華麗なる追憶劇 ~Encore une fois~ Moi Dix Mois ZIZ Umeda Bangboo

 I totally f-up the lottery for this Moi Dix Mois tour. I thought I had entered the lottery for tickets for Fukuoka and Osaka and then I didn't ??(still don´t know what I did). Fortunately I managed to get tickets for the Osaka regular sale, I don't think I really reflected on that this might be a bit of a Malice Mizer reunion thing so when I saw that I had a B ticket number 33 I didn't think it was that bad (how wrong I was, the A tickets went up to 250 something).

Again I ended up behind a rock, this time it kind of pissed me off because the staff kept yelling for everyone to move forward, it was packed, I ended up next to the toilet... people kept squeezing by and the guy in front of me had quite some space in front of him but he refused to move so I kind of got shoved into his back every time someone went to the toilet and I could feel the breath of the person behind me on my neck XD it was HOT as well so not very nice, I honestly felt so grossed out and tired (I came straight from work) between the ZIZ and Moi Dix Mois sessions I just felt like "get this over with!" for context, there was a 30 minute break with TONS of people going to the toilet and I just kept getting pushed around.

ZIZ opened the night, I haven't seen them in over 1 year! So I was hyped but unfortunately I thought the setlist was kind of lukewarm, didn't get to hear any of my favorite songs. During one of the talks Közi mentioned how they had brought some merch so he encourage people to buy something and he pointed out that most people probably came for Moi Dix Mois. This makes me so sad, I think when they do these coupling gigs they sell out because people want to see Malice Mizer, even if it's only 2 members they were the main songwriters and IMO the spine of the band and so many people seem to think Malice Mizer=Mana and that makes me sad for Közi. When he talked about the merch he said something like many might not be familiar with us (ZIZ) and one girl shouted "I KNOW (you)!" and he said jokingly that then the merch was for her XD Közi also talked about that Mana suggested they do this event in Osaka this year (the previous one was in 2024 in Tokyo with Schwarz Stein) and here I've seen people say when Közi did Mana's voice he imitated a death voice and I'm going to be honest, I thought he sounded like he imitated an old man's voice XD 

The awful 30 minute wait was worth it when the curtain was pulled to reveal the Moi Dix Mois members all wearing masks to the tones of Uruwashiki Kamen no shoutaijou and all my frustrations was blown away. During the song Mana kept throwing out glitter from cups and also plastic flowers. For the next song Mana had one of those whip things he has in Illuminati so even though I heard it was Neo Pessimist coming on my Malice Mizer fan heart went "Illuminati?" XD

During Immortal Madness Seth wanted us to call the regular Dix Love and then also Mana sama Közi meccha Suki. Again in the back it was pretty silent, I really hate being in the back at Moi Dix Mois concerts... Seth talked about how it's nice to get together like this from time to time, how maybe people who are Malice Mizer fans also get to see what kind of music Mana does now and also to see "the red and blue guy together". Then Közi joined them on stage, wearing a red blazer and his ruffles from the last big Malice Mizer reunion in 2018, and they played Tsuioku no Kakera! It's one of my favorite Malice Mizer songs and Seth's voice was really good for the song. I might be mistaken but came across some tweets being angry because they said people were mean to Seth about singing Malice Mizer songs...I didn't see that, what I did see was Seth tweeting something like sorry for singing the songs (my impression was it was just a very humble Japanese thing where he apologized for taking the part of the singer in this legendary band but not seriously apologizing) and then he tweeted again saying he apologized for the misunderstanding that it was mainly people from overseas. Not sure if this was what people were talking about but in general it's best not to over engage in tweets with bands if you're not fluent in Japanese and there might be misunderstandings due to cultural or language differences (I still don't  engage in tweets or posts in general if I feel unsure of the tone or the language and I've been following my favorites for 20 years and know some Japanese.)

