This is an album by the band Hello Sleepwalkers, released on 15, Feb, 2017, titled シンセカイ「Shin Sekai」or, New World in English. While this album may have a shorter play time of 27 minutes due to having only seven songs, compared to Masked Monkey Awakening, the songs within are still worth the purchase. This album still retains their energy, and musical aptitude, while feeling slightly more focused.
     
     The first song, titled 新世界「New World」is the title track and is something that fans come to expect, when it comes to the energy of the performance, and the vocal commitment made by Shuntaro-san. The second track, titled Sleep tight, is a slightly slower song, which really picks up, and works well with the back and forth with the tempo changes throughout. Track three, Rollin' is reminiscent of earlier songs with the guitar work, that is complimented by the bass and drums respectively, the vocals are also done well with the back and forth between Shuntaro-san and Narumi-san which can be seen as a main draw for people to this band. The rest of the album is filled with songs that flow between slower songs of a more subdued tempo and vocalizations and higher energy songs that are expressed well through the vocals of Shuntaro and Narumi, both toghether and separately.

     The Album may be on the shorter side, but the energy, and commitment to entertainment is apparent, and that does a lot to make it worth it. Hopefully, this band is allowed to keep to its sound, and is not forced to change to fit what is "popular". It is that hope, and the potential they have as a band that this album is recommended to those who like higher energy, quicker tempo music. While there is an amount of "same-ness" to the sound from previous albums, there seems to be enough extra here, to hope for more of the same in the future.
~Koyuuki 

     
     This new album, by Indigo La End, was released in July of this year. As someone who recently discovered this band within the last two years, it can be said that this album while the first one actually owned, that it is a good representation of what this band is capable of. The music included here is of a slower, more 'romantically' paced sound, especially compared to the sound of the singer's other band Gesu No Kiwami. Understandably, that is not something that everyone is into, if that is the case for you, than this album is likely not for you, however; if you are open to music of that kind, or it is a genre you are already into, then there is something here to enjoy. The first track, titled 思い切り「Grief」is an indicator of the tempo, and energy of a number of the songs. However, do not allow the title, or tempo of the song discourage you from listening, it is still a song that will catch your ears and run away with you if you allow it to. That is not to say that the energy of the music does not change throughout the tracklist, #7 心根「Kokorone・Heart」and #9 プレイバック「Pureibakku・Playback」are two examples of this ideal. As with the other band Gesu No Kiwami Otome, this one plays with expectations by mixing different sounds and musical genres to create something distinct, though with a bit more restraint and a smaller offering of differing sounds. 

     This is not to say that the lack of variety, comparatively is a bad thing, it is just something that is more easily noticed when compared to earlier albums done by Indigo, or the sheer amount of variety offered by Gesu. If the musical variety is the main draw, this album may not be of interest to you, however, it can be said, even if this is the case, the musical offering in this album is more than worth the price of admission. Without more experience with this band, a true recommendation can not be made to people who have little to know experience with this group at the current cost (approx. $33.00 U.S. on Amazon), and am not currently aware of a way to purchase digitally. If nothing else, check out their Official Youtube channel, to see if you would be willing to buy their music. The three songs listed above 思い切り「Grief」,  心根「Kokorone・Heart」, and プレイバック「Pureibakku・Playback」are different enough from one another to give you am idea of the sound they are going for, and there are a large number of songs on that Youtube channel that will show you more in-depth of who they are.

     Hopefully, if nothing else, this will give you the impetus to try their music yourself, and if not enjoy them specifically, open you to other artists and bands that Japan has to offer. In the end, opening up the world of Japanese music, is a victory that is to be proud of. Also if there are any bands you would like to let people know about, share them in the comments below!

                                  ~Until next time, take care, and be open to new perspectives!   
​　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　じゃまたね！
                                       °˖ ✧◝(○ ヮ ○)◜✧˖ ° こゆうきあいはら °˖ ✧◝(○ ヮ ○)◜✧˖ °         

     Frederic is another band that has an energy and talent, that makes their music all the more enjoyable. The band consists of 3 members, twin brothers Mihara Kenji [vocals & guitar], Mihara Koji [bass & vocals], and Akagashira Ryuji [Guitar], and the music they create has an energy and fun to it that seems lacking lately. The band started in 2009 in Kobe, and signed on to A-Sketch Music Label in 2014. Their first full album フレデリズム [Frederhythm] released on 19 Oct 2016. 

