Top 5 Recommended Music Videos

"WHO'S NEXT" by SiM
So far, I've been very pleased with the direction this band has been going ever since I stumbled upon them. The music has some great transitions, irresistible energy, and good use of vocal variations. It's making me pumped for their new album coming out this month. I like the consistent visuals they've been having since "KiLLiNG ME". Little hints of color here and there within the black and white scheme, then the prominent red and blue in the appropriate places.



"GET MORE!!" by ROACH
For some reason, I'm always afraid this band is gonna fall off the face of the earth, so when they release something I'm always overjoyed. This has a simple concept similar to their "HIGH FIVE!!" PV by still being entertaining and a window to the members' personalities. Also similar to that song is the energy and uptempo melody that makes it easier to get into. I'm really looking forward to their next CD release.



"Shuuei" by Mejibray
With every release this band has had, I've been progressively more and more impressed with the material they come up with. I never thought I would enjoy this band so much, but I'm happy that I gave them a chance despite my feelings toward VanessA. Despite my dislike for a bit of the color filter choices, I really like the simple, band centric visuals that match the mood of the music. I like the quiet tone of Tsuzuku's voice, the guitar solo is amazing, and the bass/drum combo blows my mind. I'm really hoping and praying that this band doesn't lose it's momentum and fall in the visual traps like the GazettE.



"N.O" by BTS
I am absolutely in love with this group right now. Not to cause any feuds with comparisons, but I think this group brings the initial attitude of B.A.P with an inspirational and much needed messages that were laced in H.O.T's lyrics. This video has a nice balanced visual concept without being overly hip-hop, even the music fits that. The visuals are slick and naturally switch from the story of seven students to the choreography scenes, which is well pulled together. The vocal delivery is both powerful and encouraging. Even though Block B has returned to the scene, I'm really looking forward to more of these boys, but I don't want them to overwork themselves like their predecessors B.A.P.



"False Hope" by Song Ji Eun
I'm not a Secret fan and the only solo song I've heard is "Going Crazy", which is quite good. Somehow I totally forgot that I've heard her amazing voice before, but in a way, it was a good thing because I am easily blown away by her impressive range. The visuals are quite simple. It has a balance between artistic, symbolic, and typical R&B. I really like the bold color palette and the storyline doesn't feel forced. The song is really beautiful and emotion filled, especially with the acoustics.

Top 5 Recommended Music Videos

"HIGH FIVE!!" by ROACH
It's always exciting seeing new things from this band. They have been consistently awesome and growing. They try new things, but keep their roots in tact. I love Taama's voice and the fun energy the members bring to the video. It's a great summer track, even though summer is mostly over. I like the outdoor atmosphere since you don't see this kind of scenery in jrock videos. It reminds of me of Pay money To my Pain's "Out of my hands" when they did everything outside and interacted with the environment. This is how you utilize your scenery, kpop.



"IDOL is DEAD" by BiS
Looking at the name, all I could think of was the disbanded jrock band and totally forgot about these jpop girls. I think this video is a continuation of the earlier PV release of "IDOL". I was a little confused by it like BABYMETAL. The vocals aren't as fluid or comprehensive, but the whole concept is intriguing. I like the dark imagery, chaos, and aggressive vocals. I guess those old businessmen are enjoying these cutesy jpop girls using these heavy rock/electronic elements.



"Fashion Monster" by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu
Seeing a new PV from her was exciting, especially since she got some exposure on Kids React. I think she got back her catchiness that she was lacking in her last single, but I enjoy her overall body of work. Anyway, this was another clusterfuck of a PV like "PONPONPON". Sometimes it seemed like too much with the dancers, but I got used to it. I must admit though, I kept thinking of Tommy heavenly6 watching this PV, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment. Looking forward to the new release!



"Stop Girl" by U-KISS
It's kinda hard to get Supernova's version with the similar song title out of my head, but these guys did an awesome job too. I like this classy, sleek look they've been doing. The music is very deep and refreshing for the guys. They seem a little more relaxed in this video and I really appreciate the maturity of their appearance and the content of this song. Although, I'm kinda tired of the awkward one sided hair thing. I hope they continue in this direction and include female dancers. Miss you, AJ~



"Take on Me" by Seo In Guk
A classic song from the iconic A-ha and a very good cover at that. I don't know how I missed this one, since I admire this guy's voice and charm. This definitely displayed both of those elements in this video. It doesn't lose the original idea from A-ha's version, but still brings something new to the table by making it more modern. Not many people can pull this song off this well.

