Musical Tastes (Part II: Rock)

Sadly, rock is one of those genres that I haven't really explored much of in the Asian music scene. I do have a few bands that I absolutely adore though, so let's work with that first, shall we?

Kagrra: I don't really know where to start. From Isshi's strange lilting vocals to the haunting melodies, Kagrra's body of work is impressive, and contains a surprising amount of variety. Not content to stay with one "sound", their albums contain a myriad of sounds and tempos that can satisfy a wide range of rock enthusiasts. Let's try out "Satsuki."



The Gazette: I love his voice so much. The songs are so catchy, and are a bit... grungier, heavier sounding than Kagrra. Here's "Filth in the Beauty."



the pillows: I'm so pissed I missed catching their New York performance all those years ago. >_< Such happy, peaceful music! "Hybrid Rainbow."



L'Arc~en~Ciel: Saw them in concert at Otakon 2004 and fell in love. Hyde's got such an epic ballad-type voice... although his english accent leaves a lot to be desired. Cracked up so hard at the concert when he tried to ask us if we liked crabs. XD "Kasou."



F.I.R.: Such a pretty vocalist frontwoman. I love her voice so much! Amazing chinese band. "Lydia."



I know I'm forgetting a few groups here... but whatever.

Next come the pretty girls! I promise!

~ Kesshi, FXC

Coffee Stank

// Smelling like coffee and cigarettes, unwinding after a grueling day at the cafe. What I wouldn't give right now for a desk job. And maybe concert tickets to see F.I.R. in concert. 真愛地圖 (Map of True Love) is such a pretty song. Love the whole album... <3 \\

I wonder why people spend so much money on coffee and expresso-related drinks everyday. I can understand needing a pick me up to stay awake for whatever reason, but dropping 4-5 dollars on a drink seems a bit much. I know I shouldn't complain, since their business lets me keep my job, but one has to wonder sometimes about the luxuries people take for granted on the daily.

Rebuild 2.0 is coming out soon! While by no means an Eva fanboy, I did enjoy the series for the most part, and was pleased that the first Rebuild movie worked to iron out a few kinks from the TV show. Shinji just comes off as more relatable in the Rebuild movie, having developed something resembling a spine over the years of media inactivity, while still staying within the role of a depressed 14 year old dealing with abandonment issues. It's nice to be able to revisit the franchise and see visible improvements that add to and compliment the story. I'm glad they didn't decide to go with a total reboot, and instead chose to merely flesh out and better portray what they had.

The new cast member is something I'm a bit wary about, but I'll try and keep an open mind. I know they want to go a different direction with the ending, and I'm not hurting over that. Maybe they needed something more for that ending, and the new pilot (I'm assuming she's a new pilot) might be the key. Reserving judgment and guessing until I see the finished material. The wait, though, it's so painful sometimes! XD

Taking one of those home kits for learning Chinese and Japanese right now. If anything, I should PROBABLY take a Vietnamese language course right now, but whatever, I understand enough and can speak enough to survive. I want something new!

Movie time with the sister and aunt, so I'm going to cut this post short. Perhaps a bit more later folks!

~ Kesshi, FXC