Da-iCE Go Primal In New Release!

“funky jumping” Jacket Cover

Five-member boy group Da-iCE has revealed what will be their latest single, “Funky Jumping” which is being used as the theme song for the upcoming Capcom title Exoprimal. The words were written by Da-iCE member Sota Hanamura, and inspired by the game’s setting, the track boasts powerful singing, sharp lyrics and an edgy, danceable sound.

.In response to calls from fans on social media requesting a chance to see the song performed, Da-iCE have also released a “dance practice” video for ‘Funky Jumping’. While the video was put together quickly so as not to keep their fans waiting, it features incredible choreography by KAZtheFIRE. The video began causing a stir online ahead of its release, when it was announced that the dance routine would represent “the highest calorie consumption in Da-iCE history”.

When the video was finally released, fans noted the complexity of the dance routine, with comments such as “It’s the ultimate in cool”, “I’m especially impressed by how they make it look so easy!”, “The formation is as complex as you’d hope” and “They perform Kaz’s intense choreography in such a passionate, cool and expressive way”.

KAZtheFIRE commented, “The dance routine for ‘Funky Jumping’ was created with the concept of presenting a group of powerful, energetic but playful young men. I was also conscious to add a little bit of sex appeal, to show a new side of Da-iCE! I hope you will pay attention to the finer details of the dance routine, while enjoying a slightly different take on Da-iCE! Funky Jumping!!!”

“Funky Jumping” is currently avalible on all digital platforms and be sure to check out the dance video below. Watch carefully, and maybe you can take on KAZtheFIRE’s challenge with your own version of this awesome new dance!

Music Corner Week 127: SAISEIGA

SAISEIGA is a four piece ‘loud’ rock band that formed in 2020, creating heavy and dynamic sounds with the intention to help their listeners get rid of negative feelings. SAISEIGA members include Regan on vocals, Wakkun on Guitar, Katsuki on Bass, and Tohko on Drums forming a band so powerful that each member leaves an impact on audiences with their unique sound. Regan’s vocals are smooth yet overpowering, especially when switching to the ‘growls’ in their tracks. The composition falls into place when Regan’s vocal changes perfectly. SAISEIGA brings a heavy sound while also creating lyrics that resonates with its listeners and also delivers outstanding live performances that captivate their audience.

SAISEIGA’s latest digital single as of this writing, “Sports” starts out with a heavy feel, Regan’s strong vocals, each member chiming in throughout the track, giving off a feel of collaboration between each member which flows so well. Tracks such as “Ride On” and “Fever” are energetic yet heavy that showcases the bands’ talent while matching the loudness with Regan’s vocals. Regan eases into switching her vocal pattern from singing to screaming (growling') several times during this track with perfection. “Persona” slows it down by showing off the band’s softer side and a different side of Regan’s voice that makes you appreciate the band’s versatility. SAISEIGA’s latest track, “JUMBLE” shows off how deep Regan’s voice can go, leaving you with a taste of the band’s full extent from its heavy composition with great guitar riffs, and growling vocals that stick with you.

Currently, SAISEIGA has one studio album, The Sun (2022); one EP, Me (2020); and one digital single “Sports” (2022). They will be releasing their second studio album NOSTALGIA on March 15, 2023! Check out their official website, Twitter, Facebook, and music video for “JUMBLE” below!

Gray's Ongaku Go For February 2023

Picking up after Ken and Luna, we’re down our first month in 2023, and we at Ongaku to You would like our readers to know what has been filling our ears for the past month. Each track is available across all digital music streaming platforms with Apple Music being featured on this site.

---

“Bokutachi No Sayonara” by Nogizaka46

I found this on apple music, and I’ve had a hard time putting down this song. I think the melody comes together with the vocals of the girls well. Nogizaka46 has started out the year on a high note and it makes me excited to see where they go from here.

Check out “Bokutachi No Sayonara” by Nogizaka46 here and the music video below!

---

“Answers” by Da-iCE

This is a beautiful ballad by these fantastic guys. They have also put their best foot forward out of the gate starting out this year, and they are overdue for a new album, so they are just getting started for the year. “Answers” is an excellent appetizer for the year to come.

Check out “Answers” by Da-iCE here and the lyric video below!

---

“Drop Dead” by BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE

I don’t like pop and lock, but if there was ever a group that could drop a pop and lock that I do like, it would be BALLISTIK BOYZ. They started off as a rap group and they have moved in a different direction, but this shows that these guys still have this kind of music in them. I’ve been really digging this release and I’m excited to see what these guys do next.

Check out “Drop Dead” by BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE here and the music video below!

---

“Stars” by Sandaime J Soul Brothers

Ken turned me on to this release, and I’m so glad he did. Sandaime is a group that I really need to listen to more than what I do. This song has such great vocal work done in it and the melody has a great hook to it that keeps me coming back for more.

Check out “Stars” by Sandaime J Soul Brothers here and the music video below!

---

“Accent” by B.O.L.T

B.O.L.T is my latest discovery and, I’ve got to say, I’ve been really impressed with these girls. “Accent” is a good song with a really good melody and fantastic voice work. This is the latest release by these girls and I’m excited to see where else they go from here. This is a fantastic release, and probably my favorite release of 2023 so far.

