293. army of noise

April 15th was the last show of 2016's Monster Energy Outburn tour with Bullet For My Valentine headlining and coldrain and NOISEMAKER opening for them. I had so much time to kill before the show started, I just took my time wandering around Shibuya and Harajuku. I decided to arrive at Shinkiba Studio Coast a little late because I wasn't really interested in watching NOISEMAKER.

I only watched 3 songs by them and they were alright, nothing special honestly but good enough to kill some time with. coldrain took the stage not more than 20 minutes later and I was really hoping they don't disappoint me because the last two times I saw them, they didn't live up to my expectations.

I was glad that I didn't have high hopes because coldrain surpassed my expectations this time. They were playing like the very first time I saw them 3 years ago at Summersonic. The crowd was going wild, circle pits were formed, people were jumping around and singing along. They opened to No Escape and played mostly new songs. I only knew 3 songs, they ended with The War Is On and The Revelation.

I enjoyed their set a lot and I'm glad they didn't disappoint this time. Finally, the headlining band was up next and Bullet For My Valentine took the stage at 8pm. The crowd went even more wild with people pushing and shuffling their way to the front. I was surrounded by two circle pits and was trying to fit a good spot to see the stage.

They opened to No Way Out and played their new album, Venom in its entirety. Honestly, I was pretty bored throughout the first half of their set because I'm not a fan of their new album. I was only there for old songs. They played their latest album for about 40 minutes and left the stage, returning with their second part of the set starting with Your Betrayal.

People went wild again and there was a circle pit formed right in front of me. I was trying my best not to get caught in it, pushing people away. Next up was Waking The Demon and everyone went even more crazy. I haven't seen such an insane crowd in a long long time, it truly felt like I was at a concert. (Yeah, I want to get pushed around and get other people's sweat on me. Ew.)

Matt (BFMV vocals), invited Masato (coldrain vocals) to perform with them. Masato sang most of the song actually. After Waking The Demon, the whole band left the stage. There was a drum solo before an announcement was made.

Apparently, Matt's vocal cords got injured and they had to stop the show. Everyone was in disbelief, myself included. People were trying to decide if they were going to just leave or stay behind because the staff said we could stay but it would take a long time. I was not up for waiting so I went to get a drink before heading home.

Honestly, I am pretty bummed out they had to stop the show halfway. I waited so long to see them and for it to get cut off like that was really disappointing. It's not anyone's fault but I think most people would feel the same way as me - it was left hanging.

But, I had so much fun singing along and being in the crowd. It has been a long time since I felt that way at a show. Most shows bore me nowadays so it was nice to finally feel something for music again.

Hopefully, I'll get another chance to see them and with some company. I really wished my sister was with me because we always sing along to BFMV songs when we were younger. What a way to spend my Friday night, I would not say it was wasted but I'm definitely not satisfied.

Good thing is I have some more shows to look forward to. Probably Crystal Lake's Championship Tour Final happening this Sunday, and when I get back from Singapore, lynch.'s DARK Tour Final. I hope both of these bands have good setlists this time.

May will be a good month for music with Saosin and Architects releasing new albums. I can't wait!!!

292. more than words

Last Sunday, I woke up early and went out to pick up Steph at Tachikawa station. She was in Tokyo for almost two weeks and planned to stay with me on the last two days of her trip. Unfortunately, something came up and she only stayed a day with me but I was still happy to see her after more than 2 years.

We came back to my apartment to put her luggage down and went off to Kichijoji for lunch. I brought her to Il cafe and we chilled there for a little bit before walking around Kichijoji. After lunch, we just wandered around Kichijoji, we somehow stumbled upon a pet shop that sold hedgehogs, sugar gliders, ferrets, geckos, spiders... not the usual everyday pet that you'll see at a pet store. I was pretty amazed since it's my first time seeing some these animals.

We didn't spend too long in Kichijoji, so after that, we made our way to Shibuya. I brought her to Midori sushi as well, we got a numbered ticket and went to walk around Shibuya for an hour before coming back to the restaurant. I was still kinda stuffed from lunch so we didn't order that much. We shopped around Shibuya after sushi and went to Silkream for dessert!

It was so nice to catch up with Steph after such a long time. I feel like a lot has changed in both our lives, so there was a lot of stories to tell. Since I have known Steph since I was 14, she could tell how happy I am here and honestly, sometimes she knows me better than myself because there are so many things from the past that I can't remember anymore but she still does. It's good to look back at the past sometimes and to remind yourself how far you've come. It's gladdening to know that the life I always wanted is what I have in Japan right now and it's still changing.

We went to take Purikura after dessert, it was kind of nostalgic for us because we used to take them all the time back in Singapore on the weekends. I still have a bunch of them somewhere in my house back there. Steph was so amazed of how advanced Purikura machines now, back then, we used to called these machines "Neoprint".

We went back to Tachikawa not long after that. We also went to Donki Quote on the way home, Steph loves it as much as my sister does it's funny. We bought some food and drinks and went back to the apartment and continued talking till it was 5 in the morning.

