Live: The Birthday Massacre

The Birthday Massacre
[2012.11.20] The Door in Dallas, TX
featuring: Creature Feature, Aesthetic Perfection, William Control, & The Birthday Massacre

Creature Feature

I didn’t know there was another band added to the line-up and it’s usually interesting to have these surprise openers. I’m not sure if they followed the tour throughout or just select cities. My friend and I, as well as a good group of people, were a little late to the event, so we missed about half of their set. The sound levels were definitely overwhelming from the entrance and eventually the levels improved throughout the evening. It did affect the performances to an extent, but I can push it aside for the most part in the review. Anyway, I immediately described this duo as kooky and even a low budget Candy Spooky Theater. The group consists of a singer who plays guitar and an energetic keyboardist using horror carnival elements with a tiny hint of electronic sounds. I wasn’t particularly fond of the vocals, but the music was somewhat catchy and what I could understand of the lyrics were amusing.


Aesthetic Perfection

I’m one of those people who check out bands beforehand and this practice started about 2006 when I first saw Dir en grey live. I remember looking up this electronic duo, but I couldn’t remember what they sounded like before their set. They had a few more fans than the previous band. They also used horror themes but more so lyrically than soundwise. The band consists of a vocalist and drummer. They displayed a little more experience than Creature Feature. I really liked them and I thought the vocalist was pretty cute. Apparently, this band is known for getting drunk on stage or at least drinking a lot while performing which was interesting, but they seemed fairly sober throughout their set. High energy, great crowd interaction, and loads of entertainment. They also sung a cover of “She Drives Me Crazy”, since it was some kind of bet they had with one of the members of The Birthday Massacre. By the end of their set, the band definitely gained a fan on my end. My friend enjoyed them as well. Here’s a rough setlist, in no particular order:
A Nice Place To Visit
The Devil's In The Details
She Drives Me Crazy
One and Only
Inhuman
Spit It Out
The Siren
Living the Wasted Life

William Control

Since I looked up this artist beforehand, I already had a bit of excitement and expectations from this artist. I was a little skeptical in the vocal department, but William Control delivered some impressive, alluring vocal talent and his musical companion was good too, although you hardly notice him in the darkness and fog. William made sure to interact and talk to the crowd every now and then, even if the song wasn’t high energy or uptempo. As I mentioned before, the stage was mostly dark and foggy to fit the tone of the artist, but there was a mixture of blue and red lighting switching in and out during the set. William is definitely a chain smoker too. I think he had at least 6-7 cigarettes. It made me worry about that lovely, dark voice of his. Later going to his band before this solo project, it is a completely different side of him sound wise. I don’t particularly like his band, so I will stick to William Control. Although, like Yomi’s vocals from Nightmare and Sendai Kamotsu, I was amazed by the vocal differences. Since I had some sort of expectations from him, mostly song-wise, I was pleasantly satisfied to hear a couple songs that I really enjoy. I wouldn’t mind seeing him again and indulging in his seductive, subtle charisma. Here’s another setlist attempt, in no order:
All Due Restraint
I'm Only Human Sometimes
My Lady Dominate
Dorian Gray?
Kiss Me Judas
I Am Your Jesus
The Velvet Warms and Binds
Romance & Devotion
New World Order (A New Kind of Faith)
Beautiful Loser
Strangers
Razors Edge

[2012.11.20] William Control - Lady Dominate

[2012.11.20] William Control - All Due Restraint

The Birthday Massacre

It’s obvious that this is the reason I came to this show, even though I’ve seen them twice before, but I really enjoy what the band gives to their audience. This was my first time seeing them in Dallas and the crowd was very pleasant and responsive. They had just the right amount of energy and respect that a live crowd should have. I remember this tall guy getting really emotional during their set, it was nice to see someone being able to see the band they love in person and even more being able to touch or interact with any of the members. Chiba was her usual adorable and chipper self. The rest of the band also displayed the energy that I’m used to experiencing and maybe even a little more to keep me coming for another show. They played a few songs from their new album, Hide and Seek. From their newer material, I enjoy The Birthday Massacre’s slower songs just as much as their more energetic songs. I enjoy the range that Chiba brings with her vocals, member interactions, and overall performance. She is just a fluid entertainer and can deliver a heartfelt sorrowful tune just as well as a vengeful love song. I hope this band continues on the great momentum they have created and keep bringing the passion to their fans through their music and live performances. Here’s a rough setlist, in no order:
Calling
In the Dark
Always
Control
Midnight
Pins and Needles
Lovers End
Happy Birthday
Blue
Video Kid
Red Stars
Forever
Burn Away?
Leaving Tonight
Down?
Alibis

