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Learn your Japanese vowels-The Oral Cigarettes FIXION review

Ever found something that is so addicting that you’re unable to stop listening? This is the power of The Oral Cigarettes’(TOC below) music which puts the band under the spotlight. TOC is known for performing the opening theme for the anime Noragami, where the band gains their huge popularity.

FIXTION opens with the single 気づけよBaby (KIZUKE YO BABY), the song opens with a catchy riff and followed with their biggest hit 狂乱 Hey Kids!! (KYOURAN HEY KIDS!!). These two singles are definitely the stand out of tracks of the album, which severs a strong opening for FIXTION.  Despite FIXTION is an album with upbeat and fast-paced tracks, エイミー (EIMI) is a single that offers an alternative. In contrast with the overall funky and playful tone in the first four tracks of the album, the vocal in エイミー is more sincere. It conveys one’s sorrow and regretting another person’s departure on a heartfelt level. The similar tone continues in the second half of the album, 通り過ぎた季節の空で (Toorisugita kisetsu no sora de) also communicates a similar message in エイミー. 

Approaching to the end of the album, TOC turns back to their usual upbeat and funky tone in A-I-U-E. A-I-U-E is a song that echoes the title of the album. The track consists of the repetitive line of “A-I-U-E” which are the major vowels in Japanese (missing o ), as vowels and words resemble writing which relates to the word ‘fiction’ (well-played guys). After this song, you’ll be able to grasp the basic Japanese phonology (A-I-U-E, A-I-U-E, A-I-U-E). FIXITON is an album with tracks that are able to a stark contrast, which gives a distinctive feature to each song just like a collection of different stories. FIXITION is able to showcase TOC’s ability in songwriting, composing; that they’re skilled and ambitious. TOC is a band that everyone should keep their eyes on for more exciting projects.

Listen to: 狂乱 Hey Kids!! , A-I-U-E

For fans of: SUPERBEAVER, MAN WITH A MISSION

Note

I’ve always been a fan of JRock on an international level, as in I only to listen to Japanese bands that perform their song solely in English.  This limits my options for bands, leaving a huge section of the JRock category that I have yet explored. As I develop an interest in the language, I’ve started the learn Japanese and now I’ve able understand basic Japanese (I am no expert).

Bonus: me practicing hiragana ✌🏻

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Snow is better than no show, The Xcerts, Heaven, London gig review

Thanks to ‘Beast from the East’ drifting snow and the bitter wind has caused several weather warnings across the UK. Despite this weather condition caused major disruptions, it did not stop people from travelling to London for The Xcerts. The Dark offered a soulful opening to the show, the following of Daydream warmed the crowd up with the fast pace guitar melody. By the third song, I Don’t Care which seems to a crowd favourite judging by the singalongs that was going on. The major highlight of the set was Will Gardner (Black Peaks) performing saxophone parts in the record live. It was a huge surprise for anybody who’ve been listening to the album Hold On To Your Heart would know noticeable saxophone parts. The encore of the set was a throwback where the band played singles from their first and second album. The acoustic performance of Crisis in the Slow Lane and Aberdeen 1987 were emotional moments with a heartfelt vocal from frontman Murray Macleod. The band’s most popular single Slackerpop was performed with a massive crowd chanting the chorus ‘I’ll be your man, I’ll be your mannequin’. The set came to end with the latest single Feels Like Falling in Love which was the hype for the crowd as some people decided to start a mosh pit (I can’t deny the fact that it is a song gets you pumping). What is better to wrap up the set in this cold weather with a heartwarming song. 

