Promo: San E

|Official Site|


Please welcome San E to the JYP Nation! I had a hard time looking up some background information on him, but what I found was pretty interesting. Before sealing the deal with JYP, San E was an underground artist and had a particular way he worked with production and such. When he announced he was joining the major idol label, he assured his fans that he would not stray from this style of production. JYPE allowed him to have a little freewill and the finished product became his debut mini-album, Everybody Ready?. He speaks truth about the industry in his debut music video, "Tasty San", and mocks his label mates Wonder Girls and 2PM (and even a little at JYP).

I didn't realize that I had heard his voice on an Outsider track, but he picked the right label to join. He's energetic, entertaining, and stands out from current talent in his genre. He contributes both skill and humor with the right amount of cuteness to keep fans wanting more. Upon seeing his latest music video for "Tasty San", I was ready to see what the future held for this talented rapper. He is versatile with his style and a song by the name of "Love Sick" proves it. I can't wait until his next release!

Reader's Question: What do you think the future of j-indies will be in 2011?

If it hasn't been said already, I'm addicted to young visual kei bands. I always feel like I have to prove to the world that there are good indies bands out there and hopefully Muddy Cult can be a great place to promote them in their growth.

Now 2010 has been a harsh time for some of my favorite j-indies bands with the dreaded "D" word: disbandment. A few examples are nil delete heads, VALLUNA, SKULL, kalvary, Dio - distraught overlord, and [_vani;lla]. They were all great and had major potential! But their lives were short lived. Sadly, bands with repetitive melodies, mediocre vocal talent, but great visual appeal live on and keep sprouting up like weeds in the beautiful visual kei garden. These weeds will continue to suffocate good talent and distract fans with their "flowery" appearance. I'm sure this cycle will continue, but contrast is good. You can't love everything or else the genre will be boring!

With the end of great indies bands, new promising ones are born and prepare themselves to debut in the coming year. First example are the former members of Dio -distraught overlord. VII-Sense is fronted by a well known face in the vk scene, Shaura (a.k.a Juka) and has been producing more and more amazing music with each release. Mikaru already has a stunning, deep voice that is very memorable with Dio fans, so digras has major potential with him as vocalist and would be even more amazing if Denka backs him up on drums once more. Lastly, Ivy has teamed up with ex-Lolita23q's vocalist Sou in Remming which shall be an interesting combination.

Then there has been name and label changes. SINCREA disbanded and have formed FEST VAINQUEUR which should be just as good if not better. As.milk has been doing well as L~Lotus~ and Like Absolute Myself (now known as lam.) are on the same boat. ROACH cannot do wrong as they have always been true to themselves. Lastly, there have been member changes that will possibly benefit the band's growth like Sizna joining Moran. They're already great friends and have a somewhat similar style about them. The same goes for Soshi, ex-vocalist of Watashime Slug, joining oshare kei band Lolita23q.

I predict that j-indies bands will be getting a gradual makeover for the better to balance out the tragedies of 2010. There's so much great talent waiting to burst in 2011 and I'm excited to be immersed in it all over again! Now as a genre as a whole, I have different thoughts on that.

Feel free to ask me question any time by sending them to zetsu_nightmare2.0.9[at]hotmail[dot]com and titling it "Cult Question(s)"!

Updates via YouTube

Rant: Is there really controversy with GP Basic?

I was recently suggested to listen to the young girl kpop group GP Basic on last.fm and I ended up liking their catchy tunes from their first single, GAME. I decided to check out their physical skills in their music video for "GAME" and compared the comments from last.fm and YouTube users. They both share a similar complaint which is the age of these girls.

Some say that age shouldn't matter, they have talent. They also agree that kpop idols G-Dragon and Tae yang of Big Bang and Minzy of 2NE1 had to train at a young age to get where they're at, so it's the same idea with them. Others believe they're too young to jump into this intense industry and need to tone down some of their dance moves.



So, what does Miko think? Personally, I've been desensitized by the American music industry and Hollywood with people overworking children to become popular. The biggest set of evidence is the late King of Pop Michael Jackson when he and his family were involved in the Jackson 5. America also puts too much emphasise on sexuality as well in young teen pop idols like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Jessica Simpson. Then there is the next big offender in this subject: Japan. They also overwork and oversexualize young female pop groups, usually with photobooks and calendars. They kinda treat them more like products than people like Morning Musume, AKB48, and BeForU. Sometimes America does this as well, so maybe GP Basic hasn't fallen that severely. I'm hoping they're not being overworked and used because they're only 12-15 years old. I do agree that they should keep things age appropriate for them and that the industry shouldn't rush them to appear older. We already have that problem in the U.S. and I'd rather not let that problem spread. They have potential, I think they're cute, and I want them to survive just the way they are without maturing too quickly lyrically and visually.

