by Joce-17, 19 August 2009

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Fans of punk rock, heavy rock, acoustic rock or just something alternative should experience all of that mixed into one bag of goods called Jrock. Japanese Rock, although branched from classic western rock, has most definitely developed into it’s own entity in the modern age. What sets it apart is its deviation from the classic rock riffs, chord schemes and rhythms of every genre of rock. With the many talented musicians, Jrock has developed a set of features of its own, so much that now, I find it possible to compose this genre specifically.

Jrock features heavy, fast bass/guitar riffs, heavy incongruent drumming that some how fits into the rhythm, layers of different textures, changing tempos and extremely poetic lyrics. With all that mixed with the goodness that comes from rock itself, a heart wrenchingly amazing type of music is born. Experience is worth more than words and so below, several different sub genres of Jrock and its related bands will be broken down.

Punk
With the Jrock version of this being slight more complicated in structure and texture than classic punk rock, Jrock bands like The Hiatus and Ellegarden are definitely worth a listen. Although both bands share the same lead singer, Ellegarden features a much more light punk sound when compared to the darker and heavier Hiatus. Full of the typical punk angst while easy on the ears and filled with beautiful vocals, this is definitely a way to ease oneself into Jrock.

Jazz Rock
Although relatively new to the music scene in Japan, modern fusions of Jazz Rock is slowly creeping into the system. While their earlier albums were more visual, heavy rock rather than jazz, renowned band Nightmare has begun to incorporate many Jazz elements into recent albums, beginning with ‘Killer Show’. Nightmare will for sure, bring mind blowing bass riffs and amazingly inconceivable drum beats. On top of all that, the powerful vocals of the lead singer and jazzy rhythms from the brasses make the whole package complete.

Light Visual Rock
As with how everything is in Japan, looks are amongst top priorities. From that, stems light visual rock bands. While their attire is part of the heavy metal genre, their music may be slightly easier on the ears and less heavy, but with the bands own twist to it. Bands such as Alice Nine are both visually and musically satisfying at the same time, fulfilling the audience with their catchy guitar riffs and original drum rhythms and the lead singers captivating voice.

Classic, heavy Visual Rock
X-Japan and Dir en Grey – nothing more needs to be said due to their amount of fame. Insane beats, riffs and intense, vocal straining melodies, all with a Japanese twist are only some of the factors that make these bands so successful.

Acoustic Rock
Emitting sweet sounds from the acoustic guitar while sporadic sections of heavy rock will often pop up, acoustic Jrock is full of surprises. The band to start with is Radwimps, who has recently won‘Best Music Video’ award for their song ‘Order Made’ which defines acoustic rock.

Something in between
If none of the mentioned above fits your likings exactly, then bands like Uverworld that incorporates a bit of everything into their music will be ideal. Although still loaded with Jrock rhythms, riffs and beats, its incorporation of other things ranging from classical to rap spices things up.

All in all, Jrock is recommended to anyone who needs a different musical experience.

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