[2012.11.20] The Birthday Massacre - Sleepwalking

[2012.11.20] The Birthday Massacre - Lovers End

[2012.11.20] The Birthday Massacre - Alibis

Quick Music Review

Neon Hitch – Happy Neon (2013, USA) Rating: 4.5/5
Favorite Tracks: Midnight Sun, Jailhouse, The Wizard Believes, Born To Be Remembered
I’ve been waiting for a full length something from this underrated artist and I’m going to take whatever I can get. Skipping the first track, “The Bus”, since there’s really nothing to comment about, I’ll start with the first real track, “Pink Fields”. I believe this was the promotional track for this mini-album. It’s a soft piece that highlights Neon Hitch’s unique vocal talents and airy lyrics that resonates in listeners’ ears. The music is quite minimal and purely focuses on the vocal aspect. “Midnight Sun” took a couple listens for me to fully appreciate its beauty. There’s some talking at the beginning, then it quiets down for the music to seep into your ears. Similar to “Pink Fields”, this track really focuses on vocals and has a simple melody that somehow haunts the back of your mind with the poetic lyrics. “The Wizard Believes” takes an audio snippet from, I’m guessing, a movie with some soft guitar, then Neon Hitch’s voice kicks in with the first verse. It has a pleading tone to it and something about it immediately hooked me into loving this song. “Jailhouse” is an unusual track. It has a somewhat serious tone musically and Neon Hitch’s voice echoes at the beginning with a definite pleading tone. The vocal delivery is more forceful and the music has more punch than the previous tracks. Something about this track’s attitude just easily pulled me in. “Born To Be Remembered” also took me some time to get into. It retreats back to the softer sound of vocal echoes and acoustic guitar. It’s a simple track that just sticks effortlessly. I think this whole mini-album displays Neon Hitch’s talents a lot more than her previous efforts of in your face sexuality and sweet pop melodies. I urge you to give this lovely lady a chance.



The Birthday Massacre – Hide and Seek (2012, USA) Rating: 4.5/5
Favorite Tracks: Leaving Tonight, Down, Play With Fire, The Long Way Home
After seeing them live and hearing previews of their new material last year, I was looking forward to another amazing album from this band. “Leaving Tonight” has an upbeat, somber tone to it. An interesting start for an album, but it works to some extent. I suppose it eases into the band’s style without smacking you in the face with the band’s full force. Highlight of the song is the guitar and keyboard break down, but Chibi’s soft vocals are also a nice touch to bringing the lyrics to life as well. “Down” is probably my favorite track off the whole album and, no, this doesn’t mean you can skip the rest of the review either. I love this band’s hard hitting side. It’s different than most bands I listen to. It has a fun edge to it and balances softness and aggression in both the vocals and the music. Chibi threateningly growls the lyrics effortlessly after singing with such an angelic voice. Lastly, the chorus is simply addicting for those familiar with the band or the genre. “Play With Fire” brings the tempo down, but still holds the fuel from the previous song. It sounds like the music is ticking by with the time as Chibi’s voice haunts you quietly. It’s quite chilling and strangely beautiful. “Need” lifts the tempo back up a little and has a somewhat retro electronic feel. Chibi brings more attitude into her delivery and the chorus just flows out naturally after she attacks her victim, then the music follows with no lyrics is just brilliant. “Calling” is full of fun and charm that the band is known for, especially in person, and ties in the old with the new elements. “Alibis” steps back to a more haunting feel, but also mixes old and new elements from the band. It focuses more on Chibi than the music majority of the time, but they do highlight it when it’s appropriate. “One Promise” is another upbeat tune that took me some time to warm up to. Chibi’s vocals are more chipper, which counters the content of the lyrics which is always amusing. This is a good dance tune…an unconventional one, but if you’re familiar with this band’s material, you know what I mean. “In This Moment” has a bit of an ambient synth sound to it. The music seems like the main focus of the track this time. At times it seems like it overpowers the vocals that it could be distracting, but you can still understand everything. “Cover My Eyes” returns the softness from the first track, maybe even softer. It’s a really beautiful song and the lyrics are a bit haunting, especially with Chibi’s whispering delivery and keyboard in the background. I like that they highlighted the keyboard so much in this track too. “The Long Way Home” keeps the pace the same and may sound a little like the previous track, but it adds a little more flair in the chorus. It has an odd structure to it, but somehow it works. Nonetheless, this album does not disappoint and I’ve probably abused the repeat button with this album when it was first released.



