L'eprica Seventh Anniversary Event GRAVITY

It had been approximately three weeks since the massive earthquake hit the Tohoku and Kanto region of Japan. Bands had been canceling and postponing concerts. However, from April onwards, many bands had gradually resumed their act to repel the gloomy mood that had settled in due to the earthquake. The bands performing this day were of no exception.

Just down the stairs to the entrance of Takadanobaba AREA was a big white bouquet which fans dedicated to visual kei band L’eprica for their seventh anniversary event. Known for their dark and mysterious music, the band had an equally dark look.

The venue was dimmer than usual, saving electricity, which surprisingly gave a perfect atmosphere for this event. Fans seemed to mimic the style of the bands that appeared this day. Staid, conservative and yet having the distinctness of an underground aura which may be one of the interesting things about the underground visual kei scene.

highfashionparalyze

The first band of the day was highfashionparalyze, a band consisting of vocalist Kazuma, formerly of Merry Go Round and guitarist aie from the studs. highfashionparalyze had been active since June 2010 and they released their first single this day.

The lights dimmed and eerie screeching noises of the guitar filled the venue at the same time. Curtains opened slowly, both aie and Kazuma already on stage in their positions. Kazuma was attired in a black frilled shirt with long black hair that was lightly curled, and aie wore a simple shirt with his signature bob cut black wig. The lights changed from bright red to blue as Kazuma started his distinct frantic screaming and howling with the first song, spoiled. Kazuma, as if hallucinating, sang distraughtly, roaming around the stage many times. In contrast, aie remained in his position, constantly striking his guitar. They proceeded straight to the next song, Ari wa chi ga juuyou dearu, a song with a sense of pathos. Expressing anger, Kazuma raked his fingers through his hair violently and would sometimes collapse on the floor suddenly while singing. Katachi no nai naniyorimo aishitanowa omaedakega, a jazzy song with distorted taste, had the fans moving their bodies more to the music.

After a short break, they resumed with h from d which started with a melancholic guitar line. Kazuma would sing as if he released his feelings through the microphone, spending most of this song singing in the center. In the next song, the lights turned blue and aie played a very heavy tune on his guitar which gradually lightened up midway through the song. Kazuma, accompanied by aie’s guitar, sang as if he was chanting the song. For the final song, XX, aie put his guitar up vertically, strumming it gently at first and gradually hitting the strings hard. Kazuma as well changed his vocal style as the song became stronger. As soon as the song ended, both left the stage without a word, ending their set.

After the event, aie came out to the buppan which sold highfashionparalyze’s first CD as well as their goods, communicating with fans.


Set List:

-se-
01. spoiled
02. Ari wa chi ga juuyou de aru
03. Katachi no nai naniyorimo aishitanowa omaedakega
04. h from d
05. (untitled)
06. XX


9GOATS BLACK OUT

When the SE came on, the audience knew right away that it was 9GOATS BLACK OUT. As the members appeared one by one, the audience shouted out their names. When vocalist ryo walked to the center of the stage with a light bow, the shouting reached at its peak. When the shouts finally died down, raw had started their live. Red lights painted the stage, creating a haunting atmosphere as ryo sang wickedly, stooping like an old man. Without a pause, uta’s guitar intro segued into the new song, Yuutsu to kodoku. From a devilish red, the lights turned blue, hati’s bass and support drummer takumi’s drum striking a unique rhythm which gave a mysterious touch to the song. As ryo shouted,“God stop the punishment,” BABEL started, which immediately had the audience pumping their fists up. uta responded to ryo’s gestures towards him, flashing a devilish grin at ryo. Towards the end, hati was also moving more actively, showing more of himself to the audience.

As the song ended with a "thank you" from ryo, the lights dimmed. While the members prepared for the next song, the audience's excitement grew more intense as they started to shout the members’ names. Responding to the calls, ryo, who had his back toward the audience, spoke with his deep voice, “Draw us closer with your voices.” Programmer akaya’s piano playing resumed during the latter half of the live with another new song, missing. The back lights rotated quietly, with smoke gradually emerging from the sides of the stage. Through the song, ryo constantly sang a rhythm which seemed ooze melancholy. Serenity then washed over the fans as sink started. The instrumental background music started quietly, with yellow lighting from the back causing silhouettes of the members to form, setting a illusionary atmosphere. The chorus of uta and hati blended in well with the music, and as the song came to an end, applause arose.

A chair was brought out to uta and he sat down with his acoustic guitar in hand. ryo was in the center, standing by. As soon as uta strummed the first note on his acoustic guitar, the acoustic version of Tenshi started. Soft, yellow lights illuminated only ryo and uta. As if he treasured the song, ryo sang very gently, with uta singing quietly to the melody as well. After that, the others came in to complete the song which seemed more powerful than the original version. The audience appreciated it till the end and applauded once again.

