Music Corner Week 143: ACME

ACME is a four piece rock band of the Visual Kei style who formed in 2017. The group consists of Chisa (Vocals), Shogo (Guitar), Rikito (Bassist), and Hal (Drums). Chisa and Shogo had played in a temporary band before they formed ACME, called Chisa & Shogo, which happened to include the future members of ACME, Rikito and Hal. ACME was formed with the concept of ‘delinquent boy in an imaginary world’, which shows not only in their music but fashion style as well. ACME released their debut album, Senkou in August 2017 accompanied by a national tour. In August 2018, a year after their debut mini album, ACME released their first full length album Zesho Oka. In 2019, they made their first overseas and North American performance at Anime Milwaukee, signaling the dawn of more North American tours to come in the future.

ACME means ‘the pinnacle of evoluation’, which this group shows in their music. You hear evoluation throughout each album ACME has released. ACME is not just Visual Kei, Rock, Metal but have evolved their music to include all these types of genres. From their debut album, Senkou to their latest single “Twilight”, you can hear how their music has evolved and how they have evolved as a band since their debut in 2017. Chisa has such a great range in his vocals that can go from singing to screaming depending on the intensity of the track. Listening to the band as a whole, you hear how they started out on the heavier side, such as “Senkou” but in one of their latest tracks, “Senno (Brain washing)”, you hear a more relax and lighter style.

ACME caught my ear a couple years ago when a friend of mine got to meet them and recommended I check out their music, this was back in 2019 during Anime Milwaukee. I had checked out their Zesshou Oka album and enjoyed what I heard - I enjoyed the intensity of their music and Chisa’s vocals, specifically in “Paradox”. “Paradox” is a mixture of screamo, vocals, and showcases that heavy side of the band. Recently, I went back to listening to them and noticed they’ve since released several new digital singles, “Twilight”, “Ulfhednar”, and “Senno”, which show an evoluation in music with the variety just these three offer alone. “Ulfhednar” is my favorite of the three, with its electronic beat then going straight into metal with the guitar, bass, and drum work followed my Chisa’s screamo then leading into his vocal work. I love how this track just takes you on the perfect ride. “Senno” is very stand out as it has a different tone, with its futuristic composition displaying a lighter composition than they usually showcase which makes for a a stand out track. Their newest track “Twilight”, takes you on a ride with Chisa’s vocals and the lighter than heavier style when in between the versus and chorus’, not to mention the use of guitar and bass. Their three newest singles are such a great follow up to their 2022 album Resisted Temptation, which had solid tracks such as “Come Back to You”, “Gekkouyoku”, “Resisted Temptation”, “Kagaribi”, and “Enchanted” to name a few that grabbed my attention. ACME has shown that they hold true to their title in how they are constantly evolving with their music and looking forward to their latest single, “Stand Up” that just released on February 14th.

ACME will be the guest of honor at Kawaii Kon in Hawaii which takes place from March 29th to March 31st at the Hawaii Convention Center.

ACME currently has four albums, Senkou (2017), Zesshou Oka (2018), WE ARE VISUAL KEI (2020), and their latest Resisted Temptation (2022); 17 digital singles including their latest “Twilight”. Check out their official website, X, and their music video for their single “Senno” below.

Artist SANTA follows success across Asia with first single of 2024, ‘Voyage’, in collaboration with singer-songwriter Daiki Ueno!

Voyage/ Futari no Sekai jacket Cover

Up and coming vocalist SANTA, who has found phenomenal success across Asia, has released his first single of 2024 across all digital streaming platforms. The two songs included on the single, ‘Voyage’ and ‘Futari no Sekai’, both share the theme of “distance”. The songs are filled with gentle kindness that guides the way, a source of inspiration as we navigate our lives amid complicated relationships and measures of closeness.

SANTA has previously danced on stage to a backing of ‘Love Song’ by singer-songwriter Daiki Ueno, an artist he deeply respects. Now, at SANTA’s request, Ueno has written the music for this special collaboration single. Be sure to check out the single across a streaming platforms here!

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About the songs

‘Voyage’

“In the gap between the stage and the audience, between one street and the next, in the moment as the lights turn from off to on, distance seems to extend forever – and the more you want to see that special someone, the further away they seem to be. Like a call and response, an exchange of hearts, a trading of worries and anxieties... With differences that nonetheless bear similarities, this song is a signpost that guides us to coexist in this era and face the future. SANTA’s gentle, reassuring voice can help us to overcome the sadness, and we feel sure he will remain by our side forever.

“Like everyone else, SANTA has times when he feels powerless and struggles with the feeling of distance, and so we created this song along with an interpretation that only he could bring to the lyrics. Through this song, I hope we can share the voice of his heart and express hope and love to everyone who hears it.”

‘FUTARI NO SEKAI’

“This song is about the sense of distance between lovers, and it asks questions that probably have no answer. Two people, each in their own world, try to pretend that everything is coincidence and fate. It’s a song about the place that can be broken when we offer one another confirmation, yet can exist if we do not. The closer we get, the further apart we become, so we try to maintain an appropriate distance. Until two people are able to shine only upon each other, the shining light unites them as one, so as not to forget.”

BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE Lands Team Theme Song ‘God Mode’ to Japanese Anime, ‘Bucchigiri?!’

‘God Mode’ Jacket Cover

Seven-member dance and vocal boy group, BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE have announced the release of a new single, ‘God Mode’.