For the last song they did N.P.S.N.G.S and like magic everyone squeezed to the stage and I actually got as close as maybe 2 meters from the stage! which means it was plenty of space to begin with... Not saying everyone should've stood squeezed for 2 hours but I think everyone probably could've taken 1 step forward to make it a bit more comfortable for us in the back. The ZIZ members came back on stage, Chargeee started playing with Seth's hair and also stood with Mana for a while. Everyone left except for Mana and Közi, Mana had some paper and a marker in which he wrote let's do it again and Au Revoir and then Au Revoir started playing and they left stage. Fans kept singing along as the curtain was closed and the venue was lit up again. I felt a bit drunk from the experience, or my gin and tonic but was sobering up as I walked to the station. 

MAYOHK Showcase #4

My second MAYOHK live. A unit with Közi and Hora really is a dream come true. They are my favorite artists and kind of made to collaborate in my opinion xD since their album release I’ve been very eager to see them live again. I was running late today, all the way from Osaka. I got stuck in traffic and ended up on the 13:00 train. Then in Tokyo i took the wrong train to my hotel making me even later but i managed to come right when they were about to call my number! There were no new merch however there was a new song! (Or 2 I wasn’t aware of but I think they only said one new). According to the set list ウドゥラドゥウポォフト was their new song, Hora did death vocals , I really liked it. A song called MODO was also new to me. It sounded a bit more synth, a bit Depeche Mode feel to it. Really like it too so I hope they'll release them. Hopefully they’ll release them soon, I want to hear them again. Hora had shared on Twitter the day before that one of his teeth was cracked and that it hurt. The minute he stepped on stage tonight you could tell he was really swollen. He had done his black make up a bit higher on his right side, probably to cover the swelling a bit. Közi joked about Hora complaining about the pain before the gig and that he was popping pills (he said he was like a junky xD). He seemed to be in a lot of pain and he mentioned Közi’s accident earlier this year and Közi revealed he still feels something (違和感) in his elbow. 

As Közi unfortunately said by the end that they don’t have any one-man gigs planned for the moment and that they probably will perform at different events instead. 

Hora and Közi is a really good combo, not just musically but I think they complement each other so well on stage. Közi is so playful and I think he can bring out the best in most people (he really is one of those artists I think are hilarious to be around). 

Also I finally realized which Hora song セフィボン is! I’ve been scratching my head since I heard it and it’s Spine from Icebound!

I usually don’t like when Schwarz Stein takes Hora’s solo songs and just adds lyrics, mostly because I think it undermines Hora’s solo, like it’s just an empty library and I see his work as HIS. However, I have to give it to Közi I guess because I think they’ve really rearranged the Hora songs they’ve used well. Both セフィボン and Planeta are favorites of mine. 

For the encore they played Sexy music again xD seems to be a fanfavorite (it’s catchy but not in my top 5).

I’ll see them again tomorrow in Osaka but after that i don’t know when the next time will be so I’m a bit sad. 

After the live a friend took me to Seth's bar/cafe. 

Mayohk Showcase#1

I think a lot of people are curious about this project. As a Hora and Közi fan this was such good news when they announced it! I went to the venue very excited about what they would end up playing and if there would be any cd for sale. 

Unfortunately no cd but Közi hinted that it will be coming in the future. 

It was my first time at this venue, it was really nice and they had s good selection of drinks. The drink ticket was a bit expensive though, 700yen…

Hora stood on the right side of the stage like always. He came in first to the intro song and Közi came after. They had a projector showing the logo and their names as they entered the stage. Their suits were really cool too, I noticed some of the paint glowed in the dark! The first songs were originals and then all of a sudden Synthetic Anthem starts playing! As soon as I heard it my arms flew up xD It was awesome to finally hear Hora songs played at a live house!!! They had added lyrics to it though so Közi sang over it.

In the middle Hora had his own time where he just played music by and Közi wasn’t even on stage. It really was a dream come true. I’ve told him before that I’d love to see a Hora solo live, and he smiled a lot so maybe this showed him that there are many of us who’d love to hear his solo songs live. 

The whole live was about 90 minutes, it felt really short, after they left stage we kept calling for them to come back. The light were turned on but no one left, then finally the staff announced that it was the end. 