        If you want a good idea of the kind of music they make, then Youtube is your best place to hear some of their characteristic sound. Two songs are highly recommended in order to give you the full scope of what they offer. First, there is オドループ [Oddloop], the high energy, and catchy tempo, along with the video that shows their goofy sensibilities are the whole package of what Frederic is, while still allowing their talents to speak for themselves. The other song that I highly recommend would have to be オンリーワンダー [Only Wonder], again they bring out the high energy with the catch hooks, and the music video that is distinctly "Frederic." If there was any other songs that gives a good idea of the band, and whether it is to your personal tastes would have to be オワラセナイト [Owarase Night], which while a bit more lower on the energy scale compared to the songs previously described, is still a well made song, and the video is worth a watch at least once. The other song that would be recommended for those interested would be リリリピート [Rererepeat], which is somewhat in-between the energy level of Oddloop, and Owarase Night, though the fun they have is as obvious as it is with any of their other songs.

       This band has a lot of talent, and seems to be having more and more fun with it the longer they perform, and it is exciting to see where they will take their music next. Hopefully, if nothing else this has at the very least piqued your interest in this band, and if so, as usual, the pertinent information and links will be at the end, hope you enjoy the Frederic brand of music, and if nothing else, experience something new.

                                            “ヽ(´▽｀)ノ”    こゆうきあいはら　“ヽ(´▽｀)ノ”

Frederic Official Website: frederic-official.com/
​Frederic Official FaceBook: www.facebook.com/frederic.official/
​Frederic Band Twitter: twitter.com/frederitter
​Mihara Kenji Twitter: twitter.com/kenditter
Mihara Koji Twitter: twitter.com/miharakojimeme
Akagashira Ryuji Twitter: twitter.com/REDHEADfrederic

​     This is another album by the band Gesu No Kiwami Otome, titled Daruma Ringo, or Tamaki Apples in English. Released in May of this year, it is another well done album that has a fair share of diverse musical genres included. While 両成敗「Battle Race」, was slightly more fast paced and energetic with its songs comparatively, that is not to say that that this album lacks in the energy department, far from it, lets just say that for the most part Daruma Ringo is slightly more laid back in approach. Though with that said, the first song シアワセ林檎 「Shiawase Apples」, while not quick or loud as some more rock themed songs, it still has a great sound, energy and tempo to it, the song finds itself on repeat more often than not. The second track 影ソング 「Shadow Song」, while slightly slower than Shiawase Apples, and has a more deliberate sound and progression to it is on repeat almost as often . 

     The entire tracklist is something that can be repeated throughout the day, and nothing would be skipped. Personally this album is something special, and if you have heard anything from this band in the past, then this newest addition is well worth the purchase. If you are wary of spending upwards of $30.00 for an import album, it is available digitally on Amazon for under $10.00. If you are new to this band, then what I would recommend checking out their Youtube channel which I will list at the bottom, to see if this music you be interested in. This album once again shows their love for the music they make, and the different genres and sounds that they include all seemingly have a proper place in the tracklist, without making any of the tracks feel out of place or pointless. 

     If nothing else, this band deserves at least a cursory listen to, even if you have little to no knowledge of the language being spoken, music is one of the arts that, as corny as it sounds transcends such boundries. Truly this album is another feather in their cap, and they should all be proud of what they had a hand in creating. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and hope you enjoy this album; also if you have any suggestions please, leave them in the comments below.

                                                   ( •˓◞•̀ )  こゆうきあいはら  ( •˓◞•̀ )

Gesu No Kiwami Otome Official Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UC0pHUMEOtul5NlaT-Rt-34w

