Jack or Jive is a Japanese goth duo responsible for around 20 albums since forming in 1989. Stage performances are fronted by the spooky, ethereal antics of vocalist Makoto Hattori, and supported by Chako, who combines prerecorded background tracks with various types of live embellishments. Though the visual aspects of Jack or Jive performances are strong, the group does not quite count as "visual rock." The emphasis is still on the music.
Brahman is a big name in Japan, though little known outside it. The four-man group plays a mainstreamish vein of hardcore and punk that sells lots of CDs and last month vaulted them into a huge set in Japan's mega-music festival, Fuji Rock. The band's lineup may be pretty standard -- vocal, guitar, bass and drum -- but the music rocks. Fans who liked the Garlic Boys at last year's Formoz will no doubt enjoy Brahman, another key element of Japan's hardcore scene.
RSS