Tokyo Chikashitsu at Zepp Tokyo

The show opened with the experimental punk-inspired band munimuni and their deep vocals and smooth bass. The four men did an impressive job warming up the crowd and when MERRY took the stage, all hell broke loose.

With only nine songs the band took the crowd on a wild rollercoaster ride filled with headbanging and wild tunes. The music was contagious and the band gave it their all, vocalist Gara standing out with a daring performance that caught the first-timers off guard. The traditional high-school desk served as a podium for the vocalist, wine-red carpets covering the floor as he moved around restlessly, feet bare. The strong drums and heavy antics added to the dramatic performance, Gara’s clothes causing quite an impact: high-waist school-uniform pants topped with a kimono-type shirt. The colorful shirt didn’t last long, soon coming off to reveal the vocalist’s bare chest and tar colored arm. Headbanging intensely, the band moved around constantly, Gara shaking violently as if his body were being pierced by electric shocks and thrashing his blond hair dangerously.

The theatrics grew graver with the vocalist hiding his face behind a rabbit mask in a somewhat disturbing number. His moves were slow and made him resemble a human-sized demoniacal rabbit. In front of him the crowd moshed, fired up by Yuu, Kenichi and Tetsu while Nero set the tempo for the pumping fists.

“Welcome! Thank you for your support over these ten years!” the vocalist’s voice carried across the room before fast and strong, ardent numbers continued, leaving the crowd electrified. Standing on his hands, the vocalist used his feet as he clapped in appreciation, an amused laugh echoing through the venue as the band made their exit.

Singer-songwriter hibikiko then appeared on stage with nothing but a guitar and supporting acoustic drums, taking the crowd over with her superb vocals. The sound contrasted with the other acts for that night, yet it was warmly welcomed. Sweet yet strong vocals and an ethnic/country beat got the crowd swaying as they waited for the night’s hosts. The slow songs allowed the crowd to restore their energy for some dangerous and visually impressive moshing.

MUCC then cleared the stage, leaving nothing but the drum set, which gave them plenty of space to move and dance – and the four made sure to make full use of the space. The band didn’t bring out the heavy artillery right away, and opened the set with a pop disco tune filled with sound effects that caused Tatsuro’s voice to echo exaggeratedly. Flashing lights took over and Tatsuro helped the party with a wicked glove that projected lasers from each finger. Almost squatting, the vocalist jumped around the stage, moving sideways while his massively long curly hair swayed with his every move. “Everybody, its show time!” he exclaimed before guitarist Miya and bassist YUKKE took the front, fingers dancing over the strings.

The tone grew heavier for the next songs, the crowd more than familiar with the routines. Without a warning, the fans climbed on each other’s shoulders, waiting there patiently. For those not accustomed to the band’s shows, the sight was simply bizarre with girls and boys riding on each other’s backs to create a human fence. The fence soon became a wave with people rolling back and forth over the crowd as the songs grew heavier. As if carried by a deadly waterfall, the bodies rolled to the end of the stage where the staff ran to catch them.

There was something for all tastes with ethnic beats, funky tunes and plenty of growling and heavy rock. The exaggerated use of sound effects and distortion sometimes seemed unnecessary, preventing the crowd from fully appreciating the skillful instrumentals and vocals, yet the fans didn’t seem to mind and made sure to follow all the choreographies, singing and moving unflaggingly.

One of the most memorable moments of the performance was when Tatsuro asked everyone to sit and the hall complied, Miya and YUKKE sitting down as well. “Thee, two, one!” and the crowd jumped up in a visually impressive moment before bending forward and back again with the beat. SATOchi was unstoppable behind the drums, the crowd drowning in the beat with yet more moshing, the band bidding farewell in a great mood and seeming more than happy with the crowd’s effusive response.

The tone changed once more with Drag Queen and Performing Artist ONAN SPELMERMAID. He came in with an outrageous outfit that resembled a wearable origami crane, the super-mini skirt and heavy makeup causing quite an impact. His Europe-inspired cabaret act was warmly welcomed, the exaggerated moves and sarcastic comments bringing out laughter and approving comments while the crowd swayed to the overly-dramatic numbers.

Before the show was over, there was also time for a super session with Makoto Takei (cali≠gari), Gara (MERRY) and Tatsuro (MUCC) on vocals. Joining them on guitar was Ao Sakurai (cali≠gari), Kenichi (MERRY) and Miya (MUCC) while Kenjiro Murai (cali≠gari) took over the bass and SATOchi (MUCC) set the pace behind the drums. It was a wild party that allowed the musicians to move around and interact with the crowd, a perfect ending for the heated night. We look forward to the future editions of the show and more wild adventures!