Link to my review of The Xcerts’ Hold On To Your Heart

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It’s not a phrase mom! Movements Outgrown Things review

Outgrown Things is the debut EP from California emo/post-hardcore band Movements. Forming in 2015, Movements is a newcomer in the alternative scene. In a short amount of time, the band has produced one EP and a full-length album. Nonetheless, the band were playing in the 2017 Warped Tour and now they are touring with the new album Feel Something across US/UK EU. Movements have mapped out a very fruitful career ahead of them. I’ve found this band through my youtube suggestions, since then,  I’ve been playing this EP all summer because I was hooked on tunes and lyrics.  Although there are only 6 tracks on this EP, they all came into to a full circle of the coming of age feelings which is somewhat related to the EP’s title. The first track Kept opens with a power riff which sets the tone of the track and it leaves a very strong impression on me when I first listen. It demonstrates the post-hardcore side of the band with the balanced screams and clean vocals.The video of the track is trying to heighten the lyrics of the track as it is conveying the argument with the inner self in the search for self-worth. The mirroring effect works well with the line ‘ Give me something to believe in I'll give you something to forget’,  as if the vocalist, Patrick Miranda, is looking for strength within himself to carry on. 

Nineteen is a mix of raw vocals and spoken words, the track represents the confusion and anxiety of entering adulthood. Nineteen is period of time where you’re expected to be like an adult because you’re slowly approaching twenties and yet,  you’re still young given that you’re only got your first taste of adulthood (speaking from my personal experience).  Worst wishes is a track filled with anger and aching hearts as the lyrics of the track suggests a failed relationship. Again, Worst Wishes is a good example of the hardcore side of Movements. Hatchet by far is my favourite track in this EP, it captures what Movements sounds like, screams, raw vocals and spoken words. The track gets slower as it progresses and fades into an ambient sound, which shows a contrast with the up beating and hard drumming at the beginning. Vacant Home is an interesting track that goes back and forth between spoken words and raw vocals. It reminds me of bands like La Dispute and Hotel Books. The final track Losing Fight is a very emotional one for me, it has a slow and quiet start and it gradually builds up to an emotional outro. Lyrically, I feel like this song is a message from someone who is suffering from mental health issues because this feeling that the person is experiencing is eating them up inside.Hence these dark thoughts and demons and taking over. The sense of helplessness as the title of the track suggests ends with a breakdown ‘I am not alright’, revealing the most honest emotion. 

The band will touring across US & Canada in March, UK/EU from April to May for the very first time 

Listen to: Kept, Hatchet, Worst Wishes, Losing Fight  

For fans of: Citizen, Basement, Trophy Eyes

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Let our hearts be the only sound, James Bay Wild Love review

The guy with long hair, in a hat and the guitar, you probably know he is. Singer-songwriter James Bay has return with a new single Wild Love and an astonishing new look (shook, the hair was lush). It clearly marks out a new era of James Bay’s music after the release of Chaos and the Calm in 2015. James Bay’s is something unusual from my regular iTunes playlist, in fact, I'm a fan of his music since the first EP The Dark of the Morning ( ‘I was listening to him before he was big’ stop please). I was intrigued by his pure voice and talent, he is a rarity that made it into the mainstream music scene.

The new single Wild Love shows a lot of progression from the Chaos and the Calm era because of the change in sound. Subsequently, there are mixed thoughts and opinions regarding the new material. Likes most people, I enjoy James Bay’s music because it is unique, that he is creating something different. Thereby, I understand the disappointments that Wild Love receives. The one flaw in this song that I simply can’t ignore is the ‘overproduced’ sound which conceals the real talent that brought him into the spotlight in the first place. It is a rather brave move to switch from the consistent stripped back and almost acoustic sound to a more synthed pop style. Given that Chaos and the Calm has been certified platinum in UK and Denmark, it mapped out a formula for success for the singer.