Overall, the new songs sounded like Hora's lighter songs, the ones that are more pop (like Anima) but there were some heavier songs too. In the middle, efter Közi's break, when he came back they did a kind of instrumental guitar-noise piece but most songs were pretty danceable. Hora both did death vocals and sang though! This is a first time, on his solo he's always used a filter over his voice so it was nice to hear what he actually sounds like. I was impressed! He should definetely sing more. I've always felt the closest we've got to him singing is Ignition, in the verses you can somewhat hear what he sounds like. However in general Közi is the vocalist and Hora is more of a support vocalist.

I’m really sad I can’t go to their next gig, hopefully they’ll come to Osaka or have the live after on a Sunday.

For the merch, this time I actually didn’t get the t-shirt but I got 3 acrylic stands and stickers. i managed to get all the ones I wanted (I traded a double Közi for a Hora with my friend and a sticker as well <3)

Now I’m really sad about having to go back to Osaka. I haven’t left Tokyo yet and I already miss it. Until next time. 

EDIT

Közi updated his Twitter saying the day before the gig, during rehearsals, he had fallen off stage and hurt his arm. Thinking it was probably ok he just took some painkillers but the day after the gig went to the doctor and it was confirmed he had broken his elbow/arm! I didn't notice anything weird during the performance, either he took some pretty strong painkillers or he's super strong to pain. 

Malice Mizer ESP Exhibition

I first began listening to Malice Mizer in high school. I remember they usually came up on lastfm as a similar band to Velvet Eden and I really loved the picture from Gardenia so I decided to check them up. I really disliked Gardenia eventhough they were one of the coolest bands I had ever seen (still don't like Gardenia, so boring). A couple of months later I decided to try them out again and ended up on the PV for Le Ciel and from that moment on I've loved Malice Mizer (10 year anniversary for us this year). 

Out of my top 3 favorite bands I've been able to see 2 (sort of), Malice Mizer was the only one missing. I tried to make things work so that I could go but since I was going to Japan as a student I could not go too early and unfortunately I could not attend the concert, so I had to settle with just going to the exhibition held at ESP museum in Shibuya.

Eventhough I have been to Tokyo many times and stayed for longer periods as well, I still get excited when I get to see my favorite bands. Seeing Malice Mizer shown like this felt so special, Malice Mizer has sort of been something just displayed on my tv or computer, almost as if they don't really exist. By the entrance was a poster signed by various members and a picture of Mana and Kozi from Moi Dix Mois and ZIZ (which I found a bit weird but whatever).

On a tv they played the first live DVD with Gackt as vocalist (unfortunately they did not include the N.P.S.N.G.S), and on the walls hang posters from the first era with Tetsu to the very last with Klaha.

Other than posters were also nostalgic items such as the doll Kozi had on his back during Brise at the Merveilles concert, Mana's teddy backpack and the Merveilles book.

Of course the new costumes were also on display! My pictures are rather poor though and doesn't make them justice considering the amount of details. Közi's especially incorporated much of his previous costumes doll like appearance. The chest part had a ruffle like his Gardenia outfit, and the left leg of the pants had a check pattern.

 Kami's drumset as well as other items, such as a bag he had drawn on was up for display. By the cashier was Kami's hat and gloves from Gekka no Yasoukyoku on display with the two dolls from the PV.

I really liked that they had so many random objects (even the whips Mana and Kozi used), and of course their instruments. They also had a guestbook in which you could write something in (I assume the band will receive it later?), and I saw some fans who spent a lot of time writing their messages. I went back the following day just because I wanted to spend some more time in Malice Mizer heaven, hoho, and noticed they had then changed to the last live DVD. I didn't stay for all of it, but a long while, and picked up both of Közi's and one of Mana's guitar picks! ESP also sold a keychain so you could put the pick in there, I decided not to get that because I sort of want to try and make one of Közi's picks into an earring (let's see how that goes :P).

Seeing the exhibition was awesome, but it also made me so sad I could not make it to the actual concerts. Might not happen but I can't help but to hope they'll make a new one in a couple of years. The last couple of years I haven't really listened to Malice Mizer as much as I used to, but this exhibition really made me remember why I fell so hard in love with this awesome and so unique visual kei band.