Usher – Looking 4 Myself (2012, USA) Rating: 3/5
Favorite Tracks: Scream, Climax, Lemme See, Euphoria
After hearing a certain track, it seemed like the real Usher had returned. So, I blindly bought his CD and I haven’t done that in quite a long time. Anyway, “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop” is a bit of a misstep in some ways. It’s very generic and falls into that “OMG” trap of weird dance elements, stop and start melody, and will.i.am sub-par lyrics. It’s really bad and obnoxious. “Scream” was one of the promotional tracks for this album and it was a good choice. Sure, I was annoyed that Usher sold out for the dance music trend, but something about this track seemed okay. Maybe it’s the beat or the catchy chorus. The lyrics are a little better, but not by much. It’s still a somewhat improvement from the last album and I’ll accept it for this club banger of lame sexual innuendos and pick up lines. The shining star track that made me believe that Usher was back, “Climax”. My mom loves this track and that’s saying something, especially since she stopped at 8701. This track features everything I love about Usher from back in the 90s. His vocal range is back, the lyrics have meaning to it, and the music mixes both the new and the old together effortlessly. This track is flawless and I kinda hate using that word with music, but it’s just a breath of fresh of air for both Usher and R&B…or just music in general. “I Care For U” kinda takes a step back from the previous track, but it isn’t the worse of the worse from Usher. It combines R&B vocal melody and minimal dubstep musical elements. “Show Me” keeps the same pace and includes a slightly upbeat drum in the background. Pretty standard, nothing too exciting. “Lemme See” is another promotional track and I highly suggests avoiding watching the music video, if you haven’t already seen it. I’ve only seen part of it and I’m still scarred. Anyway, this picks up all the good from “Climax” and mixes the tiny bit annoyances I had with Versus. It’s a good song, but I really wish Rick Ross wasn’t on this track. “Twisted” is a throwback track that fits the latest Justin Timberlake song. This is definitely a Pharrell track sound wise. The lyrics are terrible though. “Dive” is a slower song with that supposed “epic” R&B sound around the chorus. I will admit it does show off Usher’s vocals though. “What Happened To U” goes back on the right path musically and Usher’s voice flows pretty well, even with the silly lyrics sprinkled throughout the song. “Looking 4 Myself” kinda sounds like another throwback tune with drum beats and a little guitar, but it’s more enjoyable to me for some reason. I blame the catchy chorus. “Numb” brings nothing new to the table. I think we’ve heard this sound way too much from his collaboration with David Guetta and even a little bit of Rihanna or Katy Perry on the pop charts. “Lessons For The Lover” is a minimalistic R&B track that relies why too much on sound echoes and tries too hard to be sensual. “Sins Of My Father” mixes dark musical elements and deep bass from the 80s. It’s an interesting mix, but nothing extremely dynamic. It has potential though lyrically. “Euphoria” sounds like an Usher track remix than the sellout dance Usher, so I can appreciate this track a lot more than his dancy stuff in the previous album. “I.F.U” has a hip-hop beat from the 90s with a few upgrades. It works somehow. Maybe it’s the pacing of Usher’s delivery or the simple beat. “Say The Words” is a slower track and Usher sounds a bit winded or something. It’s a boring track both musically and vocally. “2nd Round” tries to mix dance Usher and this new/old Usher in a mesh mash. It sounds really awkward and all the sound effects in the background are obnoxious, which is a shame because deep below the melody isn’t that bad. “Hot Thing” is a pseudo-Usher throwaway track. It’s a try too hard track that tries to mix Usher’s R&B vocals in a sub-par way to a worn out hip-hop beat. It’s not good. Overall, I do not regret my blind purchase at all. It isn’t the best of Usher’s work, but it is a step up from Versus/Raymond v Raymond.



