Mondaiji-tachi ga Isekai kara Kuru Sou Desu yo

In the "Mondaiji" universe, 3 troubled teens from various parallel planes of time and existence are summoned into the world of the "Garden" to join in various "Gift Games" being held. But beneath this story that the trio was told to believe is a defeated community that needs their help to reestablish themselves again as a relevant part of their society, and reclaim their honor and dignity.

Making the character development within the series interesting is the different "abilities" each teen possessed that sets them apart from the other. Asuka is an aristocratic beauty that has the gift of "Authority", which gives her reign over the mind of those of weaker persuasion than her. Yoh is a quiet, yet very strong girl, that can talk to animals and use their abilities in her attacks and defenses. Izayoi is a smart guy but easily resorts to violence, has immense attack strength, and has an unknown ability that seems to nullify other gifts.

Seeing this anime much later this year, it seems to posses many fantasy anime tropes within itself. It has the "summoned into the fantasy world" premise like "KonoSuba" and "Re:Zero", the eclectic mix of of folklore and mythology like "Danmachi", with the same mind game attitude displayed in "No Game No Life".

It doesn't mean this title derived its plot from them (evident in earlier release date of this light novel than the others). The story of the series does makes it stand on its own. And their interactions either in light moments and the tense moments does balance out the situation, making the whole series amusing. There's not much twists in the plot, but it does give interesting points throughout the series making it a good selection for casual viewers and anime fans alike.

Production-wise, nothing is ground breaking, average at best, but it does serve the theme and the mood of the story well.  I am not too fond of the opening and ending theme, though.

Masha's "Hello, Cyanide" single released

The guys from Masha are back with an even meaner, badder single entitled "Hello, Cyanide".

The cuss-infused, Eastern groove laced song still brings out the "Experimental Alternative" vibe that is Masha, but with a more "Incubus-Kula Shaker"- ish feel packaged in an arrangement that is distinctly OPM.

"Hello, Cyanide" has already being noticed and was featured in music sites such as Amplify.ph and Radio Republic.

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For those out there who are starting to dig the "Masha" sound, get ready for their long awaited album launch on Nov.7 at B-Side Collective. Along with rock acts such as Salt Circa, Kontra Tiempo, Parada, KENYO and Twin Lobster!. 

And for the entrance fee of 200 pisetas, you also get a free beer (or drink) and a copy of their debut album "Stalemate Guards For Defiant Hearts".

Masha releases "Satellites"

Masha, which I think is one of the best sounding experimental alternative rock band to come out of the underground indie scene, has just released their single "Satellites".

Prolific artisan and vocalist, Alvin Aleria, together with guitarists Weak Domines and Paulo Rodriguez, bassist Chris Mercado, drummer Tobs Tobio and synth-sampler specialist Howie Manalaysay dishes out a sort of rock trippy song, leading the listener into a emotion packed ride reminiscent of Kula Shaker's droning grooves, the gritty guitars of Foo Fighters/ Deftones, Incubus' sound experimentation, all wrapped in good old pinoy style rock alternative.

Featured Band: H.M.K.

 

Another band that I got the pleasure of watching at Sokehs Rock is the instrumental band "H.M.K.".

I can best describe their music as a fusion of jazz, blues and funk played with such precision, with such an amazing display of technical prowess, and a harmonic collections of climaxes and hooks that leaves you astounded and wanting more.

And the guitarist is also an accomplished architect. The more I find out about this guy, the more I'm impressed.

FLuB: A Primer into the world of Wasak Rock

"...after being serious for the past few years and still nothing, we just don't give a fuck anymore..."

As seen from a former header of the band FLuB, which describes their philosophy in playing music, and is the mantra behind the monicker "Wasak Rock" (or preferrably mispelled as 'wasak rak').

Its just not about playing aimlessly on stage or dishing out songs that sounds like new age hippy trippy experiments into audio intoxication. Its music that creates a certain impact, not much attention in making the song or the lyrics into an epic, and a lot of on-stage attitude that aims to make the audience enjoy the night...rock style.

Its not a comedy act mixed with a rock band, nor is it based on 'novelty' songs that began a boom at the start of the millennium. Its the attitude of the song that makes a difference.

Imagine a song about looking back what you wished to grow up as during your childhood, accompanied by a straight up punk riff and progression. The lyrical content may be nuts...but its infusion with rock elements hopes makes a different appeal to the listeners.

Now this is just the start, someday, this genre will be big...as big as punk was once were...(i think)

Follow the antics of the boys from FLuB.

Visit their site at:

https://www.facebook.com/flubmusic

Vocaloid Live Concert at Tokyo

I was locked up in my house last weekend, mesmerized with the thing I consider the ultimate in alternative reality. I am talking about the 2011(or was it 2010) live performance of Vocaloid Miku Hatsune at Tokyo.

