally wail. It's quite a sight to see her jump up on the center platform on stage and take a solo. She is bursting with guitar talent and musical skill. In person, she is reserved, but through her music, you can tell that she is a passionate and intense person.
Of the three, bassist and lyricist Akko is the most charismatic and forward. As a performer she is electrifying, bouncing all over the stage hammering out her bass lines. She knows how to prep the audience. I once saw her walk to the middle of the stage and address the audience at the top of her lungs without a microphone. Her raw voice had as much weight as the PA. Personally, she is also the most direct, the type of person who will lunge right at you with a handshake.
I asked her a bit about her history with the group. I was surprised to learn that she began bass at 17 and formed GO!GO! when she was 18. A one-year turn around from being an average high school girl to a member of one of the premier bands in Japan... I think she was born for the stage.
Kinoco Hotel finished their set around 11PM and the afterparty for the event began around midnight. We all sat around drinking and chatting till 2AM or so. From there, a few of us, including Akko, songwriter Natccu, and GO!GO!'s manager headed off to a bar Shimokitazawa. We didn't leave until 6AM. It was definitely an awesome night.
___
I've seen GO!GO!7188 on stage multiple times, greeted them backstage, listened to and pondered over their music, and have even done a little business with their manager. But at Rogue Wave last week, I was afforded a rare opportunity to spend some personal time with the group and learn a little bit more about their individual personalities and musical ambitions.
Onstage and offstage, the members of GO!GO! have virtually the same personas. Drummer Turkey, who actually goes by Turkey in real life, can be the clown of the group. As the only guy, he is often singled out by the other two. To break the ice with me, he facetiously told me that I looked like Antonio Banderas (a statement without one ounce of truth.) Drums and percussion is also my background, so we had an interesting conversation about musical influences. When I asked him about his favorite group, he didn't hesitate to mention the Foo Fighters. Turkey and I spoke in Japanese, but he was keen to share with me the vulgar English he had learned from a mutual friend.
Yuu, the guitarist and songwriter, is somewhat shy and reticent in person and on stage. When she makes an announcement to the audience, there is always a slight quaver in her voice. But all of this is in direct contrast to her guitar playing. She always strums a Fender Telecaster and she can totally wail. It's quite a sight to see her jump up on the center platform on stage and take a solo. She is bursting with guitar talent and musical skill. In person, she is reserved, but through her music, you can tell that she is a passionate and intense person.
Of the three, bassist and lyricist Akko is the most charismatic and forward. As a performer she is electrifying, bouncing all over the stage hammering out her bass lines. She knows how to prep the audience. I once saw her walk to the middle of the stage and address the audience at the top of her lungs without a microphone. Her raw voice had as much weight as the PA. Personally, she is also the most direct, the type of person who will lunge right at you with a handshake.
I asked her a bit about her history with the group. I was surprised to learn that she began bass at 17 and formed GO!GO! when she was 18. A one-year turn around from being an average high school girl to a member of one of the premier bands in Japan... I think she was born for the stage.
Kinoco Hotel finished their set around 11PM and the afterparty for the event began around midnight. We all sat around drinking and chatting till 2AM or so. From there, a few of us, including Akko, songwriter Natccu, and GO!GO!'s manager headed off to a bar Shimokitazawa. We didn't leave until 6AM. It was definitely an awesome night.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Rogue Wave
This past Tuesday evening, I was signed up as staff for Rogue Wave, a one-time live music event held at Shindaita Fever. The show was organized by Tokyo music bigwigs Daniel Robson and Keith Cahoon. Four excellent bands were on the roster; veteran rockers GO!GO!7188, rock singer songwriter Natccu, hard rock band Molice, and the retro outfit Kinoco Hotel.
Starting the night off right was none other than GO!GO!7188. At this point, I've seen the group five times. Usually, GO!GO! can pack large concert halls and 1000-seat venues, but this time, it was awesome to see them fill a smaller, more intimate space. I was able to get right up to the stage and snap a few close photos, but the fervor of the audience forced me to retreat.
Right now, GO!GO!7188 is on fire promoting their latest album, Go!!GO!GO!Go!!, which is scheduled for release next week on June 2nd. Their new songs are energic and spunky as usual, but with an injection of thicker guitars, their sound has even more bite. I received a promo copy of the album after the show and I'll be sure to post a review sooner rather than later.
Next up was Natccu, playing her first show since returning from her recent tour of England. Her set at Rogue Wave was one of the best I've seen her do all year. It must be that she is still buzzing from her experience abroad. To my ears, her new songs sounded a bit more "English". The new tracks use some interesting synth riffs, complimenting her poppy indy rock feel. She too is prepping up for her new album which should be released soon.
Molice was up next. I had last seen them at Ruby Room's Bad Noise event back in late February. While I love Ruby Room to death, the band was much more in their element at Fever, a genuine rock club with a professional sound system. The full size stage and top notch gear gave them the chance to show their intensity. Too much intensity perhaps; I think the soundman could have turned them down one notch.
