Maria Secret Live in Shinjuku Review

I can't think of any words to express myself right now, so I'll just bottle it up into one big, goofy smile. ^______^

The secret live was awesome, and you couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. I'd say there were well over a hundred people there by the time it got started if you don't count the other hundreds of people walking by well within earshot. I got there at 2:20ish, and they were playing "Chiisana" from the speakers (I feel so sorry for the people who were the closest to the stage. They must have been listening to it for 2 hours or more. No song should be played on repeat for that long). At a few minutes to 3pm, a women got on the stage to welcome the crowd. There was a large digital clock on the Alta building behind us which she ask us to turn around and watch. When it struck 3, the large tv screen underneath began playing a debut trailer for Maria that ended with the animation from their website advertising the live. We turned back around and Ayuka and Sacchin were on the stage.

They started jamming on their guitars as the rest of the band walked out and joined in (last being Maiko). It went on for a good two minutes or so, then they stopped to welcome the crowd before launching into "Chiisa na Uta". I retract my above comment about this song. When you're playing it on your headphones, it's ok; when you're hearing it live, it's awesome! They did the introductions next then played the c/w song on their debut single. Then they set their instruments down (at which point I started to sulk) and lined up at the front of the stage for a little chat time with the crowd.

The mic went down the line starting with Ayuka. I didn't understand everybody, but Tattsu commented on the awesome weather they had for that day (especially since it's been raining and cold all week here). Maiko talked about how they had been practicing there that morning, and she'd been looking out at the empty area and wondering how many people would come. Aika might have said something along those lines, too.

There were three things I learned. One, Sacchin has one MAD perm! If that's all her real hair, then dang, you go girl! Two, Tattsu is way shorter than the other members. Three, Reina is most definitely in the lead for winning the title of "Most hyperactive member". Everyone who'd spoken before her had been very calm and adultlike, but the second this little girl had the mic in her hand "MINASAN! ARIGATOU GOZAIMASU!!!". "genki"...is not the adjective for you.

When they finished, they had the crowd turn to the back and the front to pose for all the cameras. They said a little bit more which included the nearing debut and event in Ikebukuro and a coming summer tour then exited stage left.

All the girls are cool, and they definitely know how to "rock out" in the visual sense (and of, course the musical). Their only problem is they have a lame crowd. Only about 15% of the people were into it (meaning, they actually moved). The rest just stood stalk still and watched, and if they hadn't clapped and cheered in between songs, I would have really wanted to know what they thought of them. It seemed to be hampering the girls a little bit which is why I got annoyed. Besides the fact that it was probably wreaking havoc on their already stressed out nerves, it's impossible to be upbeat and energetic on stage if you're getting 0 reaction from the crowd. But *sigh* that's just the (exasperating) way Japanese crowds are, so I doubt it was any indication they didn't win the crowd.

I have very high hopes for them, and I figure it’s only going to be a matter of time before they explode on to the jpop scene. And if they don’t…who gives a flip?! As long as they get the support they need to keep doing what they’re doing and enjoy it, it’s all good!

small fan base = smaller performance venues = closer proximity to stage = musical ecstasy

Van Tomiko Live in Ebisu review

Just got in from Ebisue (my feet are killing me). Not too much to say. It was pretty quick (Vanchan's part anyway). Glad to say that the crowd definitely seemed to have come just for Vanchan (couple hundred I'd say). There were some crazy group of girls up front with a sign who were there before I got there. (that was at 12:48 btw). There was also a dude there wearing a DAI shirt. Anyway, Minmi was good, the guest djs I skipped cuz my Japanese sucks, and BoA just chatted with the djs. A bit after 5, they anounced Vanchan was coming on soon (*cheers*), and after a bit more waiting, she came out. ^__^ She was wearing jeans and something like that red dress thing in the Mina pics except it was black with white sleaves (and less flashy with no slit up the side). Her hair was just like the Mina pics but a bit more curly, too. She sat with the djs and had some chat time in which the guy mentioned something about the fashion of Vanchan's album cover. Then, Vanchan got on stage and sang "Farewell" followed by "Hold Me" (short version). She went back to sit with the djs for a little more chat time then it was bye bye. I don't know what it was, but, after she went behind the white wall where the djs were sitting, some people RUSHED to the right side of the plaza. I'm guessing she must have went from behind the white wall into the building next to the plaza, so everyone wanted to see her?Anyway, about Vanchan...I think she's a little freaked out (though, my thoughts could be influence by what I've been reading here lately). When BoA came out, and during her talk time with the djs, she looked "all" around the plaza (1st and second floor). She smiled and waved at everyone and made good eye contact with the ones that were jumping up and down. I was standing on the second floor, left side...Vanchan never looked up there. She wasn't "looking" at the crowd on the 1st floor all that much either. When she got on stage to sing, she didn't really say much. (I thought she was going to chat with the crowd a bit since before she was really only talking to the djs). She just went straight to it. I had a thought that it seemed like she didn't want to be up there which...is probably quite true when it's just you, the stool, and your water bottle sitting on stage. She also came in a little late for the last verse of "Hold Me". No biggy. She got it together and didn't wig out. (or maybe the track screwed up because I actually had thought she came in on time). Also, she screwed up reading her own name. XD But it was so cute! It was at the end where I think she was reading some info to the crowd, and she was like "O, that's my name isn't in?", lol! The female dj laughed and was like "shikkari shite, Vanchan".Besides that, she sang like an angel. ^__^ I do hope, though, that, when she starts doing lives, Avex will get a live band to perform with her. It's not like Goto Maki where she's dancing on stage. She's just sitting there, so singing with a track seems a little boring. Might help her nerves, too.