emmuree's Hot Night in Takadanobaba

The summer festival aptly called Nettaiya, which means "hot night" in Japanese, took place on a hot summer Friday night. Organized by emmuree, a band that has long been in the underground visual kei scene, the event featured a line-up of some very unique groups in addition to the sponsoring band: L’eprica, SaTaN, Monaural Curve and amber gris.

KIKAI

The opening act was KIKAI, a solo project by Sou from emmuree. When the curtains opened with the SE, Sou was already on stage in the center with an acoustic guitar. Unlike his usual dark and gothic attire, he wore a red tank top and an ethnic-looking turban. For the first song, a KIKAI version of Inori, it seemed that the intense strumming of the guitar and Sou’s deep powerful voice had given more of an emotional grandeur than the original version by emmuree. Orange lights lit the stage, creating the image of a sunset for the next song, Rakujitsu. Dark and sinister, Sou sometimes strummed the guitar violently, releasing his emotion through the guitar.

In the brief MC, he thanked the audience for coming and did some promotion of new goods released that day for his band emmuree. I LOVE YOU ga ienakute was the next song, written by SUS.K, which was a concept based on Sou’s pet cat Sasuke where Sasuke is the writer and vocalist for the song. Sou’s sense of humor was nothing new to his fans, but this unique concept had the audience laughing till the end. Sou sang the repeated lyrics of "I love you" and mimicked a cat’s cry. Following the humorous piece, Mu was the last song. The yellow lights cast over the stage created a bright visionary atmosphere and Sou sang flawlessly, ending the short but interesting set.

Set List

01. Inori (KIKAI version)
02. Rakujitsu
03. I LOVE YOU ga ienakute (with SUS.K)
04. Mu


L’eprica

The second band was L’eprica, a three-piece gothic band that was visually relatively simple and dark. The only band to appear in all of the past summer annual events hosted by emmuree, they maintained a close relationship with emmuree.

With the guitar intro of 3rd blood and pain, the curtains opened. The background lights lit the members, creating a very visual scene. As the lights grew faint guitarist Xin’s heavy guitar riff was followed by vocalist Raya’s calm vocals. Repeated heaviness and serenity flowed in the waves of the dark melody. The strong striking of Be…S' drum and Xin’s guitar started the rather fast paced glossy. Red and blue lights flashed constantly, the aggressive side of L’eprica making an appearance. Raya took the microphone from the stand and moved around the stage as he sang. The guitar solos were notable in this song; Xin went to the front during his solo with brilliant back-up by support bassist Mickey who joined them recently. Adolf kara no tegami followed, a rather unusual song which had numerous guitar solos with dramatic drums during the main melody.

The upbeat and melodious florence started with Raya’s vocals. He moved about the stage actively and communicated more with the audience as the crowd gradually moved to their music. Xin’s solo in this song was rather buoyant compared to the other songs. Laughs from the audience arose when Raya teased Mickey during the interlude.

An MC by Raya followed. He thanked the audience and went on to say, “We only have a few songs left, and for the next song, we would like to sing this one, Shiroi hana.” It was a relatively old emmuree song that L’eprica was covering for this day as a form of respect to emmuree. The surprised reaction of the audience was evident, and not just the audience but the L’eprica members were surprised as well when vocalist Sou showed up on stage and started singing a phrase with Raya.

Capping off their live was fragile. Green lights glowed faintly, and silence again wrapped up the venue. Starting with Be…S' tapping of the drum, the serenity gradually became heavier with Xin’s storming guitar and Raya’s strong vocal toward the end, finishing up one of their best lives. As the lights grew bright at the end, the members left one by one, bowing to the audience.

Set List

01. 3rd blood & pain
02. glossy
03. Adolf kara on tegami
04. florence
05. Shiroi Hana
06. fragile


SaTaN

The event heated up more as the next band, SaTaN, took to the stage with a performance fans couldn't tear their eyes away from. From the dark and profound world of L’eprica, the atmosphere changed dramatically into a completely different world. The narrative by a classy female voice from one of the famous classic animated films flowed through the venue, transporting the audience to a totally different place. Soon after the narration stopped, vocalist Mr. SaTaN appeared from the right, wearing his costume from their latest concept, ALICE in The DEAD WORLD. With his exaggerated gestures, he drew the audience into the story. The curtains opened and the crowd was greeted with a colorful handmade background set decorated with Christmas lights, placed on both sides of the stage.

The other members were also attired in ALICE in The DEAD WORLD costumes, with guitarist HI-NA as Alice, bassist Shiya as the rabbit, and the drummer D.K as the cat. From the start, the audience was surprised by SaTaN’s presence on stage.