Sirah - C.U.L.T Too Young To Die (2012, USA) Rating: 3.5/5
Favorite Tracks: Up & Down, Motel Bible, Blew Your Mind
I love good YouTube discoveries and this artist is one of those good examples. “Up & Down” is the track that introduced me to this artist and directed me to the official free download. This song combines dubstep warping noises, but contains them in the confines of a hip-hop melody. It also mixes rap and softened, gently distorted vocals that could be found in Indian music. Very unique, refreshing, and worth repeated listening, especially lyrically. “My City” abandons the major components of dubstep and goes into a more electro-hop sound. I also have to mention that this whole mixtape has some smooth transitions from track to track which albums hardly do anymore. “Motel Bible” has a slightly awkward beginning with the hint of autotune or some sort of vocal distortion, but it all evens out when Sirah starts rapping over this aggressive beat. “Blew Your Mind” is my favorite track on this mixtape. It balances soft vocals and an in your face rap delivery. It packs a punch of attitude and confidence from the music, delivery, and lyrical content. By the time it ends, you’re craving for more. “Like Me Now” comes in abruptly and has this weird warped sound. This wouldn’t work for a full track, but for a quick minute with such attacking lyrics, it works out well. “Made It” goes in a different musical direction by leaving behind the electronics and using pianos, drums, and clapping sounds as Sirah effortlessly raps over this soft melody. Take notes, Drake. “When I’m Gone” closes the mixtape by bringing back the mix of electro-hop and an aggressive lyrical delivery that leaves a definite impression in your ears. This is a very strong mixtape and leaves listeners begging for more.



Linkin Park – Living Things (2012, USA) Rating: 3/5
Favorite Tracks: Lost in the Echo, Burn It Down, Powerless
Say what you will about Linkin Park, but I still blindly buy their albums expecting something good from them. “Lost in the Echo” in stills my confidence and opens the album with a confident sound. Sure, it doesn’t have that aggression I love from their older material, but it shows that the band has perfected the balance of soft electronica and rock from their previous two albums. “In My Remains” brings in more rock to the band’s sound and some good atmosphere that flows naturally from the previous track. It really eases you in and lets you settle into the album, especially with Chester’s controlled, passionate vocals. “Burn It Down” was used to promote the album and it was a good choice. It pretty much highlights majority of the album with a little bit of hardness, a little bit of softness, electronic elements, and a steady rock beat. “Lies Greed Misery” relies more on a harder electronic beat and focuses on Mike’s rapping in a new way, while letting Chester scream sings the chorus in between. “I’ll Be Gone” softens things a little by intertwining electronica and rock again and highlighting the good points to Chester’s voice. It has a gradual pace of soft and hard that feels natural for the band and the ears. “Castle of Glass” is another track that proves that they’ve worked out the kinks from their previous albums and gives Mike another chance to sing his heart out. “Victimized” is quick track of aggressive rock and chaos. I’m happy it’s not a full length song as it would’ve come off as annoying around the chorus, but it gives you enough to be satisfied and rock out as Chester screams. “Roads Untraveled” tones down the anger from the previous track and brings us something softer with piano, chimes, and beautiful vocals from both Chester and Mike. “Skin To Bone” is probably an underrated track for me. There’s a lot of good points to this from the cleverly composed gradually ascension of the music and Mike’s imperfect vocals. “Until It Breaks” goes in a more experimental hip-hop sound that could almost be found on a Gorillaz album. “Tinfoil” brings back that element that their first two albums had that highlighted Mr. Hahn’s skills for beats and minimalism. Like “Lost in the Echo”, “Powerless” is the perfect send off for this album and what made me proud to be a fan of this band for so long. It’s beautifully composed, Chester’s voice is so emotional, and it leaves a deep impression to the heart and ears.



