After what seems like forever, BABYMETAL have returned bigger and better with their new concept album The Other One. Just Panda gives her professional kitsune opinion on the new release.
Review by: Kelly
One of the things I like most about Idol music, is that it is varied in its sound, and there is something out there for everyone. Whether it is a pop-rock tune or a smooth groove that hits the sweet spot, Idol music is a mixed basket of delight, and the gift that keeps on giving.
Yet I think we sometimes forget that J-pop is more than the ‘pop’ that its name eludes to. When we look at the word ‘pop’ – myself included – we consider it to be generic in sound, bubblegum to its core and the most sugar-coated tune to ever grace our ears, when it is anything but. Sometimes, we simply have to remind ourselves that J-pop as a genre has layers, much like onions (or an ogre named Shrek).
Continue reading I am Crazy, Crazy, Crazy for The Long Goodbye’s MusicReview by Kelly-Mae Matt
In this ever-growing world of Idols and music, it comes as no surprise that there are new groups to discover at every turn. Whether they are downright cute or ready to blow your brains out with their vicious death growls, there will always be something there for us to discover as we walk down this path as Japanese music fans.
In my most recent ventures on YouTube, I happened to stumble upon Mugen no Plume by pure chance, and was pleased to realise that they are right up my alley in regard to their sound and style. Cute and orthodox in every sense of the word, I’m aware that this group won’t be everybody’s cup of tea, but they are right up my alley in regard to their sound and style.
So, it shouldn’t be a surprise that I have found myself almost instantly enamoured with the group. Yes, I will still hold a candle toward the NECRONOMIDOL’s (R.I.P) and Satanic Punishes within this world, but there is something about the glittering lights and pastel dresses that inspires me as a fan and listener.
And boy oh boy, don’t I feel motivated right now thanks to this group and their adorable music! So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty, and talk about Mugen no Plume and their debut mini-album.
It’s time to practice the fan calls and break out the penlights, because the first alternative Idol live event for 2023 has been secured!
PLANCKSTARS – an seven member idol group from Hiroshima, Japan – will be descending upon the UK this January 22nd, 2023, as a part of their first One-man Live World Tour, which has been creatively titled the BUTTER DOG SUMMIT.
Continue reading PLANCKSTARS Set to Overtake London for their BUTTER DOG SUMMIT TourThe creativeness of music takes many forms, from the audible to the visual. And the artwork presented to us on our favourite record sleeves tell just as much of the musical story as the songs themselves.
Illustrator Yu-ki Iwata, known as Carnage Society, is one of the creative souls who works alongside bands and musicians to bring to life those album artworks.
Working as a freelance illustrator since high school, Yu-ki has worked on artworks for many prominent metal and visual kei artists. And more recently, with influences from death metal and grind core, Yu-ki has developed their style further, fusing kawaii and gore to create the original character GORE-GIRL.
Yu-ki joined Beyond Senpai to tell us more about the creativity involved in being an illustrator.
Continue reading Carnage Society: The artwork that makes the music. An interview with Yu-ki Iwata.As November draws to a close in the coming days, so does the final chapter in DEARDEVIL’s journey. With a final performance set for November 22nd, AKANE, ARARA and RISA will take their final bow together, before walking backstage and into a void of the unknown.
Of course, this does not mean that this is the end of the members and their individual journeys as performers, but is instead the beginning of a new chapter in their lives and careers, and wherever that path may take them, the fans will be there to cheer them on.
Continue reading With DEARDEVIL: The Final InterviewAll images included in this post are owned by Devil Margin Inc.
It was October 30th, 2022, and some new information had come to light: A new member had joined Satanic Punish, and one of Beyond Senpai’s contributor’s needed answers. What are their thoughts on joining this musically driven group, what music do they enjoy outside of what they are set to perform, and finally, just Who are they?
With their anonymity however, there is a strange kind of beauty. It adds to the anticipation of their unveiling – whenever that may be – and allows for speculation, because while we want to know more, we also crave to figure things out for ourselves, like a puzzle. So with this in mind, one of Beyond Senpai’s writer’s challenged themselves to something a little different.
An Interview with the ‘TRUE’ member of Satanic Punish, one that would not compromise their identity whatsoever.
Continue reading From Behind the Curtain: A Veiled Introduction to the ‘True’ Member of Satanic Punish
It’s been a busy year for Saki Chitose, better known as 2&, with new music releases and a trip across the planet to perform at Hyper Japan Festival in London to name but a few.
Saki-chan joined Just Panda for a chat about all the comings and goings in 2& land, and what fans can look forward too.
Continue reading double and: an interview with Saki Chitose
After a 3 year break from Hyper Japan Festival, they are back featuring an all new dedicated weekend of live Japanese pop and alternative music.
This is Hyper Live.
Continue reading Hyper Live at Hyper JapanBack on August 24th, Esprit D’Air announced new tour dates for 2023, after the award-winning band re-entered the Official charts just a month ago following the success of their self-promoted tour, which saw them perform in London, Newcastle, Glasgow and Manchester.
With the first date of the tour set to kick-start on February 17th 2023 in Cardiff, this tour will lead the band onto a 7-date journey across the UK, where they will end with a private party in London on February 25th, exclusive only to their Patreon members.
Continue reading Esprit D’Air To Headline 2023 UK Tour
Beyond Senpai 