Promo: ROACH

[from left to right] Daisuke (drums), Katsuya (bass), Taama (vocal), & Kubbochi (guitar)
|Official Site||Official Facebook|

From the land of Okinawa in the year 2003, these four talent individuals joined together to create amazing music. They released their first album, MIND OF THE SUN, in 2007 and their first PV for "Momoiro no Kaze". It was a mixture of hard rock with a hint of traditional Japanese elements, mostly spotted in the vocal arrangements. They became part of the Danger Crue/Maverick family for a few years, until 2010. The band cancelled their contract, released For you, I will and took a short venture in the U.S. On February 8th, they will be releasing a new album called No Reason in the Pit.

I've been following these guys for quite some time. I think it was around the time Girugamesh came into the scene as well. ROACH has a very unique sound that could translate well into America without it blending in too much. Sure, people will have to adjust to the language, but watching the PV for "For you, I will", it didn't seem like people cared. After seeing their latest PV for their upcoming album, I'm really looking forward to seeing an expanded view of their growth. If you're still unsure about these guys, Satoshi (Girugamesh) and Miya (MUCC) have a part in this project. Also, if you enjoy bands like Pay money To my Pain, coldrain, and SiM, then this isn't anything foreign to you.

Quick Music Review

VALLUNA - silent prayer (2010, Japan) Rating: 3/5
Favorite Tracks: 虐, 「Ghost」

The title track of this single starts off on a dark note, but lightens up with the sound effects going along with the crashing of cymbals and the speed change. It's a slightly different side of the band that some don't recognize. "虐" features that chaotic rage that I enjoy in VALLUNA. It has a good arrangement and is pretty simple in quickness. It kinda reminds me of Dir en grey's "ZAN". "「Ghost」" closes up the single with dramatic backing music and an intense bass guitar. The vocals are best featured in this track and the song leaves a good impression.



ROACH - For you, I will (2010, Japan) Rating: 4/5
Favorite Tracks: Mimi wo sumaseba, scream with love

After being silent for so long, ROACH comes back with a strong opening of "For you, I will". It gives a false beginning of hard screamo-ness, then brings in their signature rock sound that reminds fans that they haven't lost it. "Mimi wo sumaseba" brings out the aggressive side of the band while maintaining their core in the music and vocal arrangement. It shows off Tama's range from growling to unique singing style. "scream with love" closes off this comeback single with a bright, edgy introduction. It mixes hard screamo music elements with their original sound to create a great concoction.



defspiral - REVOLVER (2010, Japan) Rating: 3.5/5
Favorite Tracks: REVOLVER, SHINING (IN YOUR HEART)

After (re-)introducing themselves to the world and taking some time off, the band busts out with a double single attack. "REVOLVER" shares a similar sound to their debut song, "DIVE INTO THE MIRROR"; an upbeat rock sound that keeps you dancing to your heart's content. "SHINING (IN YOUR HEART)" has a gradual intro build until it hits the drum section and everything picks up smoothly. The music is easily catchy and Taka's vocals are flawless. The remainder of the single consist of instrumental tracks of both songs.



defspiral - Twilight (2010, Japan) Rating: 3/5
Favorite Tracks: 月とヴィーナス

"Twilight" opens up with a dual guitar intro that's very soft and then jumps out at you, showing off both guitarists' skills. Taka's vocals smoothly slip in and the song easily fit the mold of their previous works while changing bits and pieces to make it interesting. "月とヴィーナス" shows of Taka's beautiful range and how the guys can deliver an equally beautiful melody and still keep it rock. "Lost In Shadow" shows a different side of defspiral by adding synth sound and rock into a dramatic musical arrangement. The rest of the single features instrumentals of all three tracks.



cocklobin - grisaille (2011, Japan) Rating: 4.5/5
Favorite Tracks: grisaille, rein, fall on one's knees

After going on hiatus, cocklobin returns with grisaille. "grisaille" gives off a grand, exciting intro and emphasizes the bass and guitar ties expertly through the verses. The perfect song to use as a comeback! "rein" speeds things up a little and still shows off the band's great musical abilities. The pace doesn't take away from their original bass driven sound, but shows a new side to it and adds onto the band's appeal. "fall on one's knees" is a little heavier than the other tracks and a bit quicker as well. The bass stands out a lot, but doesn't take away from the emotion being portrayed by the vocals. It's an interesting arrangement between the music and vocals, but it works so well that it's admirable.