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Live: AGE QUOD AGIS

AGE QUOD AGIS
[2011.12.04] House of Blues in Houston, TX
featuring: The Birthday Massacre & Dir en grey




The Birthday Massacre


Aside from Diru, I was really excited to see The Birthday Massacre again. They had a great, positive energy between themselves and their fans and their music is pretty awesome as well. I remember when they were starting their second song, "Sleepwalking", they had some technical difficulties, but Chibi played it off cutely and entertained us while they figured out the problem.

They've played a good mixture of songs from the past and even brought in their two newest songs from their last single, which made me happy. The performance was flawless as usual. It felt like they had even more energy than the first time I saw them. Chibi danced, bounced, and interacted with her bandmates and the audience constantly. She truly loves her fans and you can tell the other members do as well. They interacted with the audience occasionally as well and I'm looking forward to seeing them again. Way to go, Canada! Here's my attempt at a setlist:

Setlist
[no particular order]

Sleepwalking
Red Star
Burn Away
Blue
Forever
Always
Pins and Needles
In the Dark
Control
Shallow Grave


"Forever" by The Birthday Massacre


Dir en grey

Once TBM's set was over, I was a little sad, because I was really getting into it and they're amazing performers, but on the other hand, I was really excited what Diru was gonna bring to the table. I had very high hopes for the boys, since that tragic night in 2009. DUM SPIRO SPERO was released this year and I thought it was a masterpiece like UROBOROS.

The guys made a dramatic entrance and everyone was feeling it. There was so much great energy flowing between us and the band, it was very refreshing. They mixed a little bit old and new and I really mean a good mix too!

Everything that was lacking from 2009 reappeared this year and I was really grateful I came back to the comforts of Houston. I thought the crowd was great and respectful and energetic. Anyway, the guys moved around a lot on the stage. Kaoru and Toshiya even switched sides with Die a couple times, which was a nice contrast. I wish I could've gotten better pics of them then, but I was too busy enjoying the show to squeeze my hand in my pocket to pull my camera out. There was also a lot of emotion and drama displayed through Kyo. He really put everything into each song, which was fascinating. He twisted, contorted, squealed, and morphed into some tortured creature that you had to keep your eye on at all times. He even put the mic aside to connect with audience and the other members interacted as well with us. It was great to see them let go of everything again like 2008. Most surprising thing for the evening, the dramatic, emotion filled performance of "Mazohyst of Decadence". It had it's original musical arrangement and everything and was performed like it was a brand new song. Apparently, they've been performing "Kasumi" other places which would've been nice to hear again, but I'm happy I got to hear that at least once. I hope they continue incorporating their older material with their newer stuff with minimal changes or at least if they do change it, go in the route they did with "-mushi-". *__* So, here's my crappy setlist, which feels like I might be missing things:

Setlist
[no particular order]

狂骨の鳴り
Mazohyst of Decadence
Tsumi to Batsu -2011-
Obscure -2011-
THE BLOSSOMING BEELZEBUB
THE FINAL
DIFFERENT SENSE
AMON
LOTUS
激しさと、この胸の中で絡み付いた灼熱の闇
羅刹国
GRIEF
ROTTING ROOT
冷血なりせば


"Mazohyst of Decadence" by Dir en grey


For some reason, I watched Tainted Reality's head douche man Roger's reaction to the show. He hadn't been to a Diru show since 2007, but he found the performance and the fans boring. I'm pretty sure he's what one of my friends would call a jaded jrock fan and he should just not attend such things, because what I experienced was a double shot of mindfucked! From the opening act to the main event, it was an amazing performance. The energy was good between the crowd and the band and the selections were a perfect mixture of everything that makes up both bands. I'm looking forward to more great things from both bands.

