Rock Band Japan Part VI

Back around June of last year, there was announcement that Rock Band was going to be localized for the Land of the Rising Sun. Being a huge fan of Japanese Music, I started writing about bands that I would like to see on the game. One of my problems with games like Rock Band/Guitar Hero is that the music has to appeal to you for you to really enjoy it. I had been out of American Music for so long that I really didn't know who any of the bands were. We haven't heard anything about the project since then, so I'm a little worried. Maybe Harmonix and Q Entertainment realized that a multiplayer game with big bulky instruments wouldn't work in the small living spaces of Japan. In case the project is still in works, here's a post about a band I would love to see in the game.

The band was originally formed in high school with six members but as time moved on and interests changed they lost members and gained others. Finally around college time, they solidified into the three piece rock group known as Chatmonchy.

The first time I heard this band was when I watched the PV for Shangri-la I was immediately hooked as the upbeat bouncy song started off with Bassist Fukuoka Akiko and her hopping around on one leg. Her energy is unmatched and I'm always looking to see what she's doing in the videos or on stage. I've heard complaints about the band sounding annoying due to Hashimoto Eriko's nasally voice, but that's the something that you can't escape in Japanese music. I actually really like that quality and I think it's just something that you just get used to honestly.

I have to say two things. One, I like this band because of it's simple complexity. I think a lot of bands try to do too much and smush everything into their songs and it's hard to listen to. Others are too simple that I can't really grasp onto anything and it becomes kinda boring. The middle ground is what I find about this band and also the drummer Takahashi Kumiko. The second thing I wanted to say was that Takahashi Kumiko is one of my favorite drummers. While I can't say that I am greatest dummer myself or say that she is among the elite in the world, for the same reason I love the band, I love Takahashi Kumiko and her drumming. It's more of being skillful at knowing who you are and what fits your type of music. If I could one day be on the same level as her, then I would have accomplished everything I wanted out of the drums.

Chatmonchy is one of the reasons why I prefer Japanese rock over American music. Every person in this band has their part and they play their pieces perfectly. I feel that it transcends just a music rock band. That is why I chose their newest song to be on Rock Band Japan. Please listen and try to envision what kind of emotion or feelings are being conveyed through the music and imagery. Try to get over the fact that you're not Skyliner and you can't understand the words. Focus more on how the vocals are used, how her voice builds during the chorus. Why and what is she calling out? Also listen to how the back up vocals are used.

Chatmonchy - Last Love Letter


Now, you've heard the music, here are the lyrics. If even one person heard what I did and understood why I listen to Japanese music, then I feel satisfied with my post.

If you liked the song, here is a Live Version (Please Watch In High Quality)
Sometimes you can find out more about the personality of a band by seeing them play live.

Also here is the link to the last Rock Band Japan post I wrote. You can also click on the Labels link the the bottom of this post to bring up all of them.
Rock Band Japan (Part V) - Asian Kung-Fu Generation


Thanks for reading my post,
David