Available now on all major digital streaming platforms, 'God Mode' has been selected to be the theme song for the team ‘SIGMA SQUAD’, taken from the original Japanese anime television series, ‘Bucchigiri?!’. The series is directed by Hiroko Utsumi, who is best known for ‘BANANA FISH’ and ‘MAPPA’,  the animation production company behind well-loved anime series, ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ and ‘Attack on Titan’. ‘God Mode’ is a dynamic Hip-Hop anthem that perfectly describes the spirit and energy of the Yankee team or SIGMA SQUAD, and makes it an ideal fit for the adrenaline-fueled world of ‘Bucchigiri?!’.

Additionally, ‘God Mode’ provides a sneak peek into BALLISTIK BOYZ from EXILE TRIBE’s third studio album ‘Back & Forth’, which is slated for release in the first quarter of the year. The group is gearing up for their highly anticipated “BALLISTIK BOYZ LIVE TOUR 2024 "HIGHER EX," which is scheduled to kick off in April this year. More details will be shared in the upcoming weeks. Be sure to check out ‘God Mode’ streaming links here!

Maaya Sakamoto Wants to Bring Fans Closer with Upcoming Release!

Dakishimete Standard Edition

Dakishimete Limited Edition

Maaya Sakamoto’s new single “Dakishimete,” which is already available on digital platforms, will also be released as a CD single on April 3.

The lead track, “Dakishimete,” serves as the ending theme for the second season of the WOWOW original anime The Fire Hunter. The lyrics and composition were handled by Senri Oe, a renowned singer-songwriter of the 80s and 90s who is currently active as a jazz pianist based in New York. This collaboration marks Sakamoto’s first encounter with Oe, and her restrained yet resonant vocals create a gentle ballad that offers comfort not only to the anime’s tumultuous story but also to many children facing harsh circumstances in real life.

As a coupling track, the new song “Once upon a time” features lyrics by Maaya Sakamoto and composition by the singer-songwriter SIRA, who is known for her excellent chemistry with Sakamoto in previous works such as “un_mute” and “Hidden Notes.” The arrangement, handled by Ryuji Yamamoto, brings forth a cool and jazzy style. The other coupling track is “Dakishimete -Live 2024 Ver.-,” recorded at the rescheduled Tokyo performance of Maaya Sakamoto LIVE TOUR 2023: Kioku no Toshokan on January 2. This version is a live rendition with acoustic arrangements featuring piano and double bass. The blu-ray included with the Limited First Edition will feature 14 songs from the Tokyo live performance.

Additionally, a music video (short ver.) and jacket photos for “Dakishimete” have been released in conjunction with this announcement, with the pre-order links below!

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Standard edition

Limited edition

PSYCHIC FEVER from EXILE TRIBE Collaborates with JP THE WAVY for '99.9 Psychic Radio' EP

99.9 Psychic Radio Jacket cover

PSYCHIC FEVER from EXILE TRIBE's latest track and music video, 'Just Like Dat feat. JP THE WAVY' has reached over 1 million streams since being released on 19 January. "99.9 Psychic Radio" represents a new frontier for PSYCHIC FEVER. This EP is produced in collaboration with Japan’s prominent rapper JP THE WAVY and other notable producers - and features four dynamic tracks that promise to captivate audiences globally. The concept revolves around an imaginary LA based radio station, with the throwback spirit of Hip-Hop music spreading via mixtapes and radio broadcasts. “99.9MHz," symbolises the group's journey from Japan to the world stage. JP THE WAVY, who has supported the group since their pre-debut, has crafted "99.9 Psychic Radio" with a diverse mix of Hip-Hop and R&B sounds, inspiring the group's journey from Japan to the international stage. Each track on the EP is thoughtfully designed and detailed to showcase the artistry and musicianship of PSYCHIC FEVER from EXILE TRIBE.

The first track, "Temperature," is a "Hotline" style love song with an urban beat that incorporates Jersey drills and stylish R&B chords. Since its release, the song along with a Choreography video on YouTubehas been building buzz and anticipation for the “99.9 Psychic Radio” EP.   

The leading track, "Just like dat (feat. JP THE WAVY)”, captures the iconic spirit of 2000's Hip Hop and is about a story of trying to get the interest of a girl you are interested in. Its style is enhanced by JP THE WAVY's unique flow. The accompanying choreography was crafted by KAITA, KAZ the FIRE, and PSYCHIC FEVER member, Ryushin Handa, which the music video can be viewed below!

"Psyfe Cyper" features a freestyle radio-style cypher rap by TSURUGI, Ryoga Nakanishi, JIMMY, and Ryushin Handa, while "Rocket (Take You Higher)" is a heartfelt long-distance love song across the world and Japan - vocalised by Ren Watanabe, Kokoro Kohatsu, and WEESA.

The cover artwork of “99.9 Psychic Radio” by DOPE features the members of PSYCHIC FEVER in "Y2K" fashion style - and is reminiscent of a 2000s US Hip-Hop magazine cover. Sonically, the EP delivers a blend of beats that are perfect for festival performances, and stylish grooves for listening and dancing to. The rap skills of PSYCHIC FEVER are on full display - and their lyrics and delivery have evolved significantly from the guidance of JP THE WAVY. 

PSYCHIC FEVER recently performed for the first time at Hozo Music Festival in Ho Chin Minh City. They also held their first solo performance and fan meet in Thailand on 24 December 2023 and Central World's Year End Countdown to 2024 on 31 December. Be sure to check out the EP here!