Quick Music Review

The Birthday Massacre - Imaginary Monsters (2011, U.S.) Rating: 3/5
Favorite Tracks: Forever, Pale (Kevvy Mental & Dave Ogilvie "Rubber Unicorn" Mix), Shallow Grave (Assemblage 23 Mix)

Recently, I blindly bought a single...and I really dislike buying singles, but I ended up not regretting this one. "Forever" is haunting yet beautiful track that shows off that emotional goth electronic sound of the band and Chibi's voice is flawless. The song smoothly transitions to "Burn Away" which has a slightly harder sound than the first track. "Left Behind" has an eerie sound and dramatic electronic rock music arrangement that drags along some. The next 5 tracks are remixes of songs from their last album, Pins and Needles. "Pale (Kevvy Mental & Dave Ogilvie "Rubber Unicorn" Mix)" brings out more bass and guitar sound yet keeps the integrity of the original intent of the song. "Control (Tweaker Mix)" sounds extra retro electronic. Think of Flock of Seagulls' "I Ran". "Shallow Grave (Combichrist "Good For Her" Mix)" has a few scratches and tweaks. I didn't really care for this remix so much. "Pins And Needles (Skold Mix)" has its moments of great musical arrangement choices within the remix. It kinda reminds of me of an industrial DDR song or something. "Shallow Grave (Assemblage 23 Mix)" is better than the other remix of the same song. It keeps its original tempo and adds cool, familiar dance elements to it. Overall, the single wasn't that bad.



Natalia Kills - Perfectionist (2011, U.S.) Rating: 4/5
Favorite Tracks: Wonderland, Break You Hard, Zombie, Love is a Suicide

If you haven't noticed, I've been waiting for this album for a while now. It opens with one of my favorite tracks, "Wonderland". The lyrics are interesting and a little dark. The music is simple, but definitely leaves an impression in your mind. "Free" is an upbeat, fun song that follows along the same line as Jessie J's "Price Tag". I believe this is her latest music video as well and it features will.i.am. I really wish he wasn't in it because his part is kinda annoying and unnecessary. "Break You Hard" is an aggressive song mixing haunting sound effects, intense vocals, and a rock influence music arrangement. "Zombie" used to be a track I was obsessed with. The song is still amazing and keeps that dark pop vibe. "Love is a Suicide" is my favorite new track. No doubts there. It has a great dance sound and keeps true to Natalia's style. "Mirrors" was another song that was previously released. It still has a nice dramatic sound with a retro-electropop vibe. "Acid Annie" goes back to that dramatic rock sound, but more of a stalkerish, threatening tone to it than "Break You Hard", but underlying uplifting. "Superficial" is a lighter track than the previous one and easy to get into. "Broke" is a slightly softer track and fuses Natalia's sound with R&B elements which creates this beautiful little song. "If I Was God" keeps that light, thoughtful tone going to close out the album. It compiles some of the themes presented in the previous tracks and puts it on the table for the listener to think things over. It also shows off Natalia's great, diverse vocal range. Overall, this is a great debut album for Kills and it was definitely worth the wait. I hope she can keep going on this great route while this dance/electronic trend is still going. I also hope this kills the Gaga comparisons too.



f(x) - PINOCCHIO (2011, South Korea) Rating: 3.5/5
Favorite Tracks: Pinocchio (Danger), Dangerous, Love, Lollipop

