Band Overview and Concert Night: Wagakki Band

I'm doing this review as a double review, where I talk about the band and about the performance in Irving Plaza on March 14th because not only I feel it would be easier than doing 2 reviews, but also because I feel that I need to talk about both things simultaneously to properly talk about this band.

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If you don't listen to J-Rock or J-Pop, you most likely haven't heard of this band. To you who don't listen to J-Rock and to those who do and don't know this band, all I have to say is this: WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!?
Here's the Youtube Mix playlist link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_xTet06SUo&list=RDEMmasccFDm4G0H4rd_7pz6Hw
Go ahead and listen to this band. There are a few BABYMETAL, One OK Rock, and Nano tracks sneaked in there, but that's pretty much all the videos Wagakki Band has released.

I cannot stress enough that this band is AMAZING, and watching them live is even better. Like Diablo Swing Orchestra, I wish this band had more mainstream recognition because, not only are they WAY better than The Weekend, Drake, Justin Bieber, in other words, what you hear in mainstream radio right now (and I'll let you know why in a moment), but also they are unique with their style and performance unlike many artists today which are just straight up rip-offs of each other.

Who is Wagakki Band?

Let's start with the basics. Wagakki Band is a Japanese Rock group composed by 8 members, and their style of music is a combination of (as Yuko Suzuhana, the lead singer explained) "traditional Japanese instruments and  western instruments" and hence, the name ("和楽器" =Traditional Japanese Musical Instrument + "Band"). The members go as follows:
Yuko Suzuhana: Vocals
Michiya: Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals
Asa: Bass
Wasabi: Drums
Kurona: Wadaiko
Daisuke Kaminaga: Shakuhachi
Kiyoshi Ibukuro: Koto
Beni Ninagawa: Tsugaru Shamisen

They formed in 2013 by covering Vocaloid songs on Youtube, one of their most famous include Senbonzakura and Roku Chounen to Ichiya Monogatari. They released their first album Vocalo Zanmai in 2014 and their Second album Yasou Emaki in 2015.

Why is Wagakki Band Good?

As you can tell, I am a big fan of this band, but I'll try to forget all that and be as objective as possible, and then again, whether something is "good" or not is really subjective. This is why I think this band is so good, please read it and  listen to the band. Maybe we'll agree, maybe you like the band for other reasons, or maybe you don't like the band at all (if that's the case, what's wrong with you, seriously...).

Probably the first thing anyone who likes this band will tell you if you ask them this question is: They are very unique. While being "unique" doesn't necessarily mean it's good, it does give you something new to enjoy if done right, and this band does it perfectly. Their "theme" is a combination of Rock and traditional Japanese music, and the way they arrange the songs reflect that, while it's obvious to point out at the Japanese instruments, you should also note that, when given the chance, the vocal phrasing and melody are very traditional as well. The way Wagakki Band puts it together, though, it's not to make one style complement the other, but for them to be together. Neither of the styles is an accessory to the other. Wagakki Band's musical style is the Epiphany of "East meets West".

Once again, the lyrics are in Japanese (as you would expect) so I can't judge them properly. I have looked for the translations to some of their songs, and I love the lyrics in them, and they are amazing. However, some of them were (once again) Vocaloid covers. I do believe, however, that just because you don't understand the lyrics of a song you shouldn't listen to it, which is unfortunately the reason why most people wouldn't like this band and it's sad because the music is really good and the lyrics (as far as I know) are too. What makes this even worse is that in reality, if you want to know what they are saying, all you need to do is type "(name of the song here) lyrics English" on google.

Why is Wagakki Band Good (Part 2) and Wagakki Band @ Irving Plaza

I merged the last point on what makes them a great band with their concert because you cannot speak of one without the other.

Finally, these musicians are top notch. All 8 members are extremely talented in their craft and you can tell in their songs, but this really shines during their concerts. In their concerts (and I can speak from experience now) they really let themselves go. Between their musicianship, music, passion, and energy, you get sucked in into their realm. They really give it their all and do it for the music and the fans. After the concert ended, people yelled "Encore". They came back out and decided to play one more song, but they weren't prepared for an encore (I guess they weren't expecting to have an encore). They Played Senbonzakura one more time just for us. Watching them is also very fun. They tend to dance around and do all sorts of cool little tricks while playing and you can tell they are having fun. In fact, dare I even say, it's like Wagakki was full of Mick Jaggers. They all could be the front man if they wanted. They all do their thing individually but are brought together through the music, so watching Wagakki perform is like watching a parade or a party which you are now a part of as well.

I can try to talk about their concert all day and not come close to describing the experience. Like I said before, it is their realm, their own little reality and like true art, it cannot be explained with mere words, it can only be experienced. I got so into the zone, my entire body has been hurting for 4 days (there was no mosh pit). I've really tried to find a way to describe the concert but I can't find a way to make it justice. Wagakki Band is one of, and if not, The Best concert I've been to so far (and I've seen A LOT of people including Metallica, Paul McCartney twice, Iron Maiden, Bon Jovi, BABYMETAL...). All I can do is tell you to watch Dai Ensoukai (their concert DVD), and although you can see their skills, being there is something else entirely. Like Jimi Hendrix, it's one thing to see him, and then there is being there.


Conclusion:

This was a really Long review, and I apologize, but there is a lot about this band. I seriously recommend this band, a lot (like, a lot). And if you see that they will perform somewhere near you, don't think about it and go. I recommend for you to listen to both of their albums. Most of the songs are great, and those that aren't are still pretty good.

-Vocalo Zanmai
-Yasou Emaki