Ok, gonna bust out #2 now, cause I'm travelling after work and doing family stuff tonight.
#2- Nemophila- Revive (2021)Anyone who I'm connected with on any social media platform is not surprised by this band being here, or this high. They've been my obsession ever since I found them in late 2020. Discovered them via a video of Senri Kawaguchi and Nemophila drummer Tamu, liked what I saw of her and went searching. First thing that comes up are some DT covers she did (TGP, PA, and TDoE) which raised my eyebrows of course, but I eventually came across the video for their single Raitei, and my life changed forever in one click. Here was a duel guitar band with a vicious rhythm section and a lead singer with a unique voice who seamlessly went from clean to growls. They really dug into me though with their covers...keep in mind, this was the darkest part of the pandemic, the period between nationwide race riots and an attack on the US Capitol, all with the background of a daily death toll that kept climbing and climbing, but, every Friday like clockwork, these 5 adorably charming and extremely talented girls from Japan put out a new cover video without fail, covering the whole spectrum of musical styles from hard metal to J-pop. I can honestly say that for about 6 months, those Friday releases were easily the highlight of my week, they gave a slimmer of hope that there was a bright light at the end of all this, that life was still meant to be enjoyed. Just a sample of not only their covers but their personalities is best in this Separate Ways cover...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fawKq5TUYPoTheir style? It's a wonderful blend of hard rock, metal, and metal core. Revive is a spectrum of them fleshing out their sound and their 'Fluffy band from hell' style, with songs that range from ripper metal tracks to glorious anthems to what is likely to become my favorite ballad of all time. And as I said in my Gacharic Spin write up, they're having a blast doing it, the joy is palpable and contageous. Also, they're tremendously humble, always grateful and expressive of a desire to work harder and harder for their fans. If it sounds like I'm gushing, I am. Just love everything about this band, and can't wait for back to back shows in March.
I should note... my whole deep dive into the realms of Japanese metal started with this band, the blast radius of me coming across Nemophila is massive, and very, very kuwaii.
Favorite Tracks- Might as well ask me to ask me to choose my favorite child.
Raitei-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lh-dVLKP314Revive-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmRmVc4u18wLife-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFnEYhbEAqgOiran (live)-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19VQ9tkWksQ