New sound and artist progression could be a risk in some case as some audience may not like the development (which explains my disappointment with the new Fall Out Boy record). Sometimes playing it safe by repeating the same formula might not be the best option as people will get bored. Certainly, it is difficult to balance out the two factors in order to cater everyone. Wild Love might be out of the comfort zone of some listener, it is less focused on Bay’s vocal. Whether this change is intentional or not, the sound of the song is getting bigger than the older materials. There is also a pattern of singer-songwriters like Bay who changes their sound in their latest release. George Ezra’s new single Paradise has a more striking and multi-instrumental approach which differs to the ballad-like singles on his debut Voyage. Tom Odell’s single Wrong Crowd in the album Wrong Crowd has a more electronic sound, whereas his debut Long Way Down emphasises on the signature piano sound. Of all changes that these singers made, their distinctive vocal remains unchanged. In the end, they are the same artist who incorporates something new in their craft. Hopefully, there will be surprises in the upcoming James Bay album, needless to say, the new look is already one.

Artist have announced intimate UK & US tour 

For fans of: George Ezra, Vance Joy, Lorde 

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1,2,3 play! Marmozets Know What You Know Now album review

The Weird and Wonderful Marmozets, the debut album of Marmozets came out in 2014. It marks the liveliness and energy that the band has to offer. Since then, there is nothing slowing Marmozets down with the return of a fearless second album. What makes Marmozets stand out from the crowd is the distinctive vocal and the unconventional female lead (bands with frontwoman deserves more recognition in the rock music scene).  Vocalist Becca Macintyre showcases easily switched melodic and harsh vocals in both album, which gives dynamic to the tracks. 

First single Play is owning its title by an inviting intro that makes you want to stand up and move. The chorus ‘I don’t dance ’cos I want to / I dance ’cos I need to’ sums up the essence of the song. Habits is a great example of the vocal switch, the building up in the bridge of the song is full of energy. The vocal getting more intense gradually, as well as the riffs. Vocal stretches in Major System Error return to Marmozets’ typical garage punk sounds. Despite Marmozets’ sound is often described as angst and erratic, there are tacks with a much softer tone in Knowing What You Know Now. Insomnia is an almost ballad like track with a sense of eeriness to it. Run With The Rhythm started off slow and constructing itself to an anthem chorus. Such contrasting tracks in the same album showing that Marmozets are keen on exploring their sounds fearlessly. Personally, I would prefer Marmozets’ debut rather than Know What You Know Now. The band still maintains their fierceness, however, I was expecting heavier materials in this record.Tracks with a faster pace and big chorus in Know What You Know Now are the hearts of Marmozets’ sound, which exhibit their true potential in the rock music scene. 

The Band is currently touring in UK, Europe and US in March 

Listen to: Play, Habits, Major System Error 

For fans of: Royal Blood, Dinosaur Pile Up, Pulled Apart by Horses 

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80s teenage dreams with a contemporary twist, The Xcerts Hold On To Your Heart album review

Scottish (now Brighton) trio The Xcerts dropped their fourth album Hold On To Your Heart in mid-January. The stripped back and 80s heartland rock style is bringing excitement to the alternative music scene in 2018. Nonetheless, the band is not shying away from the influence of Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen and 80s teen movie soundtracks. Reviving the 80s nostalgia is certainly a trend in the film and tv sector for the past year (Stranger Things, IT etc). Music wise, it is a getaway from the repetitive and rather blend electric guitar melodies.

Although Hold On To Your Heart is going in a different direction that The Xcerts are progressing in years, the songwriting is not swaying from singalong anthems. The catchy chorus of the first single Feels Like Falling in Love is all about the bittersweet feelings of romantic love. Accompany by a music video in the style of American Beauty ‘s iconic rose petals scene. This song is living our 80s fantasy.

The glorious saxophone in Drive Me Wild is the highlight of the album, it is almost as iconic as the one in Careless Whisper; filled with contradicting feeling of passion and agony. Second single Daydream and Crazy are the adrenaline rushes in this record, just imagine driving a fast car after a breakup or trying to ‘get the girl’. Last track on the album, Cry is a genuine track from a broken heart which seems to be a nice wrap of a heartfelt album. The sense hopelessly romantic has never such strong since the release of Bleed American (at least for me). Hold On To Your Heart is a love letter to everyone out there that there is beauty in love (or in life )no matter how bleak things could get.