Finally, last on the roster was relatively new group, Kinoco Hotel, a band who is all about kitsch. Kinoco Hotel is a throwback to the era of Group Sounds, the time in Japanese pop music history when every rock band was a knock off of the Beatles. They marched on stage in matching Sgt. Pepper's uniforms and mop-top wigs, playing 60's surf riffs and hard psychedelic rock. I was standing next to Akko and Yuu from GO!GO! who were both rocking out, enthralled by the performance. It seemed like the seal of approval to me.
In order of appearance, GO!GO!, Natccu, Molice, and Kinoco Hotel:
Congratulations to Daniel and Keith for an excellent and successful event! The Werewolf is earnestly looking forward to the next one...
Starting the night off right was none other than GO!GO!7188. At this point, I've seen the group five times. Usually, GO!GO! can pack large concert halls and 1000-seat venues, but this time, it was awesome to see them fill a smaller, more intimate space. I was able to get right up to the stage and snap a few close photos, but the fervor of the audience forced me to retreat.
Right now, GO!GO!7188 is on fire promoting their latest album, Go!!GO!GO!Go!!, which is scheduled for release next week on June 2nd. Their new songs are energic and spunky as usual, but with an injection of thicker guitars, their sound has even more bite. I received a promo copy of the album after the show and I'll be sure to post a review sooner rather than later.
Next up was Natccu, playing her first show since returning from her recent tour of England. Her set at Rogue Wave was one of the best I've seen her do all year. It must be that she is still buzzing from her experience abroad. To my ears, her new songs sounded a bit more "English". The new tracks use some interesting synth riffs, complimenting her poppy indy rock feel. She too is prepping up for her new album which should be released soon.
Molice was up next. I had last seen them at Ruby Room's Bad Noise event back in late February. While I love Ruby Room to death, the band was much more in their element at Fever, a genuine rock club with a professional sound system. The full size stage and top notch gear gave them the chance to show their intensity. Too much intensity perhaps; I think the soundman could have turned them down one notch.
Finally, last on the roster was relatively new group, Kinoco Hotel, a band who is all about kitsch. Kinoco Hotel is a throwback to the era of Group Sounds, the time in Japanese pop music history when every rock band was a knock off of the Beatles. They marched on stage in matching Sgt. Pepper's uniforms and mop-top wigs, playing 60's surf riffs and hard psychedelic rock. I was standing next to Akko and Yuu from GO!GO! who were both rocking out, enthralled by the performance. It seemed like the seal of approval to me.
In order of appearance, GO!GO!, Natccu, Molice, and Kinoco Hotel:
Congratulations to Daniel and Keith for an excellent and successful event! The Werewolf is earnestly looking forward to the next one...
Thursday, May 6, 2010
GO!GO!7188 - Acoustic Live
This past evening, I was invited to see GO!GO!7188's very first acoustic live at the Kudanshita Kaikan right behind the Budokan.
With dim theatrical lighting, an assortment of stringed instruments, and atmospheric percussion, I think they were going for a golden age MTV unplugged-type atmosphere. I'm not sure if the medium was a great match for their punky energetic sound, but seeing GO!GO! play a toned down set definitely afforded an opportunity to hear the intricacies of the group's songwriting. The interaction of Akko and Yu's well rehearsed vocal harmonies was definitely a personal highlight for me.
The group began their much demanded encore with an acoustic version of Kinkyori no Renai, (Short Distance Love), one of my all time favorite GO!GO! songs.
At this point, I've been hanging around long enough that the members and managers know me pretty well. Bassist Akko came right at me with a handshake. Upon my exit, both managers shouted to me, "Goodbye Eeesan!"
With dim theatrical lighting, an assortment of stringed instruments, and atmospheric percussion, I think they were going for a golden age MTV unplugged-type atmosphere. I'm not sure if the medium was a great match for their punky energetic sound, but seeing GO!GO! play a toned down set definitely afforded an opportunity to hear the intricacies of the group's songwriting. The interaction of Akko and Yu's well rehearsed vocal harmonies was definitely a personal highlight for me.
The group began their much demanded encore with an acoustic version of Kinkyori no Renai, (Short Distance Love), one of my all time favorite GO!GO! songs.
At this point, I've been hanging around long enough that the members and managers know me pretty well. Bassist Akko came right at me with a handshake. Upon my exit, both managers shouted to me, "Goodbye Eeesan!"
Monday, February 15, 2010
GO!GO!7188 - Ultimate Exclusive Shitty Fan Photo
This past evening, I was again invited to see GO!GO!7188. I've been listening to their albums more lately and I'm getting bit by their bug more than ever.
Tonight's show was at La Cittadela in Kawasaki City. The band was on fire as usual, but due to outside circumstances, the show was a bit unfortunate. Whoever was running the soundboard was asleep at the wheel. The bass was completely buried in low feedback, totally obscuring Akko's virtuosic playing. And worse, the band wasn't given much time to play in the lineup. A group of their stature deserve more time, or at least an encore.
The plus side was getting to hear new songs that the band is currently recording. The new numbers recalled the cross Asian-Rock hybrid of their earlier hit song Ukifune, but have more of an 80's pop feel.
