Pirates from Japan Conquer Europe

Among the many bands visiting Poland this year, A, also known as Anonymous Confederate Ensemble (ACE), was the most original. No one should worry if this young band, only two years old, will be able to give a good live—they will blow your mind!

The band has an unusual concept—all the musicians went out on stage wearing pirate costumes. The vocalist even wore a pirate hat made of felt. Their songs also make use of this motif, thus completing their image. Moreover, the band has another ace up their sleeves: their unique lineup includes a violinist.

Rookie Fiddler, the aforementioned violinist, is like a tinderbox. He has so much energy that if he shared it with everyone, there would still be some left for him. Throughout the whole live he jumped and spun around, waving his bow in the air. Also his electronic violin was beautiful, and its owner was full of positive energy, always smiling. Rookie interrupted Nimo’s MCs often, with Nimo wearing a look on his face that said: “What should I do with you, silly thing?”

Speaking of the vocalist, his countenance was deceptive. Most of the time, his face looked indifferent but his behavior proved otherwise: the vocalist was friendly and seemed to have blast. On the other hand, bassist Toshi seemed reserved and professional. He concentrated on playing his instrument and barely smiled; however, when he stood above the audience with his arms wide open, he looked like a true pirate. His nickname, “Fire Bass”, was very accurate.

The live started with a piano melody that sounded like someone was smashing the keyboard with anger. Soon after, all the instruments joined in a heavy tune, though the violin was lighter. Most of A’s songs were of a similar fashion: aggressive guitar, bass and drums with a gentler violin. With the song Night of the Knights, the vocalist presented his vocal skills, having had to sing long notes. He did very well.

Rookie Fiddler’s vocal skills were surprising. In LOVELESS he sang with an operatic voice, once again showing a contrast: this time between his singing and the vocalist’s melodic voice. After this song he had his five minutes and, after saying a few words to the crowd, played a short solo. Applause persuaded him to try another solo, and this time he played faster, all the while smiling gently and laying his head on the violin.

After this the vocalist announced another song, the Spanish-inspired MASQUERADE, which was released on the band’s first album. Pity that the acoustic guitar was from the playback; however, it did not disturb the fun. Fans clapped and jumped during the refrain. The next song, Mirror of Terror, was also released on the first album but on the black disc. It changed the mood to a darker one. Though the verses were soothing, the melody in the refrains became heavy and monumental. The song was led by the bass, and Rookie once again showed his operatic singing.

Then lights flashed and the music stopped when the vocalist stepped to the front of the stage for a short MC. He was very friendly and trying to communicate with fans. During the whole live, he kept mentioning how excited the members were to be able to play in Europe. He also praised the fans, saying that they were “so hot!”. During the first MC he tried to say a couple of words in Polish, reading words written in katakana on a paper on the floor. With every word he read, he looked like he was in pain, but fans were enthusiastic whenever he said “good evening”, “thank you”, “you’re welcome” and “how are you?” in Polish.

After the MC, the vocalist announced one of the best-known songs in A repertoire, Black Butterfly, and the audience went mad. At the beginning of the song band members jumped together and Nimo even made a split jump, which was very impressive. The audience also jumped, singing the main phrase and cheering on each member’s solo—especially the supporting guitarist, Kentaro from the band Rikka, who gathered a great applause. The musicians ran across the stage and leaned forward towards the audience, so the fans could touch them.

When Black Butterfly ended, Toshi played his own solo, which also met a great applause. Fool’s Gold displayed Rookie’s violin skills beautifully, and Kanaria brought on frantic headbanging with the encouragement of the violinist. This song was full of speedy drumming, which was even more elaborate after the song in a short solo. Supporting drummer Shunji, who usually plays in the power metal band Vigilante, showed his incredible drumming skills and won the hearts of the audience. Nimo introduced him several times, and every time the audience gave him a thunderous applause.

The fun continued, and the band started the next song, Viva la Casta, in a more swinging style. Nimo showed his vocal skills once again, and members danced, especially Rookie, who spun on his side of the stage. Then came another song: NUDE. Once again, Rookie played pretty violin solos. The audience jumped cheerfully and, because it was the last chance to do so, tried to touch the members. For a moment, the bassist and guitarist played back-to-back, and Nimo jumped around cheerfully, holding onto his hat to avoid losing it.

The audience screamed for an encore, and people standing next to the stage started hitting the scene’s floor simultaneously, tapping out a rhythm so the members could return faster. The band came back on stage, wearing the tour T-shirts. Nimo kept his pirate hat. He stood in front of the audience and said that Poland is a very beautiful country. Someone from the audience said that Japan is also beautiful, and that served as a pretext to announce the next song. Nimo said, “We will play a true Japanese song”, and started singing a cappella the first verses of SAKURA. The Japanese vibe was truly evident in this song, thanks to the violin and characteristic vibrato. The audience waved their hands to this gentle song.

The last song was fun like no other. Shangri-la started with the vocalist and violinist: Nimo sang melodically and Rookie operatic. After this was what everyone was waiting for—a truly pirate-like melody broke out, leading to crazy jumping, dancing and joy. Members were bumping into each other, jumping cheerfully—it was a great sight. Rookie danced wildly, took his bow to his mouth and started to play his violin as if it was a banjo. Toshi decided to jump in on this small scene and barely avoided a collision with Kentaro. The music grew faster and faster and the audience gave their best to keep up with jumping to it. Everyone smiled cheerfully—it was impossible not to be cheerful when such a song is played.

The ending was of true pirate style—it was a crazy party with dancing and cheering. The vocalist screamed a few more times with “we are…” and the audience screamed back: “ACE!” Everyone raised their hands, showing the triangle with their fingers to symbolize the letter “A” for the band’s name. Members waved goodbye and leaned forward towards the audience to hold their hands. For the last time, Toshi opened his arms and bowed. Rookie Fiddler was the last to leave the stage, but before doing so he screamed to the fans, “promise me we will meet again!” Leaving, he raised the flag of Poland featuring the band’s big logo. After the concert, band members signed merchandise. Even the supporting members gave autographs; some fans caught them when they were clearing up the stage.

The organization of the gig was great and the band members won the hearts of Polish fans. Sometimes the sound was a bit weak, but it was not a great disturbance. The atmosphere of the audience was hot, and the fun never stopped. Even male audience members had fun, urging everyone around them to join in on the fun. There were also bitter incidents. The worst thing that happened was that the drummer lost his drumsticks after the live. It is unbelievable that someone would sneak up onto the stage and take out the drumsticks from its slipcover. Also, the shameless attempt at tearing off parts of the band’s costumes during the live deserves reprimand. Everyone should be aware that such incidents can ruin chances for future lives. Hopefully the good memories will carry more weight and the band will return. If they come back, make sure to attend their gig because good fun is granted! Ahoy!


Set list:

01. Night of the Knights
02. LOVELESS
-violin solo-
03. MASQUERADE
04. Mirror of Terror
-MC-
05. Black Butterfly
-bass solo-
06. Fool’s Gold
07. Kanaria
-drum solo-
08. Viva la Casta!
09. NUDE
ENCORE:
10. SAKURA
11. Shangrila