The band is touring in UK from February to March 

Listen to: Feels Like Falling In Love, Drive Me Wild, Crazy, Cry

For fans of: Fatherson, Idlewild, Nothing But Thieves 

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The transmedia storytelling of Skam and what audience relationships are constructed here?

Transmedia storytelling is a technique that transmits a single story or a story experience across different platform through digital technologies. The main story related content will be posted on different social channels for fans engagement. Skam (NRK 2015-2017) is a Norwegian teen drama that follows the daily life of teenagers who are attending the Hartvig Nissen School. The series received a large amount of fan engagements on social media internationally, despite Skam only broadcasts in Norwegian. Social media is an important part of the series as the teenagers in Skam are surrounded by it, nonetheless, it serves the purpose of engaging an audience. Characters in Skam had their own social media accounts as a part of the transmedia storytelling element.

In episode 1, Isak and his friends are in a party. The group is discussing who should hide the stash and Isak offers to take it. Isak spotted the police arriving the party, he hides the stash and escapes. However, the police stops Isak when he tries to escape. While the police ask for Isak’s ID, Isak notices his friend Jonas is down the road. Isak gave a fake name to the police and hopped on Jonas’ bike. On the same night, Isak posted a video on Instagram of him riding the bike with Jonas while escaping the police. The transmedia technique invites the audience into Isak’s world as if they are his friends. Although it is a social media account of a fictional character, it provides some kind of ‘realness’ to the audience as it integrates into their social media feeds. Patrick McDermott suggests that ‘‘Skam is helping people cope in a new way, by making the real world a more exciting place to be’ (McDermott: 2017). Transmedia storytelling in Skam provides an escape for fans from the dreariness of real life and dive into the Skam universe.

Time is significant to the narrative as it records every detail in the life of a character. New materials on Skam are published in real time, in which there are new clips or text messages uploaded on the website any time of the day prior to the release of the full episode. To anchor the ‘realness’ in Skam, fictional characters interact with each other on social media. After the party in Eva’s house, Isak texted Eva about a lost sweater in order to retrieve the stash he had hidden in her house. The text message between Isak and Eva is uploaded on the website at the same time they texted each other. It creates anticipation for the audience while they wait for more updates from different characters. 

Skam has devoted fandoms across different social platforms driven by the audience’s emotional response to the show. Millennial fans take pride in their creative authorship on the internet. As fans share their communion, the ‘emotion fuels fan transformative creativity, and performances of shared emotion define fan authorship communities’ (Stein 2015: 156). Thereby creating their own transmedia materials, such as fan fictions and GIFs. The friendship/ romantic relationship development between Isak and Even is a source for fans to create transmedia materials. ‘Feels’ (Stein 2015:156) is the force behind the creativity, the audience shares the same role of being a viewer and an author. Moreover, Even’s character is introduced in a transmedia format. There is a lack of backstory of Even partly because he is a new character being introduced in the season and the narrative is focusing on Isak. Isak tries to find this mysterious stranger on social media but Even does not have any. Until Isak stumbles upon a video of Even on the internet. Even’s identity is revealed in the video instead of incorporating into the narrative. The narrative is aligning both Isak and the audience’s perspective, they are eager to find out more information about Even while leaving a space for imagination. Therefore,Skam places their audience in an active role through transmedia storytelling and encourage fan engagement with the programme. 

Bibliography

McDermott, Patrick. 2017. “Why The Whole Planet Is Obsessed With This Norwegian Teen Drama” in Fader. http://www.thefader.com/2017/04/10/skam-season-4-sana-isak-even-nrk-interview [accessed 11 Nov 2017].

Stein, Louisa Ellen. 2015. Millennial fandom: television audiences in the transmedia age. (Iowa City: University of Iowa Press).

