ODBZ live in Yokohama

author: Non-Non

© ODBZ

While background music sung by a female vocalist was playing, middle aged rock fans were talking, drinking and smoking on the floor at the Yokohama CLUB 24 as they waited for the ODBZ concert to begin.

As the band came out on the smoky stage, guitarist IMAI took the right side, bassist HASHIMOTO the left side, KITANI stood by the drum set in the center and then vocalist NAKAMURA appeared on stage. Red lights flashed, and the first song THROW THE DICE started. NAKAMURA put his foot on the amp, played guitar and shouted. Fans raised their fists and sang along with the band's powerful drums, bass, and guitar playing.

The mood turned when the dramatic ballad Image started. IMAI’s guitar sounded out clearly in the venue, and fans sang enthusiastically along with NAKAMURA, who was giving his everything as he sang. During the following song, Gamushara no Blues, NAKAMURA sang earnestly about his life, played the harmonica and fans raised their fists and yelled “Oi! Oi!” to the music.

During the rock ballad Kakeagaru, IMAI played his guitar with such sad emotion that it moved the audience, while in Hakanai Speed, HASHIMOTO’s bass vibrated low in the air. The band members often looked at one another, enjoying playing with trusted friends on stage, and fans sang with NAKAMURA, soaking themselves in a comfortable flood of rock sound.

During CRUNCH!!!, under the red lights, KITANI’s drums sounded heavy, HASHIMOTO’s bass looped low, and NAKAMURA started singing almost like he was murmuring into the microphone. This, combined with IMAI’s mysterious sounding guitar playing, created a dark, heavy, mysterious world, only sometimes broken by a sharp chord from IMAI’s guitar, tearing sharply through the air. This gradually sped up, with waves of sound flowing one over the other flooding the audience. Finally NAKAMURA’s voice changed to shouts, and the music slowed down again and ended with KITANI’s hard drums.

“Please listen to this song, while you image someone important to you.” NAKAMURA said and Puddle started. Under green lights, IMAI’s guitar sounded gently. “I wish that those people I care about are all well.” NAKAMURA sang enthusiastically, while IMAI played guitar and sang along.

Then the upbeat rock Guren started dramatically. NAKAMURA, IMAI and HASHIMOTO stirred up the audience at the front on stage. During Kaihou -Jiyuu no Uta-, the audience raised their fists and jumped. This cheerful song filled with love for adults who work hard but often experience the pitfalls of life, touched the audience’s hearts, and really brought everyone together. “We want to release more music and do more tours this year”, NAKAMURA said during his MC. Then the rhythmic, rap like song GO!GO! started. IMAI sang and played guitar without a pick while he tapped the guitar rhythmically.

Next, the venue became dark, and Kaze to Tomo ni Yuku started. NAKAMURA sang under a spot light and the main melody repeated again and again. His warm, rough voice seemed strong and close to all of us. The mood changed when suddenly the drums and guitar burst into life and Yokubou no Hana started. “Whatever problems you face, don’t give up! Believe in yourself!”. With that direct message from ODBZ, fans called “Oi! Oi!” and raised their fists, and sang with the band members. During the last song, CRAZY HEARTS BLUES, NAKAMURA stood on the amp, and looked over the audience with his shinning eyes open widely, looking very satisfied and happy.

The band members answered the encore and appeared on stage again, and they said “Now I look back over our 20 years, and am moved, thinking that if we four members didn’t meet each other, ODBZ would not be”. They played a bright song with twin vocals, Jungle Gym and an upbeat rock song called Jounetsu. The main melodies repeated like waves filling the venue again and again, and fans sang along with the members. Finally NAKAMURA touched fans’ fists one by one and said “Thank you very much!” then left the stage.

ODBZ who were born in Nagasaki, have been playing for more than 20 years. They continue to sing songs giving hope to those who are struggling, and wishing us all inner peace.

Set list
01. THROW THE DICE
02. Image
03. Gamushara no Blues
04. Kakeagaru
05. Hakanai Speed
06. CRUNCH!!!
07. Puddle
08. Guren
09. Kaihou -Jiyuu no Uta-
10. GO!GO!
11. Kaze to Tomo ni Yuku
12. Yokubou no Hana
13. CRAZY HEARTS BLUES

ENCORE
01. Jungle Gym
02. Jounetsu