We were talking about all those nights we stayed up late outside for stupid reasons (I'm not going to mention because it is embarrassing, haha), went for karaoke till sunrise, staying over at her old place and also, our group slumber parties with a couple of friends that we don't talk to anymore. I'm so glad Steph and I somehow managed to keep our relationship even though we are in different parts of the world now. I was pretty bummed out she had to leave the next morning already.

I sent her to the bus stop the next morning and it was bittersweet. I hope she comes back to visit in summer! Seeing her again actually made me realized how much I've missed her. I don't miss any of my Singaporean friends except her. 

Recently a lot of people and things from the past have been coming back to me, all the good things. It's almost like my life is a full circle now. I can't be any more contented.

PS. Also, Steph, if you're reading this, please figure out where the title of this blog post is from, haha.

291. breathing sequence

golden hour.

The last photo of Spring. Cherry blossoms are so short-lived. This Spring has been good to me so far, it feels like what the season is about. Starting anew. 

Last weekend was really crazy for me, starting from Friday. I went to Unionway's mini festival with Survive Said The Prophet, Hawthrone Heights, Monoeyes and MEST playing at Kichijoji's Club Seata. The only reason I went was because of Hawthrone Heights, I've been listening to them since I was 16 and haven't seen them live before, so I figured, why not just go and check them out.

I arrived at the venue at 6pm and didn't wait for even 5 minutes before Survive Said The Prophet took the stage. They were pretty good live that day, with a lot of energy coming from the entire band. I actually enjoyed their set more than Hawthrone Height's because of how energetic these guys were. 

I've talked to the memebers a couple of times before but at other shows. So, it was nice seeing them play. They played for a good half hour, and had an interval before Hawthrone Heights got on stage. 

I was pretty bummed out that they played If Only You Were Lonely, their second album in its entirety. It's not a bad album but I actually wanted to see them play their first album. They also played a new song and thankfully Ohio is For Lovers. I was singing along and felt really nostalgic... and old. 

I'm sure I wasn't the only one who was excited for Ohio because so many people were shouting at the back of the crowd "fuck yeah!" haha.

They didn't move around much but their vocals were spot on without missing a note. I would say they sound almost like their albums.

Next up was Monoeyes, and even though they are a big band because of their vocalist (Ellegarden, The Hiatus), I wasn't that impressed. Probably because their sound is just not my style. I only watched one song before deciding to leave the live hall and just chilled at the bar. 

The funny thing I realize about myself is now that I'm older, I don't really bother to talk to my favorite bands as I did when I was younger. Sometimes, even if my favorite band is right infront of me, I don't bother going up to them and say " Hey, I like your music." 

But as I was talking to Yosh (SSTP vocals), he actually told me to say hi to Hawthrone Heights. So, I did because the singer was just standing next to us. 

We were all waiting for Monoeyes to be over since Mest was the last act for the night. They didn't take too long to take the stage. I guess their songs are really fun to sing along to if I actually listened to them. 

The crowd was good for Mest with friendly stage dives and circle pits. There was a guy in the crowd who had the same shade of blue hair as the singer. I left after about half an hour and just hung out at the bar again, talking to friends before deciding to head home.

Friday was a good day, it's always nice to socialize once in a while.

-----------------------------------------

On Saturday, I cleaned up my apartment and left for Hachioji Rips in the evening for Hawaiian6's Too Late Tour Final "Tokyo 5 Days" with Monoeyes and PALM opening for them. I've never listened to Hawaiian6 before, so I was pretty curious to watch them. Actually, the only reason why I went to this show was to give PALM some souvenirs my sister bought.

My house is full of souvenirs sometimes it's really annoying because it all goes to waste. I can't finish them on my own, so I always give them to my friends. A lot of friends. It's never ending.

PALM was up first and they put on a good show as usual. Their energy on stage is just amazing, I'm sure anyone who likes chaotic music would love them. Hachioji RIPS is always so fucking humid, it makes it hard to breathe in the venue. I left after PALM was done, and just watched Monoeyes and Hawaiian6 from outside.

Hawaiian6 was alright live, I would give credit to their fans. Their fans are very enthusiastic about their music, it's always nice to see the audience singing back to the band. Also, another band with friendly stage dives and circle pits.  I didn't bother staying for the whole set because it got uncomfortably hot even from standing outside. It didn't help that it was sold out, so all the body heat was unbearable. Their music is also not my cup of tea, melodic punk.

I just hung around the merch table talking to Toshi and Kenta before deciding to head home since the next day was going to be a long day as well.

It's nice to go to shows so often but they're so tiring. Just standing there and watching the band makes you tired as well. I'm going to see Bullet For My Valentine this Friday and I'm excited to see them. Finally a full set after so long. I've listened to them since I was 16 and knew all the words to their songs, so I think I will have fun singing along. I've only seen half of their set at 2013's Summersonic. For them, it doesn't really matter what they play since they have so many hits. I just hope they don't play too much of their new album.

