Locally Owned and Operated...Special Issue... Regular Issue Out June 14
Japanese Visual Kei bands Umbrella and Uchusentai:Noiz Rock Anime North What is Visual Kei? Visual Kei is a Japanese music movement and subculture that has been popular since the 1980’s. The artists wear makeup, have elaborate hairstyles and costumes, usually coupled with androgynous aesthetics. More Japanese bands are venturing to North America playing alongside mainstream alternative bands or at convention such as Anime North and gaining popularity. The Toronto Congress Centre was rocking with the return of two Japanese Visual Kei bands: Umbrella and Uchusentai:Noiz. For the first time, Anime North’s Fashion Show invited two J-rock bands to participate in the Visual Kei fashion segment scheduled on Saturday afternoon in Hall A of the TCC. The band members modeled their style of clothing each revealing their own personality on the runaway to cheering fans. It was a great way to kick-start their concert later that day. A media press conference took place on Friday and I had the opportunity to chat with Umbrella and Uchusentai:Noiz. Umbrella, originally from Kansai region the four band members consist of: Yui, vocalist; Syu, guitar, al, bass and Sho, drums. Umbrella has been together for five years having formed in March 2010. They have appeared at overseas concerts and have performed at Saitama Super Arena, and have hosted events and one-band concerts to one sold out show after another. The concept is an “umbrella over your heart”. Their style can be described as beautiful melancholy melodies with an alternative sound. Umbrella performed at Anime North two years ago. Their new look and mature sound was reflected in Hall C of the Toronto Congress Centre on May 23rd as they performed on stage in front of a cheering crowd where fans were singing along side with the vocalist, Yui. When asked what they were looking forward to their second visit to Canada, Yui explained: “It’s been a while since we were last here at Anime North. We hope to show the fans how much we have grown throughout the years. The last time there were lots of firsts and didn’t know how the audience would react. This time I’m looking forward to how they will perceive us because we’ve improved.” Hal mentioned how the fans bought their CD two-years ago and are familiar with the band. “Hopefully this will lead to more passion and will have more fun during the live and hope the Canadian fans will accept us even more so we can come back again,” said Hal. Canadian fans embraced their music although Umbrella performed all their songs in Japanese. “The lyrics are in Japanese some people may not be able to understand them but we hope that fans will not just focus on the lyrics but also on the music and how we move on stage,” expressed Yui. Syu feels there are no boundaries when it comes to music. As far as adjusting their performance when travelling overseas, Umbrella doesn’t believe they need to adjust their concert. “Umbrella is good for what it’s always been good for and we shouldn’t have to change depending where I am in order to show how good the band is,” added Yui, vocalist. What are their thoughts when it comes to attending an anime convention? “At an event like this everyone is doing what they really like and having a good time it’s a lot of fun being able to interact,” said Sho, the drummer. For Syu “I get to interact with a lot of different people.”Yui enjoys the entire anime and otaku culture including cosplay. “I don’t really understand the anime and otaku culture so when I come here and seeing if for the first time it’s a fresh experience for me. It’s not what I see in Japan,” said Hal. One aspect of the Canadian culture that caught their attention is their love for “poutine”. This poutine loving band just can’t seem to get enough of it. At the meet and greet a fan asked what was their favourite English word and food other than “poutine”, Yui answered “poutine” for both. You can expect a new mini album titled “Kinema Chromatograph”（キネマトグラフ） from Umbrella set for release on June 21st. For more information visit their website at xxumbrellaxx.com or Facebook/Twitter pages.