#kannivalism

[darumaji]

Ryo from Kannivalism in Cure vol. 30 (Jan 2006)

[drkreviews]

Baroque - First the Music, Then the Style

Here I am with a new band special in “Focusing on”! Today’s subject is a visual band, which had a troubling and various career, but despite everything, they never stopped being good. We’re talking about Baroque, formed on 2001 and currently composed by Ryo (vo.) and Kei (gt.), both former members of the famous band Kannivalism; they used to have other members in the past, like Akira (gt.), who left on 2013, Bansaku (ba.), departed on 2012 and Yuji (dr.), who substituted Naru on 2002 and left the band the following year. The band name is a possible reference to the artistic current with the same name, even if they doesn’t have so much in relation with it. In fact their most relevant feature is their attitude in not being attached to a single style, fitting it to the sound they want to propose each time, making them lacking of a definite concept. Considered as one of the pioneers of the oshare kei, their genre, started as a funny punk-rock, enclosed more melodious themes, up to integrate electronic music as a basis until the current days, where they evolved the sound, as a duo, in a mature version of their best works. Their debut occured on 28th February 2002 with the first mini-album Tokyo Stripper, followed by the singles Sukebe Boy (Pervert boy), Chaplin and ila..

The title-track is a really cheerful rock theme, with soft vocals and well refined by the instruments; the song is about hoping for a future of peace and tranquillity. It has been followed by the singles Gariron, Gakidou (My street) and Nutty a Hermit. and the first album Sug Life (reviewed here). Then the band, because of Akira’s health issues, decided to disband on 2004, for then being reunited on 2011 as a three-man band. In this new phase they released the singles Monodrama, Teeny-tiny star, Rinzen identity (Ridiculous identity), Zazafuri ame (Pouring rain), Mellow Hollow and Kizuna (Bonds).

The title-track mixes up the cheerfulness of Baroque’s sound with a more energetic and mature touch; the song is about the fraility of human relationships. It has been followed by the single Tatoeba kimi to boku (For example, you and I), the second album Non-fiction and the compilation Complete Collection 2001-2004. Then, because of Bansaku’s disappearance, occurred some month before, the band suspended their own activities on 2012, for reprising it as duo on 2015. They started this new musical phase, maturer than before, releasing the third album Planetary Secret (reviewed here), followed by the singles Girl, An Eternity and Flower of Romance (these last ones are reviewed here).

An Eternity represents their musical change for sure, as the theme is more atmospheric and fascinating, accompained by melting vocals and a compelling guitar; the song is about the sense of human life.

Baroque is a band which went through a lot of obstacles and turns, but despite everything they are always appealing and unpredictable. Evolving from their oshare kei roots, the band arrived to an unexpected and awesome maturation, going from simply and funny tracks to more complex and enigmatic componiments. They are the symbol of how the time can maintain and reinvent a style, when needed and for sure they are a must for whoever is in the visual kei scene and not only. If you already are into the magical and mysterious world of Baroque, you should check out their latest work, the single You, come out on December, whose wintery atmosphere is fit for these cold days we are living now. So, if you don’t know what band you want to know more, Baroque is a really good choice, you won’t be disappointed.

Who might enjoy: who is looking for a versatile and unique rock band, whose story is full of twists and new directions.

Recommended songs: ila., Nutty a Hermit., Exit, Kizuna, Tatoeba kimi to boku, Celebrate and An Eternity.

That’s all folks! See you with a new song analysis in “Lyrical Love”!

Thanks for the reading!

[kyotakumrau]

Ryo kannivalism twitter 2017.11.22 PARTYZOO初日kannivalism 沢山の気持ちは曲に歌に込められたとおもう！ 全ての方へありがとうございました！ kannivalism on the first day of PARTY ZOO I think we could convey many feelings in our music and singing! Thank you all!

[shinshin224]

PARTYZOO初日kannivalism 沢山の気持ちは曲に歌に込められたとおもう！

全ての方へありがとうございました！

[darumaji]

Kei from Kannivalism in Cure vol. 30 (Jan 2006)

[darumaji]

Kannivalism in Cure vol. 30 (Jan 2006)

[darumaji]

Yuuichi from Kannivalism in Cure vol. 30 (Jan 2006)

[darumaji]

Kannivalism Interview in Cure vol. 30 (January 2006)

Interview Summary

This interview covers the revival and restart of kannivalism after the disbandment of baroque.

After baroque disbanded, Kei and Ryo intentionally spent time apart for the first time in 5–6 years to reflect on their individual lives and career choices.

Ryo attempted to leave the music industry entirely by taking a regular job, but found himself constantly reminded of music everywhere he went, ultimately realizing he only wanted to sing Kei's compositions. (aww)

Kei sought out bassist Yuuchi, who played in the original 2001 lineup of kannivalism.

The members reminisced about the original 2001 kannivalism lineup, laughing about how straight-laced they were back then because they didn't drink or smoke. Kei even banned dirty talk in the van, wanting to stay focused on the music.

As for why he brought back kannivalism, Kei explained that rather than forming an entirely new project, reviving their old indie name would be a pleasant surprise for fans.