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| June 19, 2008
I stumbled across this band surfing around MySpace. There was something particular interesting about them but I couldn't put my finger on it; plenty of similar bands on social networking sites, but this one caught my eye (and ear). Having watched the above video somewhat repetitively, I'm beginning to see a variety of elements which have inspired me at one time or another.
First, the band is a self-proclaimed "cyberpunk" group. Being a big fan of the literature that spawned the sub-culture, I'm inclined to take an interest.
Second, there's a distinctly gothic visual quality to the group (they might be more accurately labeled "cybergoths"). I've previously listed the "gothloli" fashions of the Harajuku district as an inspiration, so no surprise I'd find this compelling.
Third, both visually and musically the guitarist reminds me of Nash the Slash (Wikipedia article); visually the head piece he wears reminds me of a character from the Japanese film "Casshern".
Fourth, the music itself is a form of industrial rock (with samples), so there are easy comparisons to bands like Front 242 and Frontline Assembly, especially since both have similar visual elements in their music videos (as expected).
Fifth, the singer's voice - or rather the Japanese language - reminds me of anime in general. I don't care for most Japanese music because of the vocals, but like Malice Mizer (Wikipedia article), this band does its own thing and sticks with what sounds right for them. Under other circumstances I'd not perceive a relationship between the above video and the intro scene for "Ghost in the Shell" (1995), but the appropriateness of the vocals in this soundscape is compelling.
Sixth, the old school theremin sound generator shown in the video.
Finally, it occurs to me that I'm not likely to ever see this band in concert. For all practical purposes, they're virtual to me. They may as well be the Japanese band putting on live performances in Second Life.
Link: Psydoll Official Website
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