     This album, by Gesu No Kiwami Otome, Ryōseibai released in 2016 by Warner Music Japan, is one of the best albums I have listened to this year. The sheer amount of musical variety is really good. Ranging from jazzy, poppy, R&B, and quiet somber music that shows their musical talents and is enjoyable from beginning to end. While the energy of the music changes, there is a nice flow to how the energy progresses on the album that makes sense as you listen to it in order. 
     The entire album, while being enjoyable from beginning to end overall, there are obviously so stand out tracks that end up on repeat for a while when they come up on the track list. ロマンスがありあまる (Romansu ga arimasu) is one of the best songs on the album that is constantly on loop.  両成敗でいいじゃない (Ryōseibai de ii janai) and 私以外私じゃないの (Watashi igai watashi janai no) are two more standout songs in this album, that are great examples of the kind of sound that this band creates, and the energy they exude are infectious. They are also songs that if you have not listened to them before that would give you the greatest idea as to what kind of band that they are. You can easily listen to them on their official youtube channel. 
     The only band that I can personally compare them to would have to be Indigo-La-End, the only reason behind that is that the lead singer for both bands is the same, and even with that being the case, they are distinct enough that there is not a lot of overlap with their sound. If you are looking for a new Japanese band to listen to then give the Gesu no kiwami otome album Ryōseibai a shot.

     ~こゆうきあいはら

   
​      This album, New Beginnings, released in 2015, is in my opinion really well done. Once again, I am not a musical theory genius, or an aficionado when it comes to the intricacies that are entailed in such details. However, as a fan of the band it is something that I find thoroughly entertaining, and sounds to me, distinctly of the band. On the side of entertainment, it is a well made album, each track is lyrically and musically distinct from eachother. The first song, Thrill is my favorite song on the album, with its baseline, and guitar work, giving the level of energy I enjoy in this type of music. The vocals are also well done in this track, and find that the range of the vocalist, Saiki, is impressive as ever.
     The songs Real Existence, Price Of Pride, Arcadia Girl, and Don't Let Me Down, are to me, the real meat of the album, and also shows their musical range, and skill, While, Freezer, Don't Apply The Break, Beauty And The Beast, and Shake That, are not my favorites, I still find them enjoyable to listen to all the way through. Even with that being the case, musically I personally find each song amazing in its own way, and an integral part of the album. Simply put, I find that there is no song that I feel the need to skip over when it is its turn, though I may decide to put certain songs on repeat more than others. If you enjoy Japanese metal girl-bands with a high energy, skill, and breadth of lyrical expression, then I suggest giving Band-Maid, and more specifically New Beginnings a fair shake. If you have any suggestions of similar bands, or any other Japanese bands or artists, please, share them in the comments below.

　                                  ʿʿ˅⁽ˆ⁰ˆ˺ ⁾˺    こゆうきあいはら　ʿʿ˅⁽ˆ⁰ˆ˺ ⁾˺

     Today is Valentine's day around the world, and while the western world shares a majority of similarities with how it is celebrated, Japan is slightly different in execution. While the holiday shares the same date, and theme of expression of love, the way that is done, and who does that expression is distinctly Japanese in essence. Rather than the use of expensive gifts, or other such gifts usually given (though those gifts can be used) chocolate is mainly the gift of choice. In Japan, Valentine's day is a traditionally for females to express their love, since historically, Japanese women had a harder time expressing their love for the man in their life (obviously is not the case for every female today) However, if you are in Japan, and receive a gift of chocolate, be aware, that it might not be a confession of love. 
     There are two different types of chocolate that a man can receive, that of honmei-choko (true love chocolate) and giri-choko (obligation chocolate) Honmei-choko is self explanatory, it is what one receives when she wishes to express her love to you in a courting manner, or are already in a relationship. Giri-choko is what one gives to males in the workplace, (bosses, co-workers) male friends, or those she knows she has no romantic attachment to. Do not feel as though this is an insult, or something they do without consideration, Giri is an interesting concept that is a distinctly Japanese concept. Obligation in Japanese terms is something that is important to the culture as a whole, it has permeated various aspects of their culture, historical, and popular. With that said, just because that there is no romantic feelings with giri-choko doesn't mean that the obligation inherent to the giving of the chocolate doesn't mean that they do not have any feelings of friendship they may have towards you. Japanese culture is heavily based upon context so as long as you remain cognizant of those facts, and the person who is giving you the giri-choko hurt feelings should be at a minimum wherever possible.  There is another holiday that is in a month that I will talk about when it comes, White Day on March 14th. Until then, take care!

　　　　　　　　　　　( ´•౪•`)　こゆうきあいはら　( ´•౪•`)