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Kagrra
I want to be loved by you in my next life...

Members

Vocal: Isshi
Guitar: Akiya
Guitar: Shin
Bass: Nao
Drums: Izumi

Thoughts

Kagrra is another of those bands that is incredibly unique and wonderful, yet few foreign fans know about them. Part of the reason is that they just went major after a long indies career. Nevertheless, Kagrra is a band that you must hear if you're a fan of stylistic music.

Kagrra is a concept visual kei band, and have categorized themselves as the first and only "neo-japonesque" band. That means that they dress in traditional kimono, and perform music with both traditional lyrics and sound. Lyricist Isshi often uses archaic Japanese, and his lyrics focus on reincarnation and life after death, as well as "mu" - nothingness. Often, Isshi takes the position of a woman living in the Heian Era of Japanese history. In fact, the name Kagrra is actually a bastardization of "kagura," a form of traditional Japanese dance.

As I've said, Kagrra's sound is very traditional, but don't let that fool you. They may use traditional harmonies, but they blend it with modern rock and even some gothic sensibilities. This gives their music a one-of-a-kind feel. Isshi is an extraordinary vocalist, who can make complex vocal lines and impossible jumps from bass to falsetto seem easy. The rest of the band is also quite talented, but I usually find myself focusing on Isshi and Nao (the bassist).

I highly recommend Kagrra and especially their "Gozen" album to all jrock and visual kei fans. Their music is ranges from infectious and upbeat to mysterious and depressing, so I think there is something for everyone. Please, give this band a try!

If you like the following bands, you might also enjoy Kagrra:
Due le'Quartz
Onmyouza
Lareine

Albums

Hyakuyae
Nue
Sakura
~Irodori~
Kirameki
Gozen (first full length album) | review
Ohkaranman (New mini-album!)

Recommended Songs

Kotodama
Yume izuru chi
nue no naku koro
amafurase tanmaina
Ihoukyou
Fuusetsu
giyu no uta
sakura ~saikai no hana~
kamiuta
ayashi no hikari

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