Dalle TOKYO DEATH DISCO #8

On the 7th of May Dalle held a twoman live at Shibuya Vuenos with the band vez. It seems like the coupling band don't really have that much incommon with Dalle, this was like a "normal" rockband, but they had quite the crowd.
Just like before the previous twoman, Atsushi was DJ:ing prior to the gig, playing some of the songs we got to hear earlier. I kind of like it, and I think he has a very interesting taste in music!
The floor on Vuenos is kind of small, so when it's packed, it's packed. I was standing close to the toilet this time, right behind Atsushi's table.
I didn't really enjoy the first band, so I acctually sat down studying on the floor, hehe. When it was finally time for Dalle I tried my best to get as close to the stage as possible infront of Közi, but as I've previously said, Közi's fans are brutal... I ended up closer than last time so I was pleased. While waiting for the gig to start, some guys passed me by to go the mens toilet, I turned around and notice one of them was Ryux from Moi Dix Mois! He seems to be good buddies with Közi.

The gig started and this time I was surprised to see how little make up Ryo was wearing! He's one of those people who I think looks kind of western when wearing make up, so it was nice seeing more of his Japanese features. Since it was such a long time ago, I can't really remember what Közi was wearing, but I have a feeling he had about the same clothes as he did at the previous live, and his hairstyle and make up was the same.
They usually play the same set list, but the last time I realised they played songs which aren't theirs, so I was eager to find out which songs it was, and to my surprise one of those was Crystal Castles Not in Love. I never was a fan of the original song but Dalle's version was awesome! I which they'd release that somehow.

At these twoman they never play an encore unfortunately. Before leaving stage Közi throw out picks, one ended up behind Atsushi's DJ table and I have to admit I first thought of heading there, but then it felt weird going behind that... I bet some other fan rushed there though, there's no rules in fandom it seems.

As always the live was really good, ICU is probably my favorite song with Dalle and it's amazing live! If you like Közi, or just wants to experience something new while in Tokyo, I highly recomend you to check them out!

Keep track of their schedule from their webpage: http://dalle.tokyo/index.html

ZIZ Salon De'tester

This is so bad, I'm so behind I'm writing a report of a gig which took place 2 months ago! Very sorry about that but I've been busy.

This was my first time attending a ZIZ oneman, and the first time I saw them live this time around in Tokyo! This live was a bit special since it was their 5th anniversary! And they also released a new mini album; Detsuromotsuro No. 5.

The gig took place at Zirco Tokyo, in Shinjuku, a kind of hidden club. It's on the basement floor of a building with sportsbars etc. My ticket number wasn't the best, so when I got into the club I just wanted to get a good spot on the floor. So unfortunately I missed my chance of getting one of their new t-shirts since they were sold out after the gig. ZIZ seems to have a lot of random items for sale, for example I saw this one girl who bought a clock! An acctual clock to put on your wall. The background was the cover of their new cd. It looked really cool, but obviosly that was gone too once I got to their sales stand.

To be honest I'm not sure I have that much to say about the gig itself. Nothing special happened, we got to hear all of their new songs from the album. Like always I really enjoy watching Közi live, he's really good despite what people might think. He doesn't "connect" that much with the audience, but it doesn't really bother me because seeing him you can tell he enjoys what he's doing and that's the most important thing to me.

 I got to hear all my favorite songs, Kosmostill, Sanityman, JEEZ, CHAOSMOS, ECHOFALLS and L'AMIE L'AMIE. I haven't seen ZIZ since 2015 so I had not heard any of the songs from JEEZSO8DOVEDOPE yet, obviously I was very excited to hear JEEZ because it's one of their best songs. I really love it. I noticed Közi had some difficulties taking the high notes during the chorus, and once he didn't even sing that. I can see that it's difficult though, for a recording you can paus and cut, but at a live gig he's been singing for like an hour and I bet his vocal chords was a bit tired.
 

