Music Review: ONE OK ROCK’s Heartache

Hello!

So for this post, I’ll be writing my thoughts about ONE OK ROCK’s Heartache. I’ve been a fan for many years now and I listen to all of their songs so I am also aware of how their music changes from one album to another. It’s true that ONE OK ROCK continues to evolve its music especially now that they are reaching for a wider global audience, but anything is fine with me.

As a fan, I will stay supportive to whatever they plan to do with their music but of course, I hope that they will still incorporate their own Japanese rock/ONE OK ROCK signature style to their upcoming music. In all honesty, they write great songs even before they became affiliated with American producers or labels. There’s this vibe or formula that when you hear it, you know it’s ONE OK ROCK. I cannot pin-point to what aspect of their music shows their distinct style though.

Anyway, I choose to write a music review about Heartache mainly because it’s Valentines…and their slow rock love songs really tugs the heartstrings. (AND THIS IS MY CURRENT MOOD LOL). In totality, ONE OK ROCK’s slow love songs are over flowing with emotion, love, pain and other feelings (OMG IS THIS KANJOU EFFECT? HAHA) that every time I listen to it, I just can’t help but pick up the emotion from the song. I guess that’s a sign that music does transcend cultural barriers. I can feel and understand the message just by listening to the song…or maybe it’s just that they are that good. I think I’m straying away from the topic…lol.

I am no professional but I’ll TRY to do well with my review. So read on :--)

Heartache

Ah, this is probably one of the most heart-wrenching songs I’ve ever heard. Lyrics wise, the song really shows heartache. The choice of words and how it is sung really makes my heart heavy every time I play it. The first stanza is very strong for me: “So they say that time takes away the pain, but I’m still the same.” From the moment I heard it, I was like “dang. I wanna cry.”

For me, the message is well shown with the quality of the lyrics. I also like the fact that the musical arrangement is very light from the beginning up to the middle part because it created a good build-up until the song is accompanied with heavy drum beats, guitar strums and bass lines up to the end; like an escalator wherein the first few parts of the songs tells you to prepare for a very intense middle part and an energy-maintained end. The progressive instrumental yet Taka’s singing creates a contrast, emphasizing the “I can’t help but feel the pain” vibe of the song, especially with the way Taka sang it with the middle part.

Taka’s voice is well-controlled, Toru’s guitar lines are placed well and Ryota’s bass lines complements Tomoya’s drumming. I remember the first time I heard it from Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends trailer, it made me tear up a bit because even though it speaks about a broken heart from a failed relationship, it somewhat connected to the film. 

Overall, it leaves me temporarily broken with every single play although I must say, the acoustic version is A-W-E-S-O-M-E. The feeling seems raw, and it’s more sentimental with Tomoya playing the lyre. It is not the usual Japanese sound as it sounds more Westernized but it’s one of those songs that you can recommend to a non-fan who’s interested to listen to the band for the first time. Somehow, it kind of reminds me of Wherever You Are and Pierce. Nevertheless, this song is of quality in terms of technical and emotional effect to its listeners.

Heartache lyric video (fan made):

Heartache acoustic version: 

So, that’s my review! I don’t know if I make any sense at all. LOL. But if you have any suggestions as to how I can improve my writing skills, please do comment on this post. All the views here are just my opinion.

Thank you!   

GO GO GO!

Hello!

How are you doing?

As for me, I am in my usual stressed-student mode. When I was younger, I didn't think school means stress…but now that I'm in college, it seems that stress is an inevitable part especially if you really want to produce good grades. But I am not complaining. It just proves the saying that...

“Nothing worth having comes easy.”

With this, I got an idea for an inspirational book. I would like to do a compilation of the words to live by or words of inspiration from normal people. Usually, quotes or motivational words came from your favorite actor, leader or other famous people. So for this one, I’d like the words of wisdom to come from the words of normal people---which are insightful and of course, can be inspirational too! Honestly, each person is interesting because they all have different stories. I believe that by their own experiences, they can give a piece of advice, motivational words, or life quotes that others can truly relate as well.

I got this idea because a lot of teens today are becoming lonesome or stressed or mislead from thinking likes and material things are the top most necessity. It can also be because of pressure from peers, or education, or attention and a lot more factors. I believe that they are their peak wherein they are very delicate and therefore, it’s that time when older ones really talk to their children or when youths encourage their fellow to be cheered and empowered. I am thinking of just a simple book or booklet with cute, unisex designs that contains the most striking words compiled from people.

Like this one, QUOTE OF THE DAY booklet by Candy Magazine:

source: candymag.com

I think this will also become handy for me since I am also kind of stressed with all the school works. Hahaha

Anyway, I’ll leave you a song from my favorite band which is about encouraging you to be the light!

My favorite part/lyrics of the song is/are:

What did it leave behind?