Review: The Warrior's Way

Starring: Dong-gun Jang, Kate Bosworth, & Geoffrey Rush
Directed by: Sngmoo Lee
Language: English
Rating: R
Running Time: 100 minutes

Last week, I saw The Warrior's Way with my mom and we both had no idea who was starring in it beforehand. My mom was even more oblivious to the storyline, so I shortly explained that it had about the same premise as Ninja Assassin...which is close to true.

Yang (played by Dong-gun Jang) is one of the greatest swordsmen in his country and he always wanted to become the strongest swordsman when he was younger. He soon claims this title by killing the last warrior of his enemy clan, but there is one clans member still alive...a baby girl. He prepares himself for the execution of the child, but decides to take her into his care. Unfortunately, this decision comes with serious consequences...his own clan is out to kill him for his treason. So, Yang takes the baby with him to a semi-abandon western town that was occupied by a once great circus in search of an old friend that lives that. Once he arrives he learns that his friend has passed away and takes on his laundry business with the help of a mediocre knife thrower Lynne (played by Kate Bosworth). Later, he learns that this town has an enemy of its own and his clan is waiting to hear the cry of his sword to find him.

My first thought when this movie ended was that the movie was visually stunning. They executed their effects and cinematography very well and I was in awe, even if they overused the slow-motion effect a little too much. Sure, it was violent, the plot line was similar to Ninja Assassin, and the conclusion was a bit predictable, but it was still very enjoyable for both of us. The character relationships and backgrounds could've been developed a little better, but it was different from Ninja Assassin as well as the action sequences. I wish Dong-gun Jang had more lines, but it kinda fits with his character in some ways. I like his Korean accent. In short, I enjoyed this movie very much and it's worth seeing if you enjoy movies like Ninja Assassin or anything with epic sword fights.

Rating: 3.5/5

Quick Music Review

nil delete heads - InvisiblΣ (2010, Japan) Rating: 3/5
Favorite Tracks: Z & the ultimate

It all started with a calm, beautiful melody by the name of "dorothy", then it all erupted into "S.I.G" with loud music and aggressive vocals. The intense momentum continued to a song, that ended up leaving an imprint in my head, "Z". It had the right balance that was loud, but smooth at the same time. Insanity soon came out in the middle of this fabulous mini when I reached "coup d'etat". From there, it continued to get better and better with more intensity and even some surprising acoustic work. It's a shame that the band is disbanding when they're improving so much with their music.



AYABIE - Virgin Snow Color -2nd season- (2010, Japan) Rating: 2.5/5
Favorite Tracks: ZENAKU NO HIGAN, temptation, SHINKIROU, & TSUMETAI TE

Now for the album Ayabie fans have been anticipating and/or dreading. The "Virgin Snow Color -2nd season-" was beautiful, but I was still nervous to hear Yumehito's vocals. I wasn't extremely impressed with the first couple tracks. The balance between vocals and music was off. Either the vocals were too loud or too muffled. Going through the album felt a bit awkward. I like Yumehito and all, but his voice doesn't stand out that much compared to other bands (and Aoi). The music is enjoyable, which I'm not surprised about. It's the same mixture of computer sound bits and their upbeat rock sound they left Ayabie with. Most of the upbeat songs were simply okay to me. "PARADE" was probably the best one out of all of them. Yumehito's vocals didn't seem too out of place, the music was nice and consistent, and it kept my attention. They probably should've moved the track further up on the list. The ballads were a bit bland either due to the so-so vocals or the unbalanced sound levels, although "TSUMETAI TE" redeemed the ballad portion of this album [and earned a heart on my last.fm ^^;]. Overall, I'm not extremely impressed nor overly disappointed. The album is alright and I'm still a bit unsure if it's just me being a tad bit bias of old Ayabie with Aoi's vocals or it really is reality that the band is just alright. I look forward to what they have to bring next time, I know that for sure.



Merry - Yakou (2010, Japan) Rating: 4/5
Favorite Tracks: Yakou & Lost Generation -replay-

For me, Merry has been on a roll with their music. They have been consistent with keeping their unique jazz-rock fusion style and not making it stale. "Yakou" shows off that style very well, displaying Gara's unique vocals and a couple pace changes in their music, but still holding your hand throughout this beautiful ride of their music. The band went backwards a little and revamped "Lost Generation" for the single. I think it was just as good, if not better, than the original. The single ends with a pretty and great remix of the title track.



T-ara - Temptastic (2010, South Korea) Rating: 3.5/5
Favorite Tracks: YaYaYa & What's wrong

Another fun and wonderfully comprised mini by the lovely ladies of T-ara (and a new member). "YaYaYa" is another upbeat, fun, and nonsensical song like "Bo Peep Bo Peep", but there is a point to it of course, especially when you see the video to it. If you listen to it enough, it'll get stuck in your head. "What's wrong" is almost as catchy as the first track, but in a totally different and somewhat unknown way. "Ma Boo" is a bit more downtempo and shows off the girls' vocal abilities. The final two tracks, "I don't know" and "Nevermind", are opposite from their upbeat companions and are more slow tempo to balance out the energy and mood. They're both alright tracks, but I'm not much of a ballad-y person most of the time.

