Canzel formed on the auspicious date of July 7th, 2007 and had their first live on November 18th at Takadanobaba AREA. The line-up, unchanged since their formation, consisted of vocalist Icchi, guitarists Shiina Mio and Rui, Haku on bass and Yukimi on drums.
In March of 2008 they released their first maxi-single, FiRST STEPS E.P. Fans had only a short time to wait for the next release, as only four months later they had another single out, NeXT SEASONS E.P., which reached 16th on the Oricon indies chart. Gaining popularity from their performances around the Kantou area, when Canzel held a one-man at Meguro Rock May Kan in August it sold out several days in advance. In November they also sold out their one year anniversary live, NEW WINDOWS at Takadanobaba AREA, where they had performed their first live. Its corresponding single, NeW WINDOWS E.P., was released, limited to 500 copies.
The year 2009 proved to be a promising year for the young band as well. Starting in January, the band sponsored two months of live events mostly in the Tokyo area. Their first countrywide maxi-single release, TwINKLE SUNLIGHT E.P., was released on February 4th, 2009 and reached fifth place on the Oricon indies weekly chart, their highest ranking yet. On April 19th they held a one-man to celebrate their fourth maxi-single, FuTURES WORLD E.P..
Spring of 2010 saw another album release for the group, Invit S.p>, followed by a single, HeART SOUNDS, which reached 7th on the Oricon indies singles chart. In July they delivered two best-of albums: BeST SONGS - SOFT TRACKS- and BeST SONGS - SOFT TRACKS, which proved to be a nice going away present for their fans. Their last live was on August 11th, after which the group disbanded, and Icchi is said to have left the music scene all together. We can only hope he'll change his mind and resurface as we continue to follow the other talented members.
Young oshare band Canzel's music is as colorful and sparkly as their visual style and invites you into a twinkling world that hints at beauty beyond this reality. Full of optimistic energy, their mostly upbeat compositions are not just playful and fun, but also impacting with piercing melodies and absorbing rhythms.
With a specific and striking charisma and a line-up whose technical skills are immediately apparent, Canzel is a valuable addition to today's visual kei scene.