Things have been a little quiet for the girls since Amber was injured, but this was their comeback. "Pinocchio (Danger)" was the promo song to get people excited about their first album and their comeback. It's a very catchy song and goes along with the same vibe as "Nu ABO", which made me happy. "Sweet Witches" takes a sweeter sound of pop that I didn't know existed in them. I'd rather not hear anything like this again. "Dangerous" has a bit of a retro pop sound that I can't seem to place where I've heard before. "Beautiful Goodbye" is a nice, little simple ballad that gives the girls a chance to show off their vocal harmony. "Gangsta Boy" kinda has a bit of a red flag vibe for me just basing it off the title, but the song isn't that bad. They took pieces from the same sound as "Pinocchio (Danger)" and pretty much simplified it to a cute track. "Love" regains my attention back to the fact that these girls have talent. It has cuteness and power at the same time. "Stand Up!" is one of those tracks that's supposed to put an instant smile on your face, but...I just skip this track completely. "MY STYLE" has a retro "Soul Train" element in the music, but combines it with the girls' sassy pop sound. I noticed a lot of people like "So into U". It does have a nice instrumental to it and the vocals are pretty good too, but not my style. The album ends with "Lollipop" featuring labelmates SHINee. I must say I might like this one better than Big Bang and 2NE1's, but that's probably due to overplay. Nonetheless, it's a really good, repeatable track.



9GOATS BLACK OUT - Rorschach inkblot (2011, Japan) Rating: 4/5
Favorite Tracks: missing, Yuuustu to Kodoku

A highly anticipated yet nerve racking comeback. I was a little nervous about listening to this single, since I wasn't completely wowed by their last release before they went on hiatus. I was surprised by this single! "missing" has flawless vocals and the music is filled with so much theatrics and emotion that it's hard not to fall in love with them again. "Yuuutsu To Kodoku" has an airy, haunting feeling that made "sink" amazing, but on a whole new level. The single ends with a live track from their latest DVD. "Atena No Nai Tegami [live in Melancholy pool]" has a mellow, acoustic lounge sound and it's easy to lose yourself with the soft vocals and prominent basslines.



2NE1 - 2NE1 Mini Album Vol. 2 (2011, South Korea) Rating: 3.5/5
Favorite Tracks: I Am the Best, Lonely, Hate You, Don't Stop the Music

The girls have been teasing us with video after video of awesomeness and now we have the compilation of the girls' great works from their recent releases. "I Am the Best" was the biggest boom since "Clap Your Hands" perhaps? It has a heavy bass, a simple electro-pop sound, and extra sass. It is a very catchy track that you can't resist repeating and it's a great opener for this new mini. "UGLY" is one of those confident building anthems that's kinda catchy here in the States. I'm not particularly fond of the song and the video didn't help the matter either. Surprisingly, "Lonely" grew on me and I slowly started liking this little ballad. Everyone's voice is nice and the video reflects the beauty and emptiness of the song. "Hate You" has more of an electro-pop sound than the first track and the song lyrically is kinda simple. Easy to sing along, at least around the chorus. The video is kinda entertaining for something animated. Park Bom's "Don't Cry" is featured on this mini and...I'm still not a fan of hers, but the song's alright. "Don't Stop the Music" closes up the mini and it was the first track to be used to promote this CD. It reflects more of the girls' sound from their last album release and doesn't mesh as well with these new tracks. Nonetheless, it's still a good song.

Live: Black Veil Brides & The Birthday Massacre

Black Veil Brides & The Birthday Massacre
[2010.11.08] Warehouse Live in Houston, TX
featuring: Aural Vampire, Dommin, Black Veil Brides, & The Birthday Massacre

Aural Vampire

Exo-Chika: vocals
Raveman: keyboard/synths

The Japanese duo were the first to open up for the evening. Raveman came out on the stage first to get us all hyped up and started off the music for Exo-Chika to make her entrance. She was gorgeous and seductive and mysterious beneath her mask for the little moment she had it on. They played a few of my favorites and I wished the energy was a little higher and their set was a little longer, but hopefully I'll be able to see them again in the near future. They did interact with the audience a lot, even though I'm pretty sure not a lot of people have heard of them before. Raveman let the crowd push a few buttons on his remote to distort the sound a little and Exo-Chika talked to us some in English. She's so cute~ Toward the middle of their set, more people got into the music and I think the electronic duo felt the energy. During "muriarizumu", they played with each other. Raveman had balloons and Exo-Chika had a little pistol to shoot them within the breaks in the music. It was very entertaining! My friend and I danced a lot and people around us didn't understand until the setlist was coming to a close. Here's my attempt at a setlist for you guys:

