Hey people! Now, for those who know me, you probably know I'm so in love with J-rock. And its common that people around me go "what the hell?".. well, it basically Japanese rock.. its kinda hard explaining to them all the different sub-genres it has to offer, especially when it comes to Visual Kei.
Today, I'm gonna explain Visual Kei, or VK, as it the sub genre i find most interesting and just started to indulge myself in this form of music. I took this from a post I did earlier in my other blog, Tragic Kingdom.
Alice Nine. One of my most favourite bands.
According to wikipedia, Visual kei (ヴィジュアル系, vijuaru kei?, lit. "visual style") refers to a movement among Japanese musicians that is characterized by the use of eccentric, sometimes flamboyant looks. This usually involves striking make-up, unusual hair styles and elaborate costumes, often, but not always, coupled with androgynous aesthetics. Some sources state that Visual Kei refers to a music genre, or to a sub-genre of J-rock (a term referring to Japanese rock in general), with its own particular sound, related to glam-rock, punk and metal. However other sources state that Visual Kei's unique clothing and make-up, fashions, and participation in the related sub-culture, is equally as important as the sound of the music itself in the use of the term.
The Gazette- One freakin awesome band~^^
So, one fine day, I stumbled upon something interesting... A blog (in spanish) explaining the different types of VK (hahahaa xD me and my ignorence only thought there were 2- Visual Kei and Oshare Kei. Don't flame me now. I'm still learning!) Ok, so these are some of the extracts from Akiry Blog"Some bands have been handling "types" of visual oshare, kotekote, eroguro, etc ... but are beginning to fall into disuse because the bands have been combining and adopting new styles which can not be seen as one." <--disclaimer X3
My disclaimer: I translated some of the desciptions here, for general use, I dont know if its right or not, since I cant speak Spanish, and I am clueless of where they got the definitions (I'm thinking its their own.. XP) Some of my own words are thrown in there, which are in itallic or bold~ If they seem random and out of place, they're mine. :)
Kote Kote
(I shall never say this out loud, not to be caught dead, I shall define this as VK instead, eventhough it might be wrong in some ppl's eyes/ears)
The typical image that comes to people when they hear the word "visual-kei." Extravagant leather costumes, hairstyles and flashy with colors in sharp contrast with makeup white faces.
Oshare Kei
The word oshare in Japanese generally means elegant or someone who has too much in this fashion. The bands of this type are very extravagant and almost always wear colorful costumes and a bit exaggerated. Usually applies cheerful, fun, happy and all derivatives as well as infant and tender attitude that occurs in humans. Their sound reflects this attitude with each pose. Example: An Cafe X3
The word oshare in Japanese generally means elegant or someone who has too much in this fashion. The bands of this type are very extravagant and almost always wear colorful costumes and a bit exaggerated. Usually applies cheerful, fun, happy and all derivatives as well as infant and tender attitude that occurs in humans. Their sound reflects this attitude with each pose. Example: An Cafe X3
Takuya. Me love you. Miku. Cute as always.Angura Kei
Comes from the word "underground", The bands of this kind are few and are characterized by a traditional Japanese touch but obviously a bit dark. Go google the bands la! XD hahaha Eroguro Kei
Derives from the words and Erotic Grotesque. Able to recognize the bands of this type simply watching your videos, photos, costumes and monsterous, violent and disgusting makeup until the sound can be integrated.
From Wikipedia: Erotic Grotesque Nonsense, frequently shorted to Ero guro, (エログロ ) is a wasei-eigo term that describes a literary and artistic movement from 1920s and '30s Japan. Ero guro puts its focus on eroticism, sexual corruption and decadence. This movement is often used incorrectly by western audiences to mean "gore" - depictions of horror, blood, and guts. In actuality the "grotesque" term implies malformed, unnatural or horrific. While ero guro is a specific movement, many of its components can be found throughout Japanese history and culture. Items that are pornographic and bloody are not necessarily ero guro. The band Cali Gari was heavily influenced by Erotic Grotesque Nonsense and Angura. Western Visual Kei fans mistook this theme as a description of their "genre" and linked it with other Visual Kei bands.
White kei
The vocalist takes the feminine role.. usually in white, the sound becomes more light in their songs (but not rule).
Shironuri kei
Gang members, they generally like to wear school uniforms or traditional Japanese clothing with a dark childhood, but their faces are completely white with contrasting black and red lips and eyes~
Nagoya kei
The bands that follow this style are in the vicinity of Nagoya, and has a bizarre image, used clothing, hat, tie, vest, shirt or dress (for the"girl"). Something more formal but not so dark and bizarre, depending on its makeup is music~
From Wikipedia: Nagoya kei is a subgenre of visual kei, with its roots in the modern music scene of Nagoya, Japan. Often considered darker and gloomier than normal kei, nagoya takes its musical influences moreso from western (specifically British) punk rock bands than visual kei initially had. The focus of nagoya bands tends to be much less on costumeand makeup in favor of more complex musical compositions and concentration on the music itself. Notable bands include Deadman, Kein, The Studs, etc. - Kinda contrasting? XD lol
Koi kei X
Is based on the lyrics of songs and style, are romantic and ironic and a bit pop-rock. Includes Miyavi, Gackt, The Gazette,etc.
Shibuya kei
Obviously a style that place, the vocals are usually women who have a special touch to dress, the atmosphere is usually used for white backgrounds that contrast with the bright colors worn.
From Wikipedia: Shibuya-kei (渋谷系) originated in the Shibuya district of Tokyo. It is best described as a mix between jazz, pop, and electropop. The word for Shibuya (渋谷) is combined with the Japanese word kei (系) which literally means "system" or, in this context, "style", to form Shibuya-kei which roughly translates to "Shibuya style". Emm.. Puffy AmiYumi?
Kurofuku kei
From = kuroi fuku = clothes and dark. This style is almost equal to Nagoya kei, the difference is not so "formal" or sober.Example: LUNA SEA.
Iryou kei
The image is still here is that scientists / doctors / nurses and all that derives crazy / bloody / malignant / mysterious; clearly identified by using a coat~
Psychotic. Just the way I like it. XD
Anyway, that concludes it~ Hope all you peeps learned something.. cuz man, after writing and translating all that,I would be tragic if the only thing that comes out of this is the pain left in my fingers and eyes. Pfft. Hahaha :D
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