Promo: Aldious

[from left to right] Yoshi (guitar), Sawa (bass), Rami (vocal), Toki (guitar), & Aruto (drums)
|Official Site||Official MySpace|

It seems like female metal musicians are few to none. Women of Show-Ya and Mari Hamada are pioneers for the movement in Japan that girl power is existent in the genre of Japanese metal. Of course, that was back in the days when X Japan, Loudness, and Seikima-II reigned supreme with loud guitars, whaling vocals, flashy costumes, and big hair. Now in this current time, women are still struggling to make a name for themselves in the world of jrock. It's great to witness a refreshing feminine metal band take on the scene.

It all started in 2008 when Rami and Yoshi came together to start up a band. They picked up Sawa and Toki along the way and started off as a four piece band, releasing their first EP, Dear Slave. In the beginning of 2010, Aruto completed the group, joined Bright Star Records, and released their debut single, Defended Desire, in July. They soon came out with their first full-length album, Deep Exceed, last month and fans are loving it!

Unlike exist†trace that have a tough exterior to their appearance, Aldious keeps a glamorous and elegant look about themselves letting their music do the talking for their toughness. Aldious's wave of talent is slowly catching onto overseas fans as a petition was recently made for them to be on the musical guests for Dallas's A-Kon 22 (specifically opening for Galneryus). I must admit I'm quite picky about the metal genre in general, but Aldious has gotten my vote and I hope that they're able to grow more with their music and fanbase.

Quick Music Review

-OZ- - Rouge (2010, Japan) | Rating: 4/5
Favorite Tracks: Rotate, LEAD, flood bead, PLANT

-OZ- has been a fairly consistent band with their visuals and music, so I knew what to expect from their latest album...at least I believed I did. "Birthday" and "Rotate" set a totally new level to the band's sound compared to Versus, in my opinion. They still had the basic elements that made me follow them, but their growth as musicians shone throughout every track without straying too far. If you haven't picked up Versus, then Rouge is a must have to your collection!



exist†trace - TWIN GATE (2010, Japan) | Rating: 3/5
Favorite Tracks: DECIDE, RESONANCE, VANGUARD, Maid of Orleans

The girls have been busy experimenting with their sound and their latest album is proof they've been testing the waters. Their single releases "VANGUARD" and "RESONANCE" were already amazing to me. Jyou's smooth and aggressive vocals flow beautifully with the intense sound and even some of the ballads were pretty decent. Not all the songs clung to me as easily as the two previously mentioned songs, but it was alright overall. I'm hoping their next big release will blow me away like before.



Sadie - 棘-toge- (2010, Japan) | Rating: 3.5/5
Favorite Tracks: GREEDY EMOTION

I believe this single marked the band entering anime territory and I really don't mind that. Lately, Sadie's releases have been okay, but this has raised the bar back up a little. "棘-toge-" took me a little time to get the feel of it, but "GREEDY EMOTION" is what sold me. It had Sadie's signature style and a little extra power. I'm hoping the band will keep the momentum going whether it's heavy or mellow. Just keep it up!



MAA - Ghost Enemy (2010, Japan) | Rating: 3/5
Favorite Tracks: Ghost Enemy

Former vocalist of Marbell has decided to go solo and share here beautiful vocals with the world a little more. Upon hearing and seeing the title track, I had mix feelings. Her visual style were remnants of early Lady Gaga and the sound was similar to ICONIQ's. Then I moved onto the next track and heard that special quality that MAA has to her voice and style. I anticipate her fist mini-album this month to see what direction she's going.

Updates!!

Good evening, fellow Cult followers!

A few little changes to the blog. First, there's a new poll on the right hand side of your screen, so votes are greatly appreciated. Next, a couple new Cult Links have been added: Linzer Dinzer and jrock vagabond. So, check out those sites and support them, because they are awesome and the people who run them are even more awesome!! Lastly, this place will be spammed with the updates and I must warn you that some of them are old music review drafts I've neglected to finish. Hopefully, there will be about 3-4 days apart from each, so check them out, leave comments, and tell your friends, family, and co-workers about them and the cult.

This has been your cult leader, Miko, signing off!!


made by fayelafee@lj

Poll: Who Has the Bigger Ego?

Yoshiki and Kisaki are known for having the one of the biggest egos in the jrock industry. So, I decided to let you, my precious cult followers, choose who had the bigger ego. It was a close race and the results were neck and neck.



Looks like the followers have spoken: X Japan's own leader/workaholic/Cinderella Yoshiki! *claps* Congratulations, Yoshiki! You have the biggest ego in Japan. Now...do you think that ego can contend with Kanye West's. haha