Mix Speaker's,Inc. had the grand finale of Ghost House at Tokyo’s SHIBUYA AiiA Theater on December 30th, 2015. The six ghosts’ last dance was named after their new album Corpse Carnival. During the show, the band introduced fans to their new theatrical theme: Zetsubou restaurant (the restaurant of despair) .
Before the show began, two human-sized dolls named LUNA and SUNNY spoke to fans: “Time is running out for ghosts. Would they see themselves in heaven or hell at the end? Behold the last night of the ghosts.” Then, guest artist Nishiyama Kosame, clad in black, quietly walked onstage and sat at the piano. The piano note of Black tread gently summoned the six ghosts to the stage: vocalist NIKA as Exorcist, co-vocalist MIKI as Murder Doll, guitarist AYA as Mrs. ROSE, guitarist keiji as Evil Eye, bassist seek as Bone Collector, and finally drummer S as Candle Man.
“Let’s dance”, NIKA’s whisper escorted fans to the opening song Hello Bad Communication. Fans and the two vocalists danced together like swaying puppets during this jazzy rock number. Later, the band’s signature style of sweet harmonious vocals continued to dazzle fans during the melodious L.D Bride. The theatrical rock show suddenly turned aggressive when keiji stood centerstage and played the intro of Pandora. seek’s beastly shouts and deep-voiced vocal interlude unleashed the ghosts’ violent impulses. In response, fans literally shook the venue, sometimes by jumping and by headbanging. Fans followed the bassist’s lead, shouting while ruthless guitar strokes and drum beats rampaged on.
After the song, NIKA took time to greet to fans: “I’m grateful to be able to have the finale with six of us, and I am sorry to make you guys worried.” Actually, it was uncertain until the last minute if Mix Speaker's,Inc. would be able to have the finale, because NIKA had been suffering from pneumonia while MIKI had a broken rib. However, both vocalists were now well enough to swing towels together with fans during Ozora Canvas. Later, the two vocalists’ harmony melted fans’ hearts during the melodious song Tsuki ga Ochiru Maeni. Afterwards, Nishiyama Kosame was invited back to the stage to treat fans to a special rendition of Akai Makigami to Neverland. Together with the vocalists’ beautiful falsetto, Nishiyama’s piano accompaniment enhanced the intoxicating melancholy of the song.
The band continued to perform songs from the new album. During Side trip Killer rose, AYA, who played the role of the carnivorous Mrs. ROSE, played tambourine together with fans while he swayed in the center of the stage. As the song ended, there was a sudden blackout and then a digital clock appeared onstage. The narration of LUNA and SUNNY followed: “The end is near. No one can stop the count down. Let the corpse carnival begin.” With only 24 minutes to go, the band raised the temperature by playing Ghost gate.
seek’s vocal interlude and keiji’s backing vocals aroused enthusiastic responses from the audience during the ensuing NEETRHIT. Fans sang and shouted together with the guitarists, and enjoyed letting themselves go to the heavy guitar riffs. Meanwhile, the two vocalists prompted fans to headbang by using human bone props. Later, the band gave the show one final burst of energy with the fans’ all-time favorite song: SCREAM go AROUND long ver..
“One last minute!” NIKA shouted while pointing at the clock. The band played the song at double the usual speed, and fans did their best to headbang and mosh around at the same speed until the countdown was finally over. This last rampage by the ghosts ended suddenly once the clock struck zero. Green light lit the blacked-out stage again, and there, fans saw NIKA and MIKI, with Nishiyama once more at the piano. A gentle piano melody opened the closing song Forbidden Forest, and the vocalists sang an emotional lullaby with their breathtaking harmony. “Goodbye, Ghost House”, NIKA gently bade farewell after the last piano note ceased.
Before the encore, a video was played on the stage screen in which the band revealed the new theme of their Mix Theater: Zetsubou restaurant. The band also announced about the release of the new single DOKURO KITCHEN on March 23rd, as well as their 9th Anniversary Tour and the members’ birthday shows. You can find about the band’s upcoming live schedule on Mix Speaker's,Inc.'s official website. A huge ovation rose when fans saw the picture of the band’s new outfits.
Finally, the band returned the stage in their new attire, and went straight into the first live performance of DOKURO KITCHEN. Fans quickly picked up the new choreography, and they danced together with the two vocalists. After the song, all members took time to speak to fans. “2016 is our ninth year and it’s going to be a very important year before our 10th anniversary. Please support us”, said S, wearing cakehouse-shaped headgear. The band closed the show with Last hours, in which they enjoyed singing along the chorus part with their fans. At the end, Mix Speaker's,Inc. treated fans to a screening of the a music video of DOKURO KITCHEN.
Setlist
SE, Black tread with Nishiyama Kosame
1. Hello Bad Communication
2. L.D Bride
3. Pandora
4. Ozora Canvas
5. Tsuki ga Ochiru Maeni
6. White feel
7. Akai Makigami to Neverland with Nishiyama Kosame
8. Sorairo Parasol
9. PINKY ADVENTURE
10. YOU♪AI♪MESSAGE
11. Side trip Killer rose
12. Ghost gate
13. NEETRHIT
14. CRAZY TRAIN A GO! GO!
15. SCREAM go AROUND long ver.
16. Forbidden Forest with Nishiyama Kosame
Encore
17. DOKURO KITCHEN (New Song)
18. Carni=balism
19. MONSTIME long ver.
20. JUNK STORY
21. Last hours
A preview of the DOKURO KITCHEN music video and trailer for the band's next forthcoming activities can be watched below:
