A (ACE) played at Moscow's festival, entertaining their fans and gaining many new ones.
On the 24th of August, Gorky Park celebrated its 85th anniversary with another spectacular carnival. This has been a tradition since 1934. Unfortunately, the atmosphere was somewhat spoiled by bad weather. On the day of the festival, it suddenly got cold and started raining. However, those who braved the weather were rewarded by plenty of colors and positive emotions. One of the park’s platforms hosted a cosplay festival Luch 7. This proves how popular the cosplay movement has become in Russia. Dozens of participants portrayed characters from Japanese anime, computer games and American comics. The highest point of the day was a gig by A (ACE).
It’s not the first time that the musicians visited Moscow. Last year, they performed two gigs in Russia as part of their European tour ABSOLUTE CONQUEST OF EUROPE. It looked like the public had been anticipating their return and devoted fans prepared a surprise for the band. As the clock approached half past seven, plenty of posters with the logo of the band emerged in the crowd.
The gig started right on time; the Japanese band was, as always, punctual. Suddenly, the air was filled with white smoke and red and white rays danced around when the intro started. Just as it finished, the musicians appeared on stage, one by one. Rookie Fiddler and Toshi were wearing stunning white outfits while Nimo looked every inch a captain of a pirate ship in his black camisole. This time, the band was supported by guitarist MW.
The first song was ELEMENTA ALCHEMISTA. The complete version of the song is 40 minutes long, so it obviously wasn’t played in full. The duet of violin and vocals was followed by a powerful chorus. It was a great warm-up; hundreds of arms went up in the air.
"We are back! How are you?" Nimo asked in English. The tension apparent in the beginning was obviously gone. The vocalist ran to the edge of the stage to greet the audience. At that very moment Night of the Knights began, a song the band is often associated with. A strong adrenaline rush overwhelmed everyone. The audience started moving. Gothic parts, guitar and violin solos, and insane energy—the song was filled with emotions. Then the dynamic NUDE started. Nimo danced to the song and the crowd was followed his every move. The band’s suggestion to "Jump!" was joyously fulfilled by the audience. The technical hiccup at the end of the song, where something happened to MW’s guitar, was about to become an embarrassing pause when Rookie performed a mind-blowing guitar solo, setting everyone at ease.
The violin came back. Guitar riffs and powerful beats enriched the beautiful solo of the violin and the energetic Spanish MASQUERADE began. The audience went wild; everyone was dancing and singing. Nimo approached the edge of the stage again where he was joined by Rookie. Toshi and MW were swaying in sync with the rhythm. Soon the dance gave way to mighty headbanging. By the end of the song everyone was moving in sync with the vocalist who was waving a towel above his head. Imagination went wild. No doubt everyone in Japan would be waving their towels just as the front man did, adding to the wild energy of the show. The Muscovite audience did well too. The end of MASQUERADE was overpowered by their loud screaming and applause.
The atmosphere changed when the Indian-esque melody of GODDESS came and put everyone in a meditative state. Breathtaking music and Nimo’s soulful vocals completely mesmerized the audience.
After that Black Butterfly came. Toshi was directing applause and as soon as the audience caught the rhythm, the powerful guitar riffs descended upon it. The song’s deep vocals, violin and heavy bass guitar epitomized the characteristic sound of the band. There was no doubt everyone was thrilled to hear Zankoku na tenshi no these. One of the most famous anime themes was presented in a powerful and strong way. If not for the famous gentle melody, it would be difficult to guess what song it was. The band prepared a nice surprise for the fans and performed a cover of the theme from the same anime series. Tamashii no rufuran sounded simultaneously gentle and hardcore.
Then came Shiroi akuma and after that the lively Grafton Calling. The audience danced to the energetic melody that was so obviously inspired by Ireland. The happy musicians couldn’t stop smiling.
Suddenly, that was it. The gig was over. The host appeared on stage prompting the audience to call the musicians back but it seemed no one needed such hints. Everyone started screaming, shouting and asking for more. Soon it was obvious that not everyone frequented Japanese rock concerts. Only the front rows were chanting «en-co-re», the rest of the audience took their time to get what the initiated were on about.
The band didn’t keep the audience waiting for long. Rookie appeared first. He asked everyone if they were not tired and then started playing the piano. Nimo appeared on stage and the sounds of Abyss prompted everyone to spark their lighters, illuminating everything with tiny flames. The bright OUVERTURA could have been a logical end to the gig, making image of glittering confetti and the members of the band waving and saying goodbye. But that was not the right conclusion in A’s opinion. The band wanted the audience to have a blast, a real emotional explosion. Nothing could do it better than Shangri-la. No one was able to stand still while it was being played. People were dancing, and the musicians were dancing too. Nimo circled the stage, waving the hem of his camisole. The audience was jumping. When the front man yelled ‘We are Ace!’, the crowd raised their hands and placed them in a shape of the letter "A." Nimo, Rookie, Toshi were at the edge of the stage, dancing, looking at the audience and smiling happily.
Soon the band thanked the audience, promised to return and left the stage. But there was another treat in store—almost an hour-long signing session. Everyone had a chance to get an autograph and thank the musicians for the wonderful concert.
A (ACE) is indeed an interesting band. The combination of violin and electric guitars is not exactly unique, but it’s always touching. The mix of gentle melodies and heavy sounds is enriched by beautiful vocals and the pirates’ eccentric style. That was why so many passers-by were stopping on their way to listen to A (ACE), asking everyone what band that was. It was obvious that A (ACE) brought joy to the existing fans and managed to win over many new ones, some of whom, perhaps, were not familiar with J-rock at all. Fans can only wish A (ACE)’s ship many happy voyages and look forward to the return of the beautiful and brave pirates.
Set List
01. ELEMENTA ALCHEMISTA
02. Night Of The Knights
03. NUDE
04. MASQUERADE
05. GODDESS
06. Black Butterfly
07. Zankoku na tenshi no these
08. Tamashii no rufuran
09. Shiroi akuma
10. Grafton Calling
Encore:
01. Abyss (piano version)
02. OUVERTURA
03. Shangri-la
