An innovative way to be heard: Kazha and Kiryu broadcast live from Southern California.
The venue was a small out of the way sound studio that was set up more for recording than for a live show, which was fitting as the concert was broadcast live online across the globe. However, a dedicated few still came to cheer on their favorite artists of the night. The common element of the four bands set to play was Japan: the band members were either from Japan, influenced by visual kei, or – in the case of Kiryu and Kazha - both.
Starting the night was Duality, an American band. They quickly set the mood with their progressive rock, easing everyone into the right frame of mind for enjoying loud music. Then Kiryu took the stage with his two support guitarists, Poel and Masa. It was the first time Kiryu had others with him on stage since he began his solo act, but it didn’t affect his performance. In fact, having others with him may have bolstered him; he was able to feed off their energy and put on a strong show.
His first song, Warrior, was a deep, powerful opener that showed his smooth singing style. However, during Flutter, Kiryu contrasted the pop-metal melody with a growling death voice. It was a primer for what was to come next - HYDRA had Kiryu shrieking like a banshee during certain parts, which was delightfully surprising. The screams punctuated the melodic rock song perfectly.
Keeping the energy high, he snarled the intro for My Way and proceeded to headbang wildly on stage. Masa was clearly enjoying himself and smiling the entire time while Poel made playful forays to the other guitarist’s side of the stage. All too soon, it was time for the last song, Decadance. Kiryu put everything on the line and sang his heart out until the very last note. Everyone watching felt his passion and dedication to his music, and his fans, knowing he had given his best, showed their appreciation in turn.
Though a young performer, Kiryu already has a strong stage presence. He is the kind who would shine even brighter given a larger venue and audience, and hopefully someday he’ll get the chance to show his full potential.
After Kiryu left the stage, it was time for Kazha. The band came out to little fanfare and promptly began their set with Wake Up. Vocalist Kazuha Oda, in an elegant dress, matched the powerful guitar and drums with her soaring, soft voice. For the next song, Believe, Hideki Matsushige delivered a bright guitar solo. During UNMEI, there was an instrumental break for Kazuha to take the spotlight and sing a capella. Her sweet voice was high and clear, and she impressed everyone with her range. With all eyes on her, Kazuha remained poised and graceful as she swayed slowly to the sensual melody.
Drummer Rui Aranai’s smashing solo signaled the band to play a few of their darker, more sinister songs. Kazuha’s operatic vocals during RED didn’t quite portray tortured agony, but rather conveyed the stark pain of loneliness. Then, after taking a short break for an MC, the band proceeded to close out their set with a few slower songs. Another Day, a light, jazz-flavored ballad, gave way to Breathe Through Your Dreams, a hard rock song that pounded inexorably at everyone’s senses like waves in a stormy sea.
Finishing with Give It Away, the band quietly left the stage, slipping away and leaving a sense of mysterious wonder behind.
Both Kiryu and Kazha speak English well and have no trouble interacting with the audience, which will contribute to their growing popularity overseas. While the two are as different as night and day – one vividly colorful, the other darkly sophisticated – it’s easy to see what they have in common: their love of music, and their love for their fans. And those two things are what make it so easy to fall in love with them.
Kiryu set list:
01. Warrior
02. Flutter
~MC~
03. HYDRA
04. My Way
~MC~
05. Decadance
Kazha set list:
01.Wake Up
02. Believe
03. UNMEI
04. Close To You
~drum solo~
05. I Still Remember
06. RED
~MC~
07. Another Day
08. Breathe Through Your Dreams
09. Give It Away
