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Judging from the reaction of hysterical schoolgirls, their pretty faces pictured in every Japanese magazine may have something to do with their fame but the keenest music aficionado can surely agree with the masses on this one. These guys can produce some the most addictive music in recent history, music you may have already heard in anime series like DNA², Great Teacher Onizuka and Rurouni Kenshin, and in movies such as Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within and the original version of The Ring.
 Whatever
the song in L'Arc-en-Ciel’s inventory, the bass never goes
unnoticed. Without taking too much space, as a good bassist should, Tetsu
uses complex and unpredictable lines that place him as one of the best
players out there. As the band’s leader, he also composed some of their
most well-liked songs including Blurry Eyes and Driver’s High. Ken,
however, is the principal composer and the one responsible for heavier
songs. He can, nonetheless, adapt his style to any of the member’s
without losing his personal touch, which stands out to the highest degree
in every song, regardless of its composer.
Even
if Tetsu is the founder and official leader of the band, Hyde is without a
doubt L'Arc-en-Ciel’s frontman. I have no objection to him
receiving most of the credit, as he is an exceptionally talented singer and
lyricist. After looking up translations of his words, I was given an
entirely new perspective on songs I first interpreted as cheery and
carefree. He sings his award-winning lyrics with much passion and tone
variations no one should ever attempt in karaoke. Hyde was chosen as
vocalist, yet singing is but a fraction of his abilities; do not be
surprised to see him with a guitar or saxophone on stage.
Yukihiro
had big shoes to fill after the departure of Sakura in 1997 since the
former drummer and the band had come a long way together. My hat goes off
to him, however, as he managed to build a strong presence within the
group, imposing his softer style and calm attitude, poles apart from that
of Sakura. Newer fans like myself did not have to face this drastic change
but I can believe it was hard for early followers to adapt.
This was, of course, merely the beginning as they steadily enlarged their fan base until Sakura, their erstwhile drummer, was arrested for heroin possession in 1997 and left. Too close to their dream to quit, the remaining members organized a new tour introducing Yukihiro, previously of Die in Cries, on the drums. The first of such concerts had a possible attendance of 56,000 and sold out in four minutes. Another record was set when they released two full albums, Ark and Ray, at once and saw them share the first two spots on Japanese charts.
However, the band members seem to have renewed their vows. One can almost call their Shibuya Seven days 2003 concerts in June a reunion tour and a new album from the band has been released. I had the honor to see a live presentation from their Smile tour when they did a quick pit-stop in Baltimore, MD. It was an intense experience that won't be easily forgotten. A little mix-up prevented an interview, like the one I did one year prior with TMR, but I will corner them one of these days and ask them the tough questions. :P
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Ark
Released in conjunction with Ray, Ark has a bit more zest than its brother. This album does not stand far above the others but its rather short length is balanced by some of the best music in L'Arc's history. Songs such as Butterfly's Sleep and Forbidden Lover are accompanied by experimental works like the Hawaiian-sounding Perfect Blue. I would even recommend this album over their "best-ofs"
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To be honest, I'm having the hardest time deciding on my favourite Laruku song. It changes regularly but my choice stopped on Shinjitsu to Gensou to recently because I just love the intro and the vocals. This one showcases Ken over Tetsu but the latter's subtle work is imperative as usual. |
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Official Site: http://www.larc-en-ciel.com Hyde's Official Site: http://www.hyde-net.com Sons of all Pussy (featuring Ken)'s Official Site: http://www.bubble-star.com Tetsu69 (featuring Tetsu)'s Official Site: http://www.tetsu69.com Acid Android (featuring Yukihiro)'s Official Site: http://www.acidandroid.com (Tip: use AltaVista's Babel Fish translator)
English Fan Sites: Fourth Avenue Cafe: http://www.laruku.com Rock Final: http://drive.to/laruku
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It
is hard to have interest in contemporary Japanese culture without
constantly coming across this notorious band. There was a time when their
music and pictures were everywhere and now, even if things have been
quieter on the L'Arc-en-Ciel (French for "The Rainbow") front, their music still
echoes in sound systems across the world. Whether or not they decide to
continue as a band, the mark they left on the the Japanese music scene is
here to stay. 
It
all began in 1992 when Tetsu recruited Hyde, Hiro and Pero to form a group
bearing the name of a movie he had just seen. A year later, when the band
was starting to gain recognition playing in their hometown, Osaka, Hiro
and Pero sequentially withdrew, obliging Tetsu to convince his long-time
friend, Ken, to drop his studies in architectural design and to convert
Sakura to L'Arc-en-Cielism, after seeing him drum in a Live House.
In April 1993, the newly reformed band ruled the underground charts with
their debut album, Dune.
