LuminoMagazine.com - The Underneath

The Underneath - The Faces of JROCK

Written by TIFFA ALBERTY / Photos by BARRY BRECHEISEN

Tuesday, 18 March 2008

When you hear ‘Japanese Rock’ what is the first thing that comes to mind? …. Are you drawing a blank? Don’t worry you’re not the only one. We never really hear of Japanese music in general, so it was a rare treat to have the Taste of Chaos Tour highlight three bands to be the face of JROCK. It is a challenge enough to prove yourself to the harsh public audience outside of Myspace, but how about you toss in a different country and a language barrier to the mix; that definitely gives a new meaning to pioneers of hardcore music.

The Underneath

Taka: Vocals
Masato: Guitar
Tal: Guitar
Ryo: Bass
Masaki: Drums

The Underneath was one of the three bands featured to play their very first Taste of Chaos Tour and they were the highlight to the evening. Dressed up in paten-leather, chains, colorful hair and eyeliner galore, the guys from The Underneath were a sight to see. Traveling all the way from Tokyo, Japan, the members of The Underneath - Masato, Taka, Talro Masaki and Ryo, have played in the United States before, but “have never experienced a crowd as crazy as Taste of Chaos,” says lead singer Taka. The Japanese culture, as a whole, is extremely reserved and shy. “And that is how they react when we play shows. They watch, absorb and take it all in,” says Taka. He goes on to say, “But here in the states, there is a strong reaction of great enthusiasm and positive energy.” He explained that the Japanese hardcore/screamo scene is extremely small and said, “It is refreshing to see other people enjoying the type of music we play.”

As the third band to play for the evening and headliners of JROCK, The Underneath kicked off their set with a sexual energy. They definitely have sex appeal while playing, but it’s unlike American bands, which their sexuality normally turns into caulkiness. It was a whole-some experience, even though 14 year-old girls were screaming their lungs out and going nuts for the guys.

Although at times it seemed like The Underneath was speaking English during their screaming sets, their lyrics are all in Japanese. “Even though the crowd doesn’t understand what we are saying, they feel the emotion that is involved with the singing,” says lead guitarist Masato. After a 45 minute set, the guys finished with a bow and screaming cheers. “We are just happy that our voices are heard. There are so many bands involved with JROCK; we fought for our spot on Taste of Chaos to be the faces of JROCK,” says Taka.

Their first album “Moon Flower,” was just released during the beginning of the Taste of Chaos Tour and after their U.S. tour is completed, they are planning on touring more in Japan. “We would love to get the chance to come back to the states and tour here again,” agrees both Masato and Taka, “who knows, possibly.”

(Special thanks to JROCK tour manager Heather Overstreet, who played as the Japanese-English translator)

Comments