楽しみにしてます。

290. cloudy swan boats

On Sunday, I headed to Kichijoji in the mid-afternoon for my second round of hanami. I met up with Laura at the station and we walked to Inoshikara Park. It was really really crowded on the way there, the crossings and the streets leading towards the park were so crowded already, I didn't really want to be squeezed or have problems going in and coming out of the park.

Luckily, it was still walkable. Not as walkable as Nakameguro but it wasn't too bad. Actually, the cherry blossoms at Kichijoji are much prettier than the ones at Nakameguro. I think I just like the swan boats together with the flowers, haha. Also, probably because they are more photogenic.

The line to rent a boat was so long! Understandable, though.

I liked how the water looks in photos, the textures of it. Just last month, while my sister was visiting, the water was all drained out, so I was relieved it's back to normal. It wasn't too hard to take photos, people were considerate and didn't take too long to move away once they were done. 

Laura and I walked around the river, it was really packed with people having picnics under the Sakura trees. Some of the food the people brought look so good. It was my first time seeing people having picnics, it feels nice actually. 

To be honest, though I am always dressed in black, I did feel kind of out of place because everything was so pink and people are wearing more bright and pastel colours now. I still won't wear colour but I do admit, I do get sick of wearing black sometimes.

After we were done looking at the flowers, I showed Laura around Kichijoji. It's one of my new favourite places. We went to the streets that were lined with cute shops selling furniture, paper, toys and all that jazz. Laura found a hidden gallery, I was pretty surprised there were even shops in such a small alleyway. There were no exhibitions though.

We also went to one of my favourite galleries. The last time I was there, I bought two mini wooden sculptures. The exhibition, this time, wasn't too impressive but I still enjoyed it.

After we were done checking out stuff, we went to a cafe one of my friends recommended. It's kind of a hidden cafe as well but the food was really good. I didn't bother taking photos because of the poor lighting but I really like their matcha latte. I'm really glad I live (kinda) near Kichijoji.

We didn't do anything much but talked at the cafe and went to Muji and Loft after that because Laura needed to get some stuff and we continued aimlessly walking around and walked back to the park and talked some more. I always enjoy my conversations with Laura mostly because we almost have the same taste in things. She also keeps me up to date with music, so I'm really grateful for that. If not I'll be like one of those old people that I mentioned in my music post a couple of entries ago.

We left Kichijoji at 11ish. 

Since my allergies have subsided, I thought of going to more places to look at the cherry blossoms before they are gone. I was taking the train today to class and the river nearby also has a row of Sakura trees. It looked really pretty next to the water. I wish I wasn't so allergic to pollen. 

I'm looking forward to all the concerts I'm going to this week and next week. It's not my usual routine of Japanese bands but international bands that I have been listening to since I was 16. It seems like I have been in a nostalgic mood lately. 

I have been revisiting old ideas as well and like how my work is penning out. Hopefully, I can stay inspired. I feel fresh about art again and I couldn't be any happier.

289. we meet again

It's April, that means Spring is here. Other than suffering from a severe case of hay fever, life has been pretty crazy. Well, I have a feeling this April will be.

Sakura tree in front of my apartment.

Yuri arrived back in Tokyo on Wednesday night and I met up with her on Thursday morning. Her friend drove her to my place so she could put some of her stuff down before we headed to Shibuya for lunch.

It has been almost 2 years since I last saw her, so I was happy to see her again. We had so much to catch up on, we were talking so much right away. We actually did our usual routine of getting sushi in Shibuya. After lunch, we decided to go to Nakameguro for hanami.

The last time I was in Nakameguro was, also for hanami, a year ago. This time was a little different because we were there in the daytime, the last time I went at night and it was difficult to get good photos of the cherry blossoms. Also, there are actually a lot of cute stores and cafes at Nakameguro that I didn't notice last time because they were all closed. I definitely want to go there again when hanami season is over.

It was much easier to take photos, of course, the sky was really blue that day too. There were many food stalls along Nakameguro river as well. Since we already had lunch, we didn't bother getting food.

It was pretty crowded but still walkable. We popped into some stores along the way. I finally went to Cow Books, I think the concept of the store was pretty cool but I didn't get anything there. Before we knew it, we had already walked to the end of the river. So we slowly made our way back to the station. 

We went to Harajuku because we both wanted bubble tea but once we arrived, the line was too long we decided to find somewhere nice to chill since we just wanted to talk. Yuri was also tired because of jet lag. We didn't do anything much but talked at Silkream till it was time for dinner. We left straight home after dinner because we were both too tired.

Yuri passed out almost right away when she got back and I continued painting. In the end, she woke up in the middle of the night and we talked till almost 6am (I knew this would happen, haha) and got up at 11ish am. I made breakfast for the both of us, took a shower before sending her to the train station.

I initially planned to go to some exhibitions, but my allergy from the pollen is so bad, I decided to stay home. There're rashes all over my face and even around my eyes so a mask is not enough to hide allergy's ugliness. I'm actually really shocked with this allergy reaction because I didn't have any last year. 

It was nice to see Yuri again after two years. I have Steph visiting me at the end of this week too, and she's another friend who I haven't seen in a long time. This week is going to be crazy, I can feel it already.