Check out “Accent” by B.O.L.T here and the music video below!

Music Corner Week 126: B.O.L.T

B.O.L.T is a four-member alternative girl’s idol group whose members consist of Luna Naito , Chiho Takai, Hanoha Aoyama, and Aya Shirahama. They are under STARDUST PLANET management, which also manages Momoiro Clover Z and Shiritsu Ebisu Junior High School and are currently signed with the record label is Evil Line, which is a sub-label of King Records. Naito and Takai were formerly members of another idol group called Rock A Japonica, which was a five-member group. Rock A Japonica's mission statement was to "Rock Japan" (to shake it, impress, get it going). But in April of 2019, two members left the group and the group was disbanded. A little over a week after the group was disbanded, it was announced that the remaining girls would start a new group. That group became B.O.L.T.. In November of 2019, founding member Misato graduated from the group, and the lineup of B.O.L.T has remained the same ever since. B.O.L.T debuted in July of 2015 and has since gone on to release two studio albums, one live album, and four physical singles. 

The spirit of Rock A Japonica really does live on in this group, and it stays true to that original mission statement about rocking Japan. This group does an excellent job of blending traditional idol elements with a solid rock sound. Their most recent release as of this writing “Accent” does a great job of showing this off. The girls sound great in the release. The melody not only complements their vocals well but is easily identifiable as a rock song. A lot of their songs tend to be on the high-energy side, but their song “Hear You” on their Attitude album does show that they know how to slow it down and their vocals are excellent. 

B.O.L.T posts all their latest news on both their official website and their Twitter page. Be sure to check out their music video “Accent” posted in the video below

Luna's Ongaku Go for February 2023!

Picking up where Ken left off and spring boarding into the second month of 2023, it’s that time of the month for February’s Ongaku Go! We at OTY would like our readers to know what was filling our ears for the past month. Each track is available across all digital music streaming platforms, with Apple Music featured on this site.

---

“(NOT) Remember you” by Ayumi Hamasaki

Ayumi’s first major release of the year, her Remember you album, was a great way to end January and start off February. One of the lead tracks on her latest album, "(NOT) Remember you” has filled my ears since its release. This song features a heavy electronic vibe with powerful lyrics and vocals to match. Ayu’s ear for music is still going strong, as it not only contains a strong electronic vibe, but also some heavy guitar riffs that fit perfectly in the middle of the track. “(NOT) Remember you” sticks with you through and through, leaving you with its catchy beat in your head and wanting to put it on repeat.

“(NOT) Remember you” by Ayumi Hamasaki here and the music below!

---

“Trigger” by Koda Kumi

Koda Kumi is always a favorite of mine, and her newest mini album WINGS that dropped in late January is no different. “Trigger” is exactly what you want and expect in a Koda Kumi song, dance beats, smokey vocals, catchy lyrics, and a hot chorus. I love how “Trigger” starts off a little slower with a more modern vibe, but with the perfect vocal style with the composition. The verses are my favorite part of this track, as they have this smooth style that just flows perfectly and leads right to the chorus, which has a heavier beat that gives off a more hip-hop-like vibe. “Trigger” brings a good mixture of modern Koda Kumi mixed with all the experience she’s gained over the last 20-plus years.

Check out “Trigger” by Koda Kumi here and the music video below!

---

“February 14 (feat. Takaya Kawasaki)” by miwa

As February is the month of love due to Valentine’s Day, miwa’s latest track “February 14 (feat. Takaya Kawasaki)” became an addiction with its lovey-dovey lyrics. This was a part of miwa’s latest EP release “Valentine ga Kotoshi mo Yatte Kuru”, “February 14” was the highlight of this track with its beautiful composition giving the perfect love song for the month. Takaya Kawasaki and miwa’s collaboration has a nice balance between both artists. miwa obviously shines, but Takaya Kawasaki’s voice is such a nice treat. I love that both artists have different tones vocally, but they mesh perfectly together.

Check out “February 14 (feat. Takaya Kawasaki")” by miwa here and the music video below!

---

“Konya mo Dareka to (feat. Manaka Shida) by t-Ace

I always enjoy seeing what t-Ace releases, as he puts out some bangers, and of course, , his digital single from the end of January, “Konya mo Dareka to” with Manaka Shida is that for me. It has a fun Hip-Hop/R&B beat, t-Ace’s vocals and rap are smooth, despite some of the auto-tuning. Manaka Shida and t-Ace have amazing chemistry in this track and blend so perfectly together. The lyrics in “Konya mo Dareka to” are playful and have some truth to them. This is one of those chill tracks that I want to listen to and soak up.

Check out “Konya mo Dareka to (feat. Manaka Shida) by t-Ace here and the music video below!

---

“Karappo” by AYANE

Ken introduced me to “Karappo” and I have not been able to get enough. AYANE has such a smooth voice that pulls you in, her track “Karappo” is the perfect showcase of that. With its mid tempo R&B composition, AYANE’s vocals flow throughout this track with a steady rhythm, leading you through a story. The verses are just as catchy as the chorus, and the composition is the perfect match with AYANE’s vocal style. “Karappo” is a soothing track as it contains just that right mixture of pop and R&B.

Check out “Karappo” by AYANE here and the lyric video below!

---