Unboxing: Rarezhut Haul

Vidoll's Dissolve

I know, I know...old news is old, but I think I'm ready to voice my opinion on one of the saddest recent disbandments: Vidoll.

When I discussed Ayabie's disbandment I mentioned how I loved Vidoll for the same amount of time. They were the core for my love of j-indies bands. Sure, I wasn't a fan in the beginning with Ayano, but I came in when Hide and Yukine were around. I was drawn in by Jui's strong and broad vocal range and Rame's emphasized bass in "Remind Story" and "[F]stein to [M]". Unfortunately, I had to deal with their dual guitarists leaving, but Shun and Giru have picked up the pieces with ease and later they progressed to a major label together.

I did miss their old bass driven sound, but I accepted and enjoyed a good number of their experimentations and growth. They appeared to still uphold a strong chemistry among each other on and off stage, so it was heartbreaking to hear that Jui was having trouble with his voice like many other vocalists last year. So, the band went on hiatus so Jui could recover from surgery and whatnot. The premature announcement of disbandment shocked the fandom.

According to Rame's optimistic blog entry on the matter, he mentioned how unhappy he was with the company's public announcement on their official site, especially since they were still deciding what to do. Tero revealed that he had contemplated leaving as he lost passion for drumming in Vidoll. It felt more like work and not fun. Jui's post kinda went around the subject of disbandment and focused more on his upcoming solo work where the label named him the next Gackt. Unfortunately, this news upset a number of fans further as many mentioned he would be taking a break for his voice until April, I believe. Some felt betrayed by Jui and laughed at the thoughts of him becoming another Gackt.

As much anger and sadness that has come from this news, it does appear that Jui is genuinely sad about the disbandment and is determined to put his all into their final live and his solo endeavors. Rame also kept spirits up by saying that one day they will reunite and has kept himself busy by reconnecting with former bandmates Hide and Yukine in session bands. He also supports Jui's solo career. Giru's post on the situation was a bit bland and felt forced, in my opinion. Shun also had an optimistic take, mentioned he was busying himself with his restaurant and session bands, and promised to give his all in Vidoll's final days. Although Tero expressed his disconnect with Vidoll's music, he openly stated that he still wants to continue his musical journey and it looks like he will with former 12012 guitarist Yuusuke.

Jui's solo debut PV, "Saidai Kouyaku Ai", was posted some time ago and had given mixed feelings for fans. I thought it was weak and it sounded like a new Vidoll ballad with less umph! I'm still optimistic that things will be good for all of them. I wish them luck on their overseas live in Taiwan and their final live together in Japan. Vidoll will live forever and I will be cheering them all on with whatever they decide to do with themselves, together or apart.

Quick Music Review

Vidoll - Monad (2010, Japan) | Rating: 4.5/5
Favorite Tracks: IKAROS, Darwinism, Hot cage mix

Just a little background info on myself: Vidoll was one of the first jrock indies bands I really got into. I immediately fell in love with Jui's outstanding vocal range and Rame's powerful basslines throughout a majority of their songs. I have watched them grow and transition with their new guitarists Shun and Giru as well as move onto a major label. Being a strong supporter, their music began to lose that "in your face" bass sound to something a little more mainstream, but still Vidoll-esque. Some their latest songs were just okay and the Bastard and Esoteric Romance albums, in my opinion, were disappointing.
Like the GazettE, I was a little nervous about the new album, yet excited since I enjoyed "Eve" & "Focus" singles. First listen through of Monad, I was inwardly smiling. It felt like Vidoll was making a comeback. The further I got into the album, the more hope grew in my mind that the band's talent wasn't fading away. Monad has made my wishlist! There are some really good songs on it and I'll continue to look forward to more Vidoll music in the future as I usually do.



Ayabie - Irodori (2010, Japan) | Rating: 3.5/5
Favorite Tracks: GAME, action (Irodoi ver.), Kanaria (Irodori ver.)

Like Vidoll, Ayabie was another indies band I fell for in the beginning of me joining the jrock fandom. They had crazy, cute energy and a strong statement through their music. As time passed, their leader Ryouhei departed and the band signed to a major label. Their image became a little more tamed and their sound was more balanced and softer than usual.
In my opinion, a lot of their title tracks on their singles weren't that great. I was a little hesitant to listen to their first major album. They still had that soft quality to them, but there were a couple tracks I was surprised with. They were very upbeat and fun and had a few elements from the old Ayabie. Overall, the album is worth checking out and giving it a couple listens. I'm still a little iffy about Ayabie's future sound, but I trust that they'll always stay true to themselves and keep that personal bond between each other.



The Underneath - us. (2009, Japan) | Rating: 5/5
Favorite Tracks: Rain, Chou no koe -The scream of the butterfly, Dolls

If I had to describe this album in one word, it would be "epic"! I have enjoyed this band in their beginnings and was pleased with their transition as the Underneath in their first album, Moon Flower. I believe us. totally blew the first album completely out the water. I couldn't just listen to it once, I had to majorly repeat every track because I felt so speechless. This further persuaded me to quickly add to my wishlist. Unfortunately, while listening to this album as time continues moving forward, I will continually ask myself why this band is leaving us after a hit like that. This album has left a strong good impression on the jrock fandom and now it'll be followed by a farewell single, before the Underneath disbands.



quaff - SHAKE YOUR BOOTY! (2009, Japan) | Rating: 3.5/5
Favorite Tracks: Destiny-00, more than blue, サイハラの都

Giving the band a second chance, I listened to their newest album and found it thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining. They keep the elements of traditional Japanese music and rock and fused them together with a slightly comical tone of vocals and rapping. Really listening to "SUPPONPON" reminded me of Sendai Kamotsu's fun, playful melodies. Like the red jumpsuit wearing band, they do have serious musical sounding songs to balance the album out. They show that they have great potential and would probably give a great