Mr. SaTaN and HI-NA did rap-like vocals in ALICE in The DEAD WORLD. The contrast of the twin vocals was worth listening to. The audience had their hands up and clapping to the next song, LAUGHIN' SONG[FROM WONDER LAND]. A very enjoyable song, the members did a lot of the "furitsuke," which means "choreography" in Japanese, while the fans mirrored them. HI-NA and Shiya changed places and the audience danced left to right, sometimes jumping up and down. The horrific laugh of Mr. SaTaN started off The Revenge of Toys. Also a fun song, it had the members swinging dolls violently and the fans jumping up and down sometimes doing the wave.

Then, THE・MASQUERADE～Waltz of Curse～ drew the venue into a more fairy tale-like atmosphere. Mr. SaTaN and HI-NA’s waltz dance performance during the interlude was like seeing a short play. In HELL IS HEAVEN!?, an upbeat song, the audience clapped to the music. HI-NA’s presence on stage was remarkable as he did not hesitate to show off his remarkable guitar solo.

Before the last song, Shiya announced that October 21st would be the last chance to see their ALICE in The DEAD WORLD concept as bassist Shiya and drummer D.K would leave the band after that. After the brief MC, Hauntillusion! started right away and till the end SaTaN never let their audience down. Although a relatively young band, they seemed to have gained popularity over the past few months with their distinct world and performance on stage. They are definitely a must-see.

Set list

01. ALICE in The DEAD WORLD
02. LAUGHIN' SONG[FROM WONDER LAND]
03. The Revenge of Toys
04. THE・MASQUERADE～Waltz of Curse～
05. HELL IS HEAVEN!?
06. Hauntillusion


Monaural Curve

It had been three years since their last live. It was apparent that the audience was waiting for their comeback as the venue was packed right up to the back when the SE started. The curtains opened and already standing by in the center was guitarist Zull whom had enthralled the audience with his graceful looks from the opening. The other members were on stage as well, except the vocalist. While waiting for vocalist Hanon, Zull introduced the other members one by one, the guitarist being TAKI, bassist being Tock and drummer being Czech.

As soon as Hanon arrived, the first song, deep guilt, started with red lights enveloping the stage. Although Hanon sang in a rather reserved manner, his vocals had depth that made the song a very profound one. Aggressive, the next song subliminal, was a new song featuring Hanon and Zull’s twin vocals. After some applause, the ballad Tanmei Child came on. A very sensual song, it gradually became colossal at the main melody. The blue lights lit the members from the back, creating illusionary silhouettes. During the song, Zull stepped up onto the riser at center of the stage and performed, showing off his white guitar.

A brief MC by Hanon saw him thanking the audience and mentioning that it had been three years since their last live. Introducing the next song written by Tock, the very jazzy and poppish CINDERELLA, the live resumed. An upbeat song, Zull as well as Hanon urged the audience to move. The other members had become more active as well. Hanon’s vocals and Tock’s chorus were remarkable. Proceeding to another upbeat song, stars, the members moved about the stage. Hanon and Zull, the main members, had moved especially actively during the song. Zull would put his hands up and clap to the rhythm of the music as fans mirrored him.

Before introducing their last song, Zull once again thanked the audience and the host band, emmuree, for the day. After saying “Hope you all enjoy it till the last,” another new song titled Life is started slowly with a constant rhythm. Orange lights glowing faintly, the song gradually becomes very strong. Hanon sang the encouraging song beautifully till the end.

Set List

01. deep guilt
02. subliminal
03. Tanmei child
04. CINDERELLA
05. stars
06. Life is


amber gris

In this event of underground visual kei bands, amber gris seemed a bit different at first. When they first officially appeared on stage last October at the very same venue, it was as if one saw characters from a fairy tale pop right up from a storybook. One would expect a very bright image. Most of their songs were in fact upbeat, and there was nothing wrong with that image. However, when their live started, one would be drawn into their intricate world. Under the brightness, there were pent-up emotions deep within every song which drew the darkness within them to the stage that surprisingly seemed to fit comfortably in this Nettaiya event.

Soon, as the lights turned dark blue, the curtains opened with the SE flowing. The members, aside from vocalist Temari were already on stage. Yuuma’s drum started the upbeat introduction of OP, and Temari arrived at the center. Spotlight cast down on the center and snoozy and roll began. The gentle rhythm of Koto’s bass and Yuuma’s drum echoed through the venue quietly. Without the microphone, Temari sang a cappella, drawing the audience into their world. Gradually the song became strong with guitarist wayne’s brilliant assistance in the chorus. Sometimes Temari would move his body to the music, seeming to enjoy the time on stage.

One of the popular songs at their lives, sinker came next. Driving from the start, kaname and wayne’s fast paced guitars were accompanied by the melodious rhythm of Koto’s bass.

Red and blue lights flashed heavily for the next number, lizard skin. Aggressive, the guitars wrung their sound like a siren as Yuuma’s fast paced drumming started the song. The storm stopped for one phrase as Temari sang the lyrics with gentle vocals, and then gradually became aggressive once again. Notable was Koto’s bass solo during the interlude as he had showed his presence on stage well playing his bass confidently. The members as well as the fans were head banging and pumping fists till the end. Ending with Temari’s scream, the band proceeded to Love in the first., a colorful catchy song. Temari moved more actively, going to both corners of the stage and singing to the audience. The mirror ball rotated slowly with colorful lights, creatng a visionary atmosphere. Koto, whom was in the back left had come to the center of the stage and showed off his bass performance. The audience clapped to the edgy melody during the interlude and appreciated the song to the end.

