because i’ve had too much time on my hands today, figured i’d try for something productive.
this is NOT a list of ‘some idol groups i like’ but specifically a few songs i think might have the most to offer someone who likes vkei!
BiS - IDOL
punk/rock production leaning a bit shoegazey, usual idol kinda vocals but a powerful melody that wouldn’t be out of place in vkei. a group endorsed by ナイトメア Ruka!
・・・・・・・・・ - きみにおちるよる
absolute straight up shoegaze on the tier of plastic tree, topped with elaborate harmonies and vocal lines laid over eachother that twist up and resolve sometimes together.
BiSH - SHARR
sister group of BiS, same label same composer, entirely different direction. Raw and powerful harsh vocals by two of the vocalists on a verse led by single-coil guitars - my favourite guitars sound! this track gives me so much energy. another group that toured with LSN!
Maison book girl - snow irony
i think of them like the nagoya kei of alt idol - much more low-key, toned down, and mature - but much too emotive and experimental to be called pretentious. their first album features a lot of 3/4, 7/8, and fun instruments like marimba and pizzicato strings. One vocalist is ex-BiS, that’s how i heard of them.
BiS - Eric. W
more like another group w/ the same name, long story lol. from an album of covers of jrock tracks; i really love the more relaxed ‘psychadelic’ feel this one has, with plenty of room for atmosphere to build up between and with vocals. I really like this sound of guitar, in vkei and otherwise…
Gang Parade - 限界少女
another group w/ BiS/BiSH’s management - i think their output is a lot more inconsistent, and they’re given the B-sides and reject tracks usually. But every once in a while they get a weird guitars song with a weird melody; lock in, and perform the hell out of it. This group has a few vocalists with lower voices, which is a fav of mine!
lmk if any of y’all hear these and like any… i’m really no connoisseur of the genre; i’ve just found one management company by way of ナイトメア Ruka and am slowly making my way thru everything they’ve put out.
But i hope i’ve made a decent list that gives an example of some different places the scene’s gone; it’s not all AKB48, Dempagumi, and Babymetal! (no hate @ these groups tho, they seem nice but aren’t my thing)
and if y’all know other groups or songs please share too!
