amber gris and Hana Shounen Baddies at Takadanobaba AREA

Takadanobaba AREA, one of the famous venues in the visual kei scene in Tokyo, had a very distinct line up of bands on October 17th, featuring Ensoku, DOG IN THE PWO (Parallel World Orchestra), Hana Shounen Baddies (formerly known as Billy), Kaya, emmuree, and amber gris. Though the event was not sold out, the venue was packed with a wide range of fans.

At the sound of their upbeat SE, Hana Shounen Baddies appeared on stage one by one, in the order of drummer Hiroshi, bassist Tsubuku, guitarist Takuma, guitarist Minemura - who amazed the audience with a cartwheel kick - and last but not least, vocalist BAKU. Their live started with Blue Bad Boy, their first single released under their new concept. The fans had their fists up from the start of the song, and during the main melody the venue was filled with jumping audience members.

Proceeding to Blind Good Girl, colorful lights lit up the stage, and BAKU was punching the air as he shouted to the audience. In an answering gesture, the audience also pumped their fists in the air. During the interlude, Tsubuku played an impressive bass solo, and Minemura did some humorous sexy gestures which got some laughter from the audience.

After brief announcements of their second single release, upcoming lives, and Minemura’s signature pose - which he always does during the MC - they proceeded on to their second single, Book. Although a new song, the fans already knew how to move to it. Then as BAKU yelled, “Tokyo! Get your fists up!!” the heavy Sakotsu ni nemure started. Accompanied by blistering red lights, the members came forward on the stage. The venue was filled with headbanging fans. What was impressive about this band was they smiled throughout their live, even during this heavy song.

Proceeding to BooCar Go Go, guitarist Minemura yelled to the audience as Takuma also came forward to the front for his solo. Notably, the members all moved around on stage a lot. Their last song for the day was Shonen[B]Out, and asBAKU screamed out, “Last 3,2,1--!! GO!” all at once the members and the audience moshed left to right. Tsubuku’s bass kicked off as the shouts of Takuma and Minemura during the chorus encouraged more moshing from the crowd. During the main part of the song, the audience swung towels in the air, making this live a very energetic one. Ending with all the members standing at center stage, Hana Shounen Baddies' live came to an end. The members all waved good bye, going up to the front one by one. Hiroshi was last to leave and gave a perfect grin to end their live.

Set List:

1. Blue Bad Boy
2. Blind Good Girl -Watashi no kare wa toumeiningen-
3. Book
4. Sakotsu ni nemure
5. BooCar Go Go
6. Shounen[B]Out


The long awaited amber gris was the last band to cap off this event. Although they had already performed a few spontaneous secret lives, this day was their first official live. As the fans waited expectantly, the curtains gently opened, and the SE began to flow throughout the venue. All the members except vocalist Temari (ex-Ruvie) were already standing by, and a few moments later, Temari showed up and quietly walked to his position.

Green lights lit the stage and the first song, OP, started with wayne’s unique guitar play. He held the guitar up in the air and tapped his fingers on the strings. Not too heavy nor too light, Temari’s vocals had depth, which gave the song impact. The twin guitars of kaname (ex-gossip) and wayne wove a very bright melody that was easy on the ears. In the next song, Snoozy and roll, bassist Koto (ex-Sugar) fingered the rhythm, striking the strings in perfect tempo. Temari’s lengthy vocals were especially notable in this song.

Sinker, one of the songs on their first release - which went on sale that day - was fast paced from the start and showed the aggressive side of amber gris. Yuuma’s rolling drums and Koto’s melodious bass flowed perfectly with the twin guitars of kaname and wayne. Temari sang out the lyrics, putting the finishing touch on their enchanting world.

The next song was another from their release, the dramatic Lizard Skin. The song started with Yuuma’s strong drumming accompanied by screaming guitars, followed by the calm but expressive vocals of Temari. The contrast of the group's calmness and heaviness was apparent in the song, and the members' synchronized moves became more flexible. Temari’s shouts and the aggressive play of the other members had the audience headbanging and punching the air.

During the MC, Temari thanked the audience and applause arose. Screams of the members' names could be heard from the frenzied fans, many of whom had been waiting for their comeback. Seeing some of the fans in tears, Temari said, “Please hold your tears till you get home.” He continued, “See, it's been a while since we've been on stage, and guys like us get emotional and nervous too.” Laughter broke out in the audience, and seeing their smiles, he went on to say, “That is better.” Thanking the audience once again, he added, “Let’s make it a wonderful night."

Giniro no Coffin started. Warm orange and yellow lights lit the stage as the introduction of the twin guitars started harmoniously. Once again, the band swept the venue away with their enchanting world. At the end, Temari sang a phrase a cappella, then dropped down on the floor. The last song, Love at the first., then began. Temari shouted out, “Last!!” The lights changed to flashing blue and green. The song had the audience pumping their fists, and the members were moving more on stage. Temari showed up at both corners of the stage to sing, while wayne and kaname both played their guitars by the drums. By the end of the song, the venue was packed with fans punching the air.

As the live ended, the members all looked delighted. Temari shouted his thanks again and left the stage. Following him, the other members waved their hands to the audience and left one by one. Although each band that was part of the unique line-up that day gave interesting performances, amber gris was definitely the jewel of them all as their first official event went perfectly.

Set List:

1. OP
2. Snoozy and roll
3. Sinker.
4. Lizard Skin.
5. Giniro no Coffin
6. Love in the first.