After the show backstage, I was attacked by my usual case of butterflies that I often experience when confronted by awesome Japanese rockstar chicks. While this fan was posing for a photo with the band, I pulled out my camera and snapped my own picture. It was an ad hoc maneuver intended to break the ice, but it only made me feel more awkward.
Left to right, bassist Akko, an eager fan, and guitarist Yuu. Drummer Turkey was hanging out elsewhere at the time.
All the members of the group are wicked friendly and they all remembered meeting me last time, but we were only able to share general greetings. Deep conversations about the nature of rock 'n' roll will have to wait until next time.
For now, I'll leave you with a great music video for their song 片思いフィター [directly translates to Unrequited Love Fighter]
Sunday, January 3, 2010
GO!GO!7188 - Ultimate Exclusive Live Video
Ladies and Gents, the Werewolf has obtained exclusive permission directly from the management of GO!GO!7188 to share with you this live video for the duration of one week.
Watch it now before I take it down!
Yuu on guitar and vocals, Akko on bass, and Turkey on drums, GO!GO!7188 is one of Japan's most exciting rock acts. See for yourself.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
GO!GO!7188 - Ukifune
Metropolis ran an article a few weeks featuring 10 famous Japanese songs. My good friend Daniel Robson nominated "Ukifune" by GO!GO! 7188. Check out his review here.
He was most impressed by the band's ability to tie together traditional Japanese sounds and themes (the title comes from a character in the Tale of Genji) with crushing modern rock.
As a fan of this band, I wanted to share these videos. I think they definitely give you a good idea of the band's sonic essence. And personally, watching the live video gives me flashbacks to the times that I've seen GO!GO! in concert. I distinctly remember thousands of Japanese people jumping in step to the quirky rhythm of this song.
Here is a live TV spot:
and the official video subtitled in English:
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
GO!GO!7188 Live at JCB Hall
I was invited again to see GO!GO!7188 at JCB Hall in the Tokyo Dome complex tonight. This band is huge! 5,000 people were there ready to have their pants rocked off. Amidst such a crowd, I was one of only 2 or 3 gaijin! It's a weird feeling stumbling on such a concert. Part of me feels like I'm sitting on top of a musical gold mine virtually untouched in the West. A band like GO!GO! could practically fill an arena in Japan, yet they've barely made a dent back home. With monster guitarist Yuu and the unstoppable energy of bassist Akko, maybe this will change soon.
I managed to sneak a few photos.
The zoomin reveals more.
Akko actually remembered meeting me in early spring the last time I saw the group! The Werewolf lives on!Friday, March 6, 2009
Go!Go!7188
Here are a few links. Tell me if you link these songs!
This one is the best video I found: Kikyori Renai
(Point Blank Love)
This one is there most famous song: Koi no Uta
(Love Song)
Here is one that captures their concert energy: Otona no Kusuri
(Adult Medicine)
Obviously, tiny YouTube video's don't do justice to how huge this band's sound is, but they do show you a little taste of their energy and style.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Go!Go! 7188 + American Sexism
Last week, I mentioned Daniel, the music exec I know from the UK who brings Japanese bands on tour. It was through him that I met the girl group Bo-Peep who invited me to their show with Electric Eel Shock in Shimokitazawa last night.
Knowing he would be the guy to ask, I once picked his brain about who he thought was the best J-Rock band. "Go!Go! 7188," he responded, were currently the best band in the world.
Daniel invited three of Go!Go!'s managers to the Bo-Peep show and we were all making friendly conversation. One of the guys, Shinji, gave me a free ticket to the band's show tonight at Shibuya's O-East.
I didn't know a thing about the group minus that one English guy loved them and that they were very popular in Japan. The throngs of people in and around O-East confirmed my suspicions.
And here is why I am a sexist piece of shit. When the band was ready to take the stage, a hot young Japanese girl in a black Go!Go! 7188 t-shirt carrying a Go!Go! banner walked on stage. "This band even has their own cheer-girls," I was thinking.
Then a roadie handed the woman a bass and plugged her in. I felt like a real asshole. It didn't cross my mind that the best band in Japan could have a female front lineup. It's like that old riddle where the punch line is that the surgeon is a woman.
Go!Go! is a hard rock pop-punk trio with rocker-chicks Akko on bass and Yumi on guitar, with rocker-dude Turkey on drums. And for the billionth time since I came here 4 months ago, stereotypes I didn't even know I held about gender and music broke down before me.
Yumi- holy smokes could she wail!! She was a totally amazing guitarist with a unique and commanding style, crossing raw power from the Stooges, MC5, and AC/DC, with J-Rock/J-Pop harmony. The front-center of the stage had a small platform with bright pink trim. Yumi, with her matching pink t-shirt, would step up on the platform during her solos, elevating her status and commandeering the audience. I bet that even Toshi from Sunset Drive would have been mesmerized.
After the show, I stuck around and pretended to be somebody important. When the crowd thinned, my music exec friend introduced me to Turkey and Akko. I swallowed my butterflies and told both of them about the Tokyo Werewolf project.
So Akko, if you are reading this, sorry that I misjudged you at first. You guys rocked my world!!
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