A brief MC by Temari followed. He announced that there would be a mini album titled Child Forest out on September 15th. With the release, they would start a tour and announced that the final one-man will be held on October 17th at this same venue. Applause arose from the audience and Temari introduced the final song for the day.

Umikaze to ame to saigo no tegami, a song included in Child Forest, was a song written by Temari. A very gentle and quiet song, Temari sang it as if he were telling a story to the audience. Ending the song with a beautiful chorus assisted by wayne, amber gris’ live came to an end. Members bowed one by one. Temari waved his hand saying, “See you again” and left the stage as other members followed suit.

Set List

01. OP
02. snoozy and roll
03. sinker
04. lizard skin
05. Love in the first.
06. Umikaze to ame to saigo no tegami



emmuree

The main gig of the event was the host band for the event, emmuree. This year marks their 11th year, which is unachievable even for big bands these days. They have kept a distinct good old visual kei taste alive in their music as well as in their lives.

Lights in the venue dimmed and before the curtain opened the intro for the first song, Makkana ringo came on.

The curtains opened silently, gradually filling the venue with blood red lights. The four silhouettes swayed with the smoke, creating a haunting effect. White light was cast on vocalist Sou who was attired in the same red costume he wore for his solo project KIKAI. Sou sung the lyrics of the sensual song released that day as a limited release very confidently, stretching his voice, winning the attention of the audience as they appreciated it till the end.

Bright light lit the stage for the next mid-tempo song, Esoragoto no shikisai, where Sou started moving about the stage actively. He went to both corners of the stage, sometimes twirling around on it. Guitarist Halka posed with his guitar up in the air and would sometimes move his body freely to the music. Proceeding on to miss【drain】, an aggressive song with a distraught taste, Sou was seized by frenzy as he shook his body madly. Sometimes head banging, the audience would follow suit. After the aggressive number, a jazzy Toge to batsu came on as red purple lights engulfed the venue. As Sou moved about the stage, he used different voices, which was remarkable.

In the brief MC that followed, Sou thanked the audience for coming and joked about the air conditioning of the venue when he had some comments from fans about the temperature inside the venue. He seemed very delighted, as he had been laughing a lot in his MCs.

Taihai Romance, a song they had often been doing at events was played again at that live. Red and blue lights flashed intensely as Sou sang the lyrics repeatedly, crazily accompanied by Halka’s chorus. Sou constantly moved around on stage and Halka would entertain the crowd by plucking his guitar strings while raising his guitar up in the air. In contrast, bassist Tomo, and drummer Yuki were constantly steady and reserved throughout the whole live in terms of presentation on stage. In the end, applause arose from the audience.

Sou, who seemed out of breath after the song, got his breath back for the next ballad, angel’s watercolor. The atmosphere changed drastically, as the lights became gradually bright, enveloping the venue. Sou sang to the audience with a gentle voice. The lights changed from white to green and to the climax, yellow. Halka gestured a cross during the interlude, and Sou looked up, waves his arms like wings of an angel.

The last song of the main set was Roses~Hone to bara to yami to hikari~. Drawn back into a distinct dark world, the song started with Tomo’s profound bass. Sou sang with a deep voice, and suddenly screamed at the top of his lungs. Halka’s guitar sounded like bones clattering, giving the song a horrific touch. As Sou screamed, the audience head banged to the song that gradually showed aggressiveness. Ending the set, the members bowed and left the stage.

With the encore call from the audience, the members came back on stage. The audience called their names and Sou, quite delighted by it, started his MC. He once again thanked the audience for coming, and had a surprise announcement. There would be a summer carnival encore tour in Sendai, Osaka, and Nagoya in November. Cheers from the audience could be heard as well as applauses. With the announcement, the live resumed with two encore songs. The first encore song was Nettaiya, a song included in the limited release that was released on that day itself.

The light tap of the Yuki’s drum started Nettaiya, followed right away by Sou’s deep and powerful vocals. Accompanied by the red and blue lights, the jazzy song created a very sensual atmosphere.

The number to set the crown on the hot summer night was Souretsu to xxx, emmuree’s classic. Aggressive and reminiscent of the good old visual kei of the 90’s, the song may best describe emmuree. Fans head banged to the heavy rhythm and as the song came to an end with applause from the audience, the long Nettaiya event came to an end.

Set List

01. Makkana ringo
02. Esoragoto no shikisai
03. miss【drain】
04. Toge to batsu
05. Taihai Romance
06. angel’s watercolor
07. Roses~Hone to bara to yami to hikari~

Encore

01. Nettaiya
02. Souretsu to xxx