Freeeze!!
muriarizumu
Vampire Ecstasy
Shonan Zoku -Cannibal Coast-
69 Balloons
Transcryt
Darkwave Surfer


Dommin

Kristofer Dommin: vocals & guitar
Billy James: bass
Konstantine: keyboard
Cameron: drums

I checked out their stuff on YouTube and it was decent. I saw a comment referring them as a gothic Elvis style. I suppose I can agree with that. Their style is definitely for the older folk. The crew adjusted things on the stage and flipped the screen around to a rose and the name "Dommin". They walked past our right side in the gated area leading up to the stage and prepared to perform. They had decent energy. More mature than Aural Vampire's and Kristofer talked to us a few times. It was entertaining watch Konstantine rock out on the keyboard and set the mood for each song with Billy's strong bass. Since I'm not that familiar with their music, I do know they played "Dark Holiday", "My Heart, Your Hands", "Tonight", and Cutting Crew's "(I Just) Dying in Your Arms Tonight".

Black Veil Brides

Andy Sixx: vocals
Jake Pitts: guitar
Jinxx: guitar/violin
Ashley Purdy: bass
Christian “CC” Coma: drums

In the beginning, I thought they were totally jrock influenced or something, but according to this interview with Lacarmina they had never heard of it until people pointed it out. I think Andy (and possibly the other boys) are starting to like it, but let's hope that doesn't happen. ^^; So, they get their visual influence from Montley Crue and make a lot of their costumes. Fine, fine. I thought they'd be okay like Dommin, but looking them up beforehand...totally not my style. My friend and I decided to move from our wonderful spots to save us from the rabidness of the "Bridesmaids". Thank God we did! Insanity. Pure insanity! The crowd went crazy before the long stretch of fabric across the stage was removed and pumped it 10 times over when they started performing. Now I can respect musicians for having that "I don't give a fuck" attitude, but it irks my nerves when that musician is also super cocky and sucks ass at what he does. I'm sorry, BVB fans, I'm not joining you guys on this one. I couldn't tell when one song ended and the other began. Everything sounded the same with the same harsh intensity. It was annoying when Andy kept asking the audience to sing and he'd pull the mic away to sing himself. I'm surprised he didn't get raped when he stage dove too! So, my friend and I commented on their appearance. Joked about how they had fun with Sharpies on Andy's body to make him look hardxcore. I will admit that they had the most over the top performance out of everyone, but I would never see them live again. Too scarring. x_x Obviously, I'm no expert on their music either [and it'll probably stay that way for a very long time], but I know they performed "Knives and Pens" and "Perfect Weapon".


The Birthday Massacre

Chibi: vocals
Rainbow: guitar
Michael Falcore: guitar
O.E.: bass
Owen: keyboard
Rhim: drums

My friend and I moved back to our spots on stage right and awaited TBM to approach the stage. They opened up with "In the Dark", getting the crowd super pumped and the energy just escalated from there. Chibi was all over the place and had this devilish, playful vibe about how she moved and sung. Everything sounded 10 times better in person than a recording, which I didn't think was possible. I felt everything flow inside and out. Deep connection was made, but nothing life changing. Rainbow was an interesting fella to watch spaz about with his guitar and step in occasionally for back-up vocals. Chibi dedicated songs to each band that performed before them and I think they grew closer to Aural Vampire throughout the whole tour, which is awesome! Japan and Canada unite!! So, here's my crazy attempt at a setlist:

In the Dark
Control
Shallow Grave
Pins And Needles
Lovers End
Blue
Looking Glass
Red Star
Horror Show
Video Kid
Goodnight?
Falling Down
To Die For

Overall, I had a lot of fun and we didn't get injured by the rabid Bridesmaids! I hope to see Aural Vampire make another appearance in the great state of Texas, especially if they time up with The Birthday Massacre again. As we were leaving, I got a chance to snag a pic with Exo-Chika [and Raveman is hanging out in the background] and my friend got to tell Chibi that she was awesome while she was taking a smoke break outside by the buses. Hope you guys enjoyed my review!