For those, like me, who always heard of Miku Hatsune but never traced who she really is, and here she came from, she is now the top virtual idol from the vocal synthesizer program of Yamaha called 'Vocaloid'.

Derived from the term 'Vocal' and 'Andoid', it is a program that enables composers to make vocal tracks by typing in the lyrics, then changing the pitch. Although the syllabication of the words are not perfect, and the change in tone makes it sound like Auto-Tune, Yamaha packaged a software that is unique and easy to use for hobbyists.

Now, the live concert was not done by voice actresses, or cosplayer lip syncing to a preset program. Its a live band, with a virtual projection, much like a hologram, as a vocalist. The experience was mind blowing. Miku is projected into a translucent film which appears like a hologram, and you can still see the band in the background.

Its a step up on what the virtual band 'Gorillaz' did, and a right push towards well known virtual idols and divas like 'Simone' or Macross Plus' 'Sharon Apple'.

This concert has already played since 2009 and have played in the U.S.

And for you lucky guys at Singapore, a scheduled concert on November 11.

The Kitchen Musical

Giving my DVD's a rest last weekend, I was able to catch something quite interesting and unique at Studio 23, with a name that reminds me of that teeny bopper musical specials from Disney that my nieces were crazy about.

The series is called 'The Kitchen Musical'.

At first I was just intrigued by the title, but as commercial features about the series go on, I

became more than interested...I was anticipating it.

Not knowing the schedule of the series, I was lucky enough to catch the 'Behind the Scenes' special and initial telecast last night at ABS-CBN 2 while I was bored and surfed all the channels on our TV. At first it seemed like a local/international production (seeing Philippine talents Karylle and Christian Bautista), but it turns out to be a production in Singapore with a multi-national cast of veteran and up-and-coming stage actors and talent.

Along with the fast-paced story-telling rounded with musical numbers as climax of a turning point or dramatic focus of the plot, are eye-catching visuals and on-screen gimbles reminiscent of the 'CSI' and 'House' of old. With mouth watering recipes to boot (which are also featured at the end of the episode.).

I hope to catch the other episodes real soon as the telecast is turned over to Studio 23 starting October 8, 2011.

And I'll have to remember to have some snacks on standby as the last one left me hungry... for food and more of the series.

(with screen captures from YouTube and the official website)

Sendero Puts the Metal in Rap-Metal

There are a lot of rap-metal acts out there but Sendero sets itself from the rest by upping the dosage of metal riffs and progressions to their songs. Another factor which makes their 'metal' aspect unique is that it uses the harmonies and arrangements of 90's Pinoy Metal Alternative, mixed with other musical styles like blues, jazz and rock.

The eccentric sound of Sendero is from the combined talents of Clint Aquino, with his vocal projection and guitar playing which seems like a mix of 'Tom Morello's experimental licks and 'Munky Shaffer's adventurous attitude, Ian Mendoza, who provides the bass with playful mix of funk and metal reminiscent of 'Alex Katunich' from Incubus, and Nawaf Aldebasi, whose skills on the drums punches through the thin line that seperates the deep, groove based beats of rap with the power and aggression of metal.

Based in Manila, Philippines, the group first got together back in 2005 with Clint and Ian. Nawaf later came to replace the former drummer who went abroad. Their name came in a drinking session at Ian's house, while watching a live performance video of their favorite band, Rage Against the Machine. While watching 'Bombtrack' they saw the phrase 'Sendero Luminoso' (the name of a Maoist insurgent guerrilla organization in Peru) from which they shortened and used to replace their former name.

Sendero's songs doesn't hide behind hidden meanings or fancy alliterations or homonyms. What you get is the message, direct meaning, up front. This maybe partly due to their songwriting style which is more spontaneous and direct, wherein all members pull in their thoughts and ideas. You can listen to their sample tracks on their Facebook or Myspace page, but I do recommend you see them live to get the full energy of their songs.

Fried Pride

Have you ever wondered what your favorite oldies might sound like as a jazz-lounge or bebop reincarnation? The Fried Pride duo of Shiho (vocals) and Akio Yokota (guitars) rejuvinates the songs with their own version of various covers applied with their own vocal flair and fine guitar playing.

You'll be amazed with their jazz-bebop rendidtion of 'Smoke on the Water' and 'Come Together', reminiscent of Yoko Kanno's 'Cowboy Bebop' fame.

For the easy-listening affectionados, there's the loungy 'My Romance', 'Hush-A-Bye', 'My Cherie Amour' and 'Yesterday'.

There's also the slow paced jazz ballad 'The Second Star to the Right', 'Free', 'Alfie' and Yokota's original 'Your Love'.

Some songs like 'Now and Forever' and 'Fantasy' we're not changed that much but still shows that Fried Pride identity.

You'll love the way Shiho's vocal prowess and Yokota's guitar playing complement each other, like a synergy of music that leaves a sweet taste in the ears.