abingdon boys school at Zepp Tokyo - Japan Tour 2010

After releasing a rather successful second album, abingdon boys school, led by vocalist Takanori Nishikawa, went on a tour in Japan. The group had previously held a tour in Europe and released a special edition CD in Europe, and returned to Japan on their Japan Tour 2010 at Zepp Tokyo.

Upon arrival, the trademark atmosphere in Zepp Tokyo was easy to take in with all the Austin Mini’s around. But as an extra novelty, the programming corner, as well as the hood of a Jaguar’s headlights, flashed a few times during the show. Toshiyuki Kishi also had his own car present, so the integration of the Jaguar with the show was a promotion of some sorts. Inside Zepp Tokyo, the heat from the crowd as well as the heating of the building, made it somewhat uncomfortable. However, it didn't dampen the audience's excitement as nocturne came out over the speakers. Soon the members came on stage, huddled together and gave a rousing cheer to begin the show. The moment fused with the feeling felt in the first song, the single STRENGTH. The song was loud with heavy guitar playing, forceful drums and an airy piano melody.

For those who have never seen Takanori Nishikawa on stage, know that him and the rest of abingdon boys school are currently amongst the best Japanese performers. Takanori’s voice is perfection and holds remarkable power. The second track, freedom, highlighted some good bass playing within the song. Takanori, who was very energetic, climbed on to a Mini several times to rouse the crowd. The white heat seemed blinding and became the opportune moment for the band to start HOWLING, which included a part on a moving turntable. With his voice more nervous sounding during the neo-metal piece, Takanori's shrill and broken screams interestingly resembled Chester Bennington's (Linkin Park, Dead By Sunrise). The first set before the MC ended with abingdon boys school performing NERVOUS BREAKDOWN. Takanori enticed the audience, allowing them to touch him and sensually moving around. For a few members of the audience, his trademark movements were nearly too much.

The track and I love… showed once again high quality vocals from Takanori and included the first solo performance of the evening. Shibasaki started it off and emphasized the musical aspect of the performance rather than the technical side, and minutes later the inverse of that was shown by SUNAO as he notably embellished pieces with speed picking and great technicality. These two styles were entirely different, but the quality of each fused together nicely. The track Siren proved the opposite, being both amazing and deliciously infectious. Green, purple and red lights illuminated the place. It was as if a demon had possessed Takanori as he gave voice to a series of growls and screams. The song was a complete success with the audience.

Another surprise was the track -SOUEN-, where the group invited a rapper on stage. Unfortunately, the rapper from the hip-hop group Insist was rather feeble. Although the two styles mixed together well, something stuck out and had to be covered up by Takanori and the rest of the members. At the end of the live, fans received their fair share of fan-service when the singer - although hesitant to the idea - embraced his guest before a charmed audience. The moment ended when Kishi climbed up behind his Jaguar to start a new rhythm.

The first set list ended with an appropriate selection, Kimi no Uta. Fans soon demanded an encore and before too long, the members returned to the stage, wearing T-shirts stamped with the British rosette. Takanori then took some time to speak about the European tour and expressed his joy in organizing it. The trip down memory lane was marked by an a cappella version of the song From Dusk Till Dawn. The video for the song had just been filmed in Europe and was a great lead in to informing the audience about the tour. Afterward, Takanori started to play an acoustic guitar accompaniment to a cover of LUNA SEA’s Sweetest Coma Again. With only one more song left, it was time for the end. The live ended on a relatively upbeat note with Athena, a piece that led the audience to cease dancing and gather as one group.

abingdon boys school’s live was a privilege for everyone to attend. The grace of the musicians, the vocalists’ catchy performance and the range of compositions between pop and metal make them one of the best mainstream rock groups in recent years. Takanori Nishikawa has always been avant-garde and an engine of creativity, whether his niche lies in J-pop or J-rock.


Set list:

Intro : nocturne
01. STRENGTH.
02. Freedom
03. HOWLING
04. NERVOUS BREAKDOWN
05. and I love...
~ Shibasaki solo ~
06. PINEAPPLE ARMY
~ SUNAO solo ~
07. Siren
08. -SOUEN-
~ Kishi solo ~
09. Valkyrie
10. Fre@K $HoW
11. Shiosai
12. JAP
13. INNOCENT SORROW
14 Kimi no uta

EN1. From Dusk Till Dawn
EN2. BLADE CHORD
EN3. Sweetest Coma Again
EN4. Athena