For the encore the band came out with the new t-shirts on. Közi had his long, lumberjack shirt which he's worn at Deep Sanctuary. When he entered stage he had it tightly closed and then suddenly he'd open it to flash the t-shirt, like a flasher. During on of the MC's Közi also mentioned how tired he was, and how he felt old. During this MC he also happened to mention how many songs there was left on the setlist, to the fans disapointment but he defended it with that it was a pretty long setlist, and it truly was. The gig in total was very long, I didn't time it but it felt like close to 3 hours.
As the last song they played Super naked disco. I think I mentioned that before but hearing that on the cd for the first time I just felt like "WTF was that I just listened to". I really hated it, and I still don't like the cd version, but live it's pretty nice acctually.

 

When the gig was over, I picked up my bag as fast as I could and headed to the merch. But like I already said, all of the new stuff was sold out, but to excitment I found that they still sold the DVD which was released at the same time as JEEZSO8DOVEDOPE! So I picked up a copy with a very strange item they sold. A Közi tattoo seal. Yes, you can now either use it on your hand for an evening or use it and get a tattoo artist to fill it in for you! It's one of the most random items I've seen being sold at a live, and obviously I had to have it.
As can be seen above, they had a very special flower bouquet, this is something you only see in relation to something with Közi I'm sure. Amazingly creative...

So, the special thing about this live was that we'd receive a demo cd as a gift. Unfortunately I haven't been able to listen to it yet since my computer doesn't have a cdrom. I'll update once I've heard it!

Like always, if you get the chance to see Közi in any of his bands live, do it!

EDIT: When I was about to exit the club I saw Ryux from Moi Dix Mois, AGAIN (he was at the twoman Dalle live in May too). He keeps popping up at Közi's gigs...

Mana ESP guitar event

Everyone who likes and follows Mana probably knows he helped design a new guitar with ESP, and in honor of that an event was held at the ESP museum in Shibuya!

I don't know anything about guitars truth be told, I don't play any instrument and I don't really have an interest in the details about guitars electronics. So when I found out that in order to attend the event you had to buy either the t-shirt or the doleman with the new guitar and it's specifics on I felt a bit disapointed to be honest. It's a bit too nerdy for me, but I ended up with the doleman (it's way too big for me so I'm sleeping in it). Because of this, I didn't really care about the new guitar either, I just wanted to shake Mana's hand and get something signed! X)

To begin with I was thinking long and hard about what I should bring for Mana to sign, I even concidered having someone ship my Malice Mizer 1th Anniversary demo, and then it was announced he'd only sign a photo provided at the store. A bit disapointed, and a bit relieved as I no longer had to think about what to get signed, fufufu.

I was given the 4th period, 18.00 (6 p.m), a bit stressed I arrived just in time for picking up my event ticket. Mana announced that for those who bought the guitar, he'd take a picture with them. When I was waiting for the event to start I walked around the ESP shop and noticed about four people filling out forms, making me wonder if they acctually bought the guitar...
I'm guessing I've been complaining a lot lately X) but I don't care to be honest. So here's my next complains:
I'm not sure about this, but I sort of assume that those who buy this guitar does it because Mana helped design it and to get the photo with him. The guitar cost, at the shop 800 000yen, with that price I feel like Mana should throw a slumber party for those who bought it. To only get to take a photo with him feels kind of bad. Many bands offer the cheki thing for a 1000 yen...
Second complaint, the event was way too short! Let's get to the few details.

So, about 15 minutes before the start of the event they let us in the room where it would be held. It was very nicely decorated with the regular gate with blue roses which can be seen at Moi Dix Mois concerts and also of course the big cloth with the band logo on. The room was all dark and only lit up from blue lights in the ceiling which was shaped as the cross on the Jeune fille guitar!