What did it take from us and wash away?

It may be long

But with our hearts start anew

And keep it up and not give up

With our heads held high

Thank you for reading!

STILL ROCKING

Hello!

First of all, sorry if I only posted one blog entry last week. To be honest, today is exactly a week after the ONE OK ROCK concert and I still can’t get over it. Anyway, since it’s the first week after their first visit in the country, my post for today is an idea blog related to ONE OK ROCK!

source: OOR Official FB page

First idea: A documentary about their life touring the world

I know that there’s the FOOL COOL ROCK documentary already, but I want to do a documentary following how they live up their dream performing in large crowds in the US, Europe and Asia. In this video, I would like to capture the most natural interaction among the members, their song writing process, an interview on how they feel getting this far, their solo activities, the band’s bonding session, what are they off-stage, how they conceptualize their songs or albums and what are the dynamics between their interaction with their American producer, recording label and their local label, management and the members itself.

I’d also like to present the difference between the crowds of each country or shows they go to not for comparison on who’s the most energetic crowd but to see on how culturally diverse their fandom is---which I think is a good sign because their music is able to transcend beyond language or culture differences. I also want to see on how they study the English language. To be honest, they improved a lot in terms of answering interviews in English. Although there are some mistakes from time to time, they are still quite impressive and who cares if they can’t speak well or not? Their music speaks greater and it’s more important!

[PS: I ALSO WANTED TO INTERVIEW THEM ABOUT THEIR TATTOOS---THE MEANING, THEIR REASON FOR GETTING IT AND WHAT IS THEIR MOST FAVORITE TATTOO]

If you want to know what I’m talking about, here is a preview of their FOOL COOL ROCK documentary:

Second idea: Music Review

I admit I only knew the band because of the Rurouni Kenshin films so I am pretty much okay with their change in musical styles every album. I already heard their first songs (even the demo, live and unreleased ones) up to their current album, 35XXXV. I also listened to Taka’s collaboration with other artists and basically dig all the discography I could find just for me to know how they evolve each CD. 

And it’s true that 35XXXV sounds different from their initial style. It’s Americanized but there’s still the ONE OK ROCK touch to it. I cannot pin-point which aspect it is but definitely, their music is still with their own personal sound. That is why I’d like to do a music review of their 35XXXV album or the Jinsei x Boku = (read as Jinsei kakete boku wa) since it’s my most favorite album from them (my second most favorite is Niche Syndrome).

Here is one of the song from their 35XXXV album. This is a fan made video from the Japanese movie Eien no Zero. The title is Fight the Night and it is my most favorite track from the album:

Let me here your thoughts! Please comment if you have anything to say like suggestions or corrections.

Thank you for reading!

ONE OK ROCK TAKES MANILA TO THE TOP

Credits to Stephen Lavoie/Rappler

"Seriously, you guys are f-ing awesome.” -  Taka

Truly a ONE, more than OK, ROCK-ing concert that surged with unyielding energy, hailed Japanese rock band ONE OK ROCK performed for the first time ever in the Philippines last January 19, 2016 (Tuesday) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The concert was one leg of their 35XXXV Asia Tour with the name derived from the band’s latest album, 35XXXV. It was filled with anticipation, enthusiasm and screams that can even cause someone to experience temporary hearing loss.  With the band playing hit after hit after hit, their non-stop energy yet flawless performance delighted Filipino fans and caused them to jump, sing along and just rock the night away.

Even before the band performed in the country, their catchy yet edgy and solid songs reached the Philippine soil more than four years ago mainly due to the influence of Otaku culture, which garners a huge following in the country. Started in the year 2005, the band got its name from their practice hour which is One o’clock AM. With a few change in line-up and released albums, the band started gaining recognition in their home country, Japan. Moreover, the band gained even more popularity during 2012 when they sang Rurouni Kenshin live action’s theme song, The Beginning that sky rocketed them to become of the most in demand rock bands not just in Asia but eventually in the Western countries as they geared towards rocking the international scene. 

This success was followed by two more songs for the film franchise with Mighty Long Fall and the slow rock song, Heartache, which swooned the fans with amazing musical arrangement and Taka’s soulful singing.

In particular, their Manila leg has got to be the fans’ most awaited event ever. Last year, eager fans spearheaded the petition for the concert, encouraging other fans to sign and show the Filipino fandom’s strength in numbers. With a stroke of patience and hard work, this dream eventually became a blissful reality. The VIP 1 and 2 sections and the limited Royalty tickets were even sold out immediately upon the first few days of selling date! Popularly known for their amazing live shows, Taka (vocalist), Toru (leader and guitarist), Tomoya (drummer) and Ryota (bassist) finally got the chance to prove this claim to the Filipino crowd and give them the epic experience they've been waiting for. 