Teleography

Skam, (NRK 2015-2017) eps 3.1 & 3.2

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The poster I’ve designed for my first year collab film

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****Artist research-Chris Marker****

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****Dragon fruit sketches on mix medias****

Bottom image: Dragon fruit drawing in the style of Philip Guston

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****Art piece in progress****

Theme: Occupy Central Movement in Hong Kong Top image: influenced by Glenn Kaino's "Tron and Restored Newspaper #2", words cut out on newspaper that reported the event

Bottom image: rubber stamps that I made for the final art piece. Viewers can express their opinion on the occupy movement through stamping on the newspaper. (From left to right: the fist stamp represents the support to the occupy movement, the second stamp represents neutral and the third stamp represents not supporting the occupy movement )

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****Title: Declining****

This is a conceptual piece on the attack of the journalist Kevin Lau. Lau is the chief editor of the Hong Kong’s daily newspaper-Ming Pao. Ming Pao is a newspaper company that support democracy and values the freedom of press. The art piece consist of 3 different elements, a butcher knife, a circular newspaper skin base and a wooden stool. The knife and wooden stool are the iconic weapons in Hong Kong triad movies. News headlines of the incident covered the top of the circular newspaper skin base and the knife is showing the action of chopping which indicates that the journalist is being butchered. During the process of making, I planned to use a real chopping board for my art piece but the material of the chopping is strong, so I have to choose another malleable material. I choose a circular foam base to symoblise the chopping board. The watercolour painted pattern on the side of the circular newspaper base went well because it is able to convey the idea. My art piece was inspirited by Joseph Kosuth’s One and Three Chairs. Kosuth’s art piece highlights the relation between object, picture and language whereas my art piece is based on news and the local culture. This piece can further improvise by painting the similar pattern on top of the circular foam base.

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****Title: Beach Day****

A video diary that records my adventure to the beach

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****Title: How much do you know about the world?****

I was inspired by the way that I read the news, which is from the social media. Through this piece I am questioning the fact that we should rely on social media or stay with the mainstream media because news in these days is often gone viral or escalated on social media. The spread of news is much quicker on social networking site because everyone can easily access to it and to publish anything on it. In the centre of my installation piece, there is a video that asks the viewer a question “how much do you know about the world?” which framed a mindset for the viewer, so they can further understand about this piece. The texts that are shown in this piece are news articles of world news that are spread on the social media. The words are inverted because I wanted the viewer to spend some time on decoding these words and it also draws the attention of the viewers. This installation is placed in a small room, the only thing that the viewers can focus on is the inverted text and they are forced to confront this issue. The composition is very balanced but the cable line is distracting for this piece, I should tape the cable line on the floor beforehand. I should a pedestal for placing the laptop instead of a random table.

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****Title: How not to shop a beginner's guide to have fun on grocery day****

A 5x5 video showing a shopper having fun in a tiny grocery store which shows the lack of space in the city

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****Title:Graham Street****

I name my video art piece as Graham Street because it is where the video is taken. The concept of this piece is about the renewal project in Graham Street wet market which destroys part of Hong Kong’s culture. Through this piece, viewers can experience my journey in Graham Street. The video itself act as a journal that record what I did during the visit at the wet market. The choice of colours fading away in this video went well, which shows my personal emotion in this piece. The video starts with photos in saturated colours, when the video comes to the end it shows a black and white sign that posted by the Urban Renewal Authority which it stated that the property is belong the Urban Renewal Authority. The last scene is the main point of this video; the photo stays on the screen while the background music is gone. It gives space for viewers to think and reflect on it. The problem that I face is during photo edit. A few of my photos are overexposed. I cropped out the overexposed areas and I used pixlr to low the exposure of the photo. Chris Marker’s La Jetee influenced this piece. Marker uses the duration of each photo as the measure of time. When there’s more photos are being shown in a short period of time it will show a faster pace of the video. I adapted the way that Marker shows time in La Jetee to my piece and the duration of the movement are relatively faster than the other shots.