My seat was in the left corner, next to room partitioner for where Mana would sign the photo. While waiting we got to listen to some Moi Dix Mois music, from what I heard they were playing Reprise. The wait was short, staff closed the doors and explained the rules concidering taking pictures etc. Then they asked if we should call for Mana sama. People shouted (once only to my surprise) and then Mana came out in Moité (I know everything he wears is Moité, but none of the Moi Dix Mois outfits). This was my first time seeing Mana like this, not on stage performing so I felt kind of surprised at how big he felt to be honest, I mean surely he wears platforms but he's not that tall, and at the previous gigs I've been to he's always looked so thin and now I felt like he's kind of been gaining weight! I'm not saying that as in he's fat and need to loose weight, I don't care if he gains weight, I'm just not used to that since he usually looks very thin (stick legs).
Anyway, he came out with the new guitar, showed it off and then the staff also announced that Seth and Ryux would join him. Seth looked awesome! He wore black jeans, boots, a blouse, corset, hat and eyepatch. He had his hair in a ponytail, making him look a bit casual (for being VK).
He began reading Mana's message which was really short, and just about the guitar. Mana then played a bit of Je l'aime, and when I say a bit I mean a short bit, maybe 30 seconds. Mana looked a bit nervous, but it went fine. Then the event was over. Seth left with Ryux and Mana went behind the screen while staff explained how to order the guitar I think....I stoped listening here because I noticed I could sneak on Mana from the crack in the screen! I saw some fans looking at me going between looking straight ahead and then looking into the screen. Not that much exciting things, Mana looked a bit stressed removing all his rings, but then he just stood there chillin' waiting for people...until I'm sure he noticed the crack and I looked him in the face for a short while. ...then I stopped looking, the awkwardness was a bit too much for me.

People started lining up and it all went really fast so I grabbed my present and lined up aswell! So when I got back there Mana stood behind the table, I handed over my present, he bowed and accepted it, then he signed the photo and took my hand in both his, handed me the portrait and then it was over! When I shook his hand and said something to him, it looked like he wanted to smile but tried not to, hehe.
I didn't see what time it was, but it felt like the event was over in no time. I was hoping it would've been longer, that he would've played a whole song or something. A bit disapointed but I still enjoyed meeting him for the first time and acctually get his authograph (I have signed things but it's not the same when the person hasn't signed it infront of you).

生誕典礼祭〜Mana様Birthday〜 (18th & 19th)

On the 18th and 19th Moi Dix Mois held their annual Mana birthday live gigs! This was my first time being able to participate so I was rather excited! However things didn't really turn out the way I planned.

18th

On Saturday there was the seated live at Mt Rainer Hall in Shibuya! I have never been there before but it was very close to the station, and acctually part of a shoppingmall (uniqlo was located at the bottom). The previous years I've been very impressed by the fact that they've always sold out the first evening, seeing the venue I understood why, it's very small! It was also a bit confusing to reach the right floor, but I made it just in time! JUST in time :P
I had planned for this day (okey, not that much), I had to pick out a present for Mana (I even bought a blueribbon to attach to the package), I had my outfit planned and I had the time scheduled. Nothing went as planned. I ended up leaving my apartment around 4p.m, it takes me about 1h to go to Shibuya... I got dressed in 10minutes, I didn't even have time to tie my corset properly. I left buying a present until the day before and I was really busy that day so standing in the store, paniced, I decided not to get Mana a present, instead I'd give him my cash by buying something at the live :P
The good thing was that I didn't have to wait for that long when I arrived (I hate waiting for the band to start). I had not seen Moi Dix Mois since 2014 so I felt really hyped, since I remember them as a really good live band.