Here are some of the insights regarding their Manila concert:

Usually, live performances were so raw that playing the instruments and hitting the notes perfectly as if it placated the recorded ones were difficult. But, take ONE OK ROCK as an exception. They jumped and ran all over the stage while still maintaining the superb quality of sound, especially Taka, whose voice is definitely not a product of auto-tune but a heaven-sent one and Toru, Ryota and Tomoya’s sexy instrumental part that showcased their expertise with their respective instruments. Apart from the band’s own efforts, the lights, technical arrangements and other details for the concert added flare to the experience.

Credits to JulenPhoto (OOR's official photographer for the concert)

The crowd also wowed the band when they opened their phone lights during Heartache, which made a dreamy sea of lights. They also sang along regardless if the lyrics are in Japanese or English, proving that they are indeed ready for the ONE OK ROCK. Before the encore, the fans still can’t get enough that they stomped their feet and shouted for more in which the band responded with few more songs for the fans’ delight.

Filipino fans showed their overflowing support for the band and it’s not just because their sound is unique or their songs are catchy, but because they also have this angst and charisma that draws people in especially in live shows. The switch between the English and Japanese lyrics, paired up with Taka’s powerful vocals and always improving pronunciation, Toru’s amazing guitar riffs, Ryota’s incredible bass skills and Tomoya’s double pedal drumming amplify their infectious energy on stage and awaken the fans starting with the intro track 3xxxv5 followed by the progressive Take Me to The Top. The band also sang hit songs from their past albums: The Beginning, Clock Strikes and Deeper Deeper from Jinsei x Boku = (Jinsei Kakete Boku Wa), No Scared from the album Zankyo Reference, Wherever You Are and Kanzen Kankaku Dreamer from Niche Syndrome, and songs from their current album, 35XXXV. The band capped off the event with Kanzen Kankaku Dreamer . 

The venue hours before the start of the concert. The arena was jam packed with fans!
Photo taken by the writer.

Taka and the rest expressed how thankful they are for the intense and warm reception of the Filipino crowd. Statements from them wanting to revisit the country were heard multiple times. They even took a picture with the crowd and received a huge banner from the fans as a remembrance for that memorable occasion. Before leaving the stage, drummer Tomoya even approached the mic and said “Mahal Kita” that made the crowd roar one last time. 

After the concert, fans are still in cloud nine and expressing their gratitude to ONE OK ROCK for taking Manila to the top.

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If you want to know more about the band, you may check their website at www.oneokrock.com or their official accounts on facebook, twitter, instagram and youtube just by typing "ONE OK ROCK." 

Curious about their music? Watch the MV of OOR's The Beginning here:

Photo of the writer hours before the concert.

(Pauleen General is a third year AB Communication student from DLSU-Dasmarinas and is a ONE OK ROCK fan.)

If there are any errors you wish to correct or cite, you may post it as a comment and I'll be glad to revise the article. Also, recording and cameras are not allowed during the concert hours that is why I only got the chance to take a picture before and after the concert. Credits to Rappler and JulenPhoto for the pictures.

CONCERT!

Hello!

This post will be a short one because I haven’t generated much ideas this week because of other stuff. In all honestly, I’m losing focus because of our thesis topic approval and an Economic research paper (yes, they are separate research papers!) but I’ll give the best I can to produce ideas for this blog.

Since our class is tasked on writing a feature article, I’d like to write about the upcoming ONE OK ROCK CONCERT here in Manila. ONE OK ROCK is a Japanese band that just recently signed a music label contract with Warner Bros. US! For Anime fans or film buffs who already watched the Rurouni Kenshin live-action films and watched until the credit parts, then you’ve definitely heard some of their songs because ONE OK ROCK sang the theme song for the three films (The Beginning, Mighty Long Fall and Heartache). Since I’ll be attending the concert (YAAAAY!), I’d like to write a feature article about their FIRST CONCERT here in Manila and how fans reacted to it (I’d like to interview my fellow fans so I can interact and make friends with them).

poster from Philippine One Ok Rockers FB page

or if not, then I'd like to write an article about the Korean chicken restaurant here in Dasmarinas, Cavite. The store is named Yaddlie Chicken and they are located in SM Dasmarinas. Although there are many Korean restaurants and eventually, fast food chains here in the country, I'd like to feature Yaddlie because apart from the fact that it uses a Korean personality who is discovered locally (Korean restaurants usually have Korean celebrities as their endorses, in Yaddlie, they have someone from a segment in Eat Bulaga) and they may seem to have only one branch here in the Philippines (as far as I saw from their FB page). With this, I'd like to do a feature article about them to help boost their popularity as their food is good and affordable. Actually, my brother's fave store in SM is Yaddlie and he's such a picky eater.

poster from Yaddlie Chicken PH FB page

Thank you for reading!