In the MC, ryo introduced their new support drummer, Takumi who was formerly from vergil, and also their coupling tour with Inugami Circus-dan. Lastly, ryo said, “We only did a few lives at the end of March because of the earthquake on March 11, but from the new school year starting in April, we will move on and take a positive step forward. Taking new steps need courage, but once you do it, things will follow.”

“Tokyo! Let’s enjoy this event till the end!” Red lights flashed intensely, starting the heavy float. The audience moved more and had their hands up in the air, waving to the music. The live got more heated up with the next song, Who’s the MAD, when all fists were up at once. Stirring up the crowd, ryo punched his fist up hard. hati, who had been reserved through the first half of the set, became more active, twirling many times on stage.

Intensity was at its peak with the last song, headache. Literally, everybody was shaking their heads to the heavy sound. ryo urged the crowd to pump their fists and they followed suit. Both uta and hati played their signature parts perfectly. The fans were especially excited when the now famous “akaya time” came. During the long interlude, akaya came to the front of the stage and entertained the audience with his unique dance. When all came to an end, ryo with a satisfied smile said, “ See you again” and left the stage. The others also bowed, throwing picks to the audience, and left the stage for good.

Set List:

01. raw
02. Yuutsu to kodoku
03. BABEL
04. missing
05. sink
06. Tenshi (acoustic version)
07. float
08. who's the MAD
09. headache


L’eprica

The last band of the day the main act, L’eprica. As the gothic SE started, the members quickly took up their positions. Attired in their new costumes, many were surprised to see guitarist XiN’s glam look with a long white wig. Raya with his clear voice started to sing the first song Agnus Dei a cappella. The lights only illuminated him, and then as Be…S’s drumming came in, the lights turned red and the song gradually became a chase between heaviness and serenity. Bright yellow lights then engulfed the venue for florence, an uplifting song. Raya constantly moved his body to the music, seeming to enjoy the time. Bassist Mickey and guitarist XiN had remained in their positions but were also moving to the melody. glossy began with Be…S’s thunderous drumming, the colourful lights switching from red to blue when XiN’s magnificent solo was played during the interlude. Raya moved around more on stage as the audience also moved more to the profound music.

A short MC by Raya saw him thanking the audience for coming to L’eprica’s seventh anniversary event as it had been truly a good event. He also thanked highfashionparalyze and 9GOATS BLACK OUT for participating. After announcing they will definitely do more events in the future, they resumed the live with Sephirothic tree. Once again, the venue was engulfed in red lights. XiN’s arpeggio and the quiet tapping of the drum gradually started the song, Raya coming in smoothly and Mickey’s bass following quietly. Up to the main melody, the melody escalated in profundity.

The lights went dark blue for Arch, Raya’s voice breathing life into it. As the lights became brighter, XiN played a beautiful guitar solo which gave a bright image to this song. Raya showed some playfulness on stage, sometimes twirling and moving his body, enjoying the music. Up next was New Era, a unique slow song that was composed mainly of the chase between vocals and instruments. XiN’s guitar solo was definitely a highlight of this song.

The last song, Draw Pain, started at once when Raya shouted “Seventh anniversary last!" The lights became blistering red, rumbling drum starting the heaviest song of the day. Flashing lights stimulated the fans as well as the members to harsh headbanging. It would have been a rare scene a year ago as L’eprica weren’t the type that would have a headbang-inducing song. Most notable was Raya, whom had been very active on stage, showing his skills not just as a vocalist but also as a front man. As they raced to the climax, Be…S struck the cymbals many times, bringing the live to an end. The members lightly bowed and left the stage. However, at that very moment, the audience started the encore call.

The members came back on stage rather quickly and thanked the audience for the encore calls. Applause arose, and Raya took the microphone. “Finally, the seventh anniversary event is almost over. I’m glad to see you all, and thank you for staying. Please continue supporting us till the end. Our final song today is a beautiful song of spring.” Rin, definitely their signature song, best set the crown for their special day. Warm yellow lights shone on Raya and XiN, the lights turning bright orange as the other members joined in, the beautiful song gradually becoming stronger in the main melody. Through the repeated melody, Raya’s voice was accompanied by XiN’s quiet but strong chorus. While some in the audience seemed to be in tears, some quietly appreciated the strong but serene music. The lights brightened as the live came to an end.

As members freed themselves from their instruments, they all had a smile that seemed to sum up their feelings about the event. Applause arose from the audience and some cheers could be heard. The members all went up to the front, thanking the audience with a deep bow. Lastly, while leaving the stage one by one, XiN blew kisses towards the audience, expressing gratitude towards them.

Seven years is a long time considering the many bands that form and break up within that period of time. Should L’eprica keep their bond intact for several years to come as all fans would definitely hope for, one can surely expect more and better music from the band in the future.


Set List:

-se-
01. Agnus Dei
02. florence
03. glossy
MC
04. Sephirotic tree
05. Arch
06. New Era
07. Draw Pain
EN. rin