The setlist felt kind of flat to me, the songs I truly enjoy that they played was Sanctum Regnum, Dispell Bound, Perish and The Sect. This time they did something interesting with The Sect, the beginning was sung in accapella. At first I didn't realise which song it was, until I connected the lyrics with the song. They also did Sanctum Regnum and Dispell Bound after eachother, and Seth gave instructions on how you're supposed to do the D-I-X sign to the music. I was really excited about this, I love Dispell Bound and I felt childishly excited about being able to do the D-I-X with them XD At my first Moi Dix Mois live I got to hear Sanctum Regnum but since it also was my first concert in Japan I remember feeling really freaked out about having to do parapara and ended up not doing anything.
During the MC Mana came out with a panda backpack and threw out candy to the audience (later discovered it was candy bought from the 100yen shop, and Mana had signed each tiny piece of wrapping). Because of the over all boring setlist and the fact I had not eaten in all day, I couldn't help but to wish they were done soon, and he'd throw a piece my way because I was so hungry. Unfortunately I didn't get any.
As always Mana had a message for the audience read by Seth. I didn't follow everything he said but there seems to be some sort of event later this year to celebrate Mana's long time in the music industry.
During the evening they played all of the new songs, again, I'm sorry but only one of those acctually caught my attention. I've heard two of them before (Beast Side and the slow one I can't remember the name of, Twilight something?) and I'm not that impressed by those. But this really new song, I think they played it for the first time this evening, it was acctually good.
As finale they played Je l'aime, and when Seth pronounced the words I was sure he said something completely different so I thought I'd get to hear yet another new song XD When entering the venue they handed out glowsticks, and for this song we were supposed to use them. I haven't used anything which glows for years and years. I used to have those bracelets which glows as a child, but I had completely forgot how you activate them! Seth told everyone to grab their sticks (hehe, that sounds weird), and he held it horizontal, a clicking sound and then it glowed. And I just couldn't get how to get mine to glow! So embarrassing, I just stood there, squeezing and pulling, but nothing. After a while I just gave up XD
So the gig was over, and since I was late I didn't get time to buy any of the new merch when I arrived, so I lined up and most had been sold out, but I got the blue one piece! Maybe it will come in handy when Tokyo gets warmer, so far I've slept in it hehe. I feel kind of weird using these onepieces as dresses outside, because they feel more like something you'd walk around in at home (still haven't used the Dalle one either). Eventhough I didn't get any candy, when the lights were turned on I realised one of Ryux picks had landed right infront of me! Always nice to see that some can throw...

19th

Home to sleep and then up the next morning for yet another Moi Dix Mois evening! This time it was held at Tsutaya O-west, also in Shibuya. It was the first time for me to attend a live at this venue as well, but it lies within an area with a lot of venues (like Vuenos) so it's rather easy to find. This day I was better prepared and since it was a standing live I was hoping for a better setlist. My number was ok I guess, 200-something, but it felt like this venue wasn't that big either, so after I got in and unfortunately couldn't decide wether I should get a locker or not (and then also realise I didn't have the right amount of coins :P) many had already gotten in and close to the stage so I ended up standing in the back after all with an acquaintance. I was a bit right, the setlist had improved but what suprised me was that they played songs they played the night before again! Perish is one of my favorite songs so that was alright I guess, but they played Dead Scape and it's not that good (IMO) to do two nights in a row. What bothers me most about the fact that they play the same songs both evenings is the fact that Moi Dix Mois has material enough not having to do that but they (or Mana?) chose to do so. There's so many songs they rarely play live, why not do those...

Anyhow, I did get to finally hear Unmoved, and they also played Seventh Veil which I love.
During this night MC they talked about Mana being a musician for long and how it started with Malice Mizer, so Mana (or Seth) asked the audience what song they'd like Mana to play! He'd play any Malice Mizer song for us. People started shouting and it wasn't very audiable what they were asking for, so Seth stoped everyone and asked us to shout at the same time. And you could sort of hear most people yelling for Vert Ailes (or as most fans believe it to be called, Bel Air). So Mana started playing it, and to be honest, I'm not an expert but from time to time it sounded a bit off but it's ok, probably been a long time since he did it. Anyhow, I began feeling like it was made up when Seth began singing the lyrics WHILE looking down in his papers. He couldn't have had all of Malice Mizer's lyrics in there, so they sort of knew they'd play that song... Made me a bit disapointed. Mana also threw in some Kioku to sora at one point, which is kind of funny. Makes me wonder if he misses Malice Mizer or if he just wants to show that he hasn't forgotten about it (since many fans still admire them). They of course did Immortal Madness and like always they want everyone to shout out something, tonight though the thing to shout was no less than "sexy, pretty, angel Mana sama", with movements to it....yes, that's how far from the darkness we have gone. I couldn't help but to laugh at it, but at the same time it's sad. I remember watching part of the live performances from Moi Dix Mois first live DVD in high school, and thinking they looked so cool because the atmosphere was so dark and witch-like. Everything in black and Mana was pretty badass showing no emotion. Now we're down to the band performing in gold, while Mana smiles making the audience do movements as shouting he's sexy, pretty and an angel... I wonder what my reaction would've been if someone would've told me 8 years ago... What caught me with Malice Mizer in perticular, but also Moi Dix Mois was the mysterious thing going on. With Mana it felt like it was alywas a performance of music but in a theatrical way. Like you didn't get to see the real people, they were performing EVERYTHING on stage. It might sound weird and as something negative, but to me it was the contrary. I found it very appealing. Now that Mana is slowly breaking that down I feel like Moi Dix Mois image is sort of falling apart as well. The previous evening Mana kept making jokes (through Seth of course) about Ryux, making us shout he was a doll in Immortal Madness, and he pretended to fall to the ground etc etc. I just feel like this wasn't really Moi Dix Mois image to begin with, to make the audience laugh at them, doing slapstick comedy while singing songs about angels and sabbath's, you name it. Maybe I'm wrong though, I didn't attend a Moi Dix Mois live until 2011, but even at that they didn't do all of this...weird stuff. :P I had overall fun (and I finally understood how to use my glowstick:P) but if they were to have another regular live while I'm in Japan, I wouldn't go to be honest. I would've settled for one of these evenings even. Hopefully the new album will be better than I think the new songs has been.

Some fans had contributed with a bouquet for Mana, the blue one of course. And the amazing thing was that someone had made tiny snoopy's, one representing each member, with tiny costumes and Sugiya even had a bottle of Jack Daniel's in his hand!

DALLE - asphalt

This is a bit late, I know, but just this friday I picked up my copy of DALLE's single asphalt! It was released at their live gig on the 25th of february and contains 2 songs, asphalt and a remix of asphalt.

The single was released in 2 different editions, with or without a DVD with the PV for the song. And this time I acctually got a sticker with my order!
The song is already out on youtube (see link below), at least almost all of it, so I'm guessing most have already heard it. I really like DALLE, I'm very suprised in a good way how they've created their own sound and I look forward to hearing what kind of turns they might take later.

I have to say though that I prefer their first single, fences, but asphalt is also really good. It's a bit slower but the chorus is great! What suprised me when I heard this for the first time was the mix of rougher and slower/softer parts, it blends really well though and acctually makes the song more interesting. The remix was ok, better than the remix of fences, but I still always prefer the original songs.
I've written down the lyrics as they are presented in the single below, and please get your won copy of the single and support the band! -> http://dorothy.buyshop.jp/

What do I missing in myself. Ghost of lost memories.

僅かに感情を誘う  Ruddy glow

What do I missing in yourself. Ghost of past memories.

仄かな熱情を濯う Be lazy in your head.

空き刺さりそう　尊厳装申貧相　愛も申斐もない

一切合切感じない　甘美な遊びから今　[絶望遊戯]

語らない　床を抱いて灰になれ　WHO!

構わない　床を抱いてハイになれ　WHO!

I’m, still alive. Don’t think so

Dead or alive. Don’t let go

いずれ暮れ行き明ける空覗く太陽　嘘のような蒼

また灼け付き更ける空落ちる西陽　怖さは要らない

What do I missing in myself. Ghost of lost memories.

僅かに感情を誘う  Ruddy glow

仄かな熱情を濯う Be lazy in your head.

Under fragile. Your selected

Answer is limited in your head

そのまま突き刺さりそう　尊厳装申貧相手　バッドカードゲーム

ヘッドライトレスドライブ　怜悧なフリをした未来[仮想遊戯]

飾らない　床を抱いて灰になる　WHO!

適わない　床を抱いてハイになる　WHO!

I’m, still alive. Don’t think so

Dead or alive. Don’t let go

Let go let go let go

アスファルトに柏手　和染みになる　遠い日の君に

僕らの愛で　黒く塗られる　埋めてゆく

罪で

Be lazy in your head