Remembering Maki

Recommended reading for HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR fans. Haikara vocalist Maakii has now left the group, and Second Blossoming has his final post dedicated to remembering her. Right away he makes it clear how important he believes she was to the group, calling her “the driver of change.” If you’re a fan of the band and ready for a good cry, this is the post for you… although the last line will probably interrupt your tears with a sudden burst of laughter. It’s another fine post from SB, even if it is fairly sad.

Album review: Nichika - Nichika

We will remember

I’ve been slacking off lately…and this should have been written up ages ago.

Pengie reviews Nichika, a brand-new upcoming band which deserves mention. She takes a look at their debut self-titled album, in which she states,

“this has become my favourite album of 2008 so far”

She speaks very highly of this debut album, by describing the album has “brilliant genre hopping” and I couldn’t agree more. Her writing throughout this review continually praises Nichika for their uniqueness and variety of different genre’s packed in one album…a debut album.

She also has a PV and a few tracks on offer for readers to have a taste of their own. She finishes by tearing herself away from Haikara’s “ROCK PIT” as best album of this year by reigning Nichika’s debut self-titled album as the best. A worthy read, for existing fans of Nichika and readers who want to try out something new.

On a sadder note…

Pengie remembers Maakii, the lead vocalist of HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR, who is bound to leave the band at the end of this year because of marriage commitments. It is a huge disappointment for long-time fans like me and Pengie as we remember when she debuted at 18 years of age.

Pengie opens up to “Remember”, their latest (and last for Maakii) PV. A split in the band is never a happy thing, hence the sombre and sad tone throughout Pengie’s writing. Her short yet ample review of the PV itself is humbling, noting only on the profound points of the PV which symbolises Maakii’s departure from the band. While it is short, the embedded PV and screenshots fill up the gap nicely.

She opens up to her feelings about Maakii and the band and all I can really say, is that it’s basically a humble retrospect of Maakii’s time with Haikara.

Pengie and I have been there since the beginning, and I know exactly how she feels in her writing. Other readers who are in the same situation as her can sympathise and understand her feelings fully.

Pengie’s last segment is extremely special. It is, hmmm…its hard to explain, a solemn celebration of her time with Maakii perhaps. Maakii’s voice, personality…her presence, has done a lot for Pengie, and I’m sure her presence in such a band has changed a lot of people.

And never forget.

HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR - HOT LIMIT (Channel-Ai)
HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR’s “HOT LIMIT” (appears)

Channel Ai discusses the latest single by HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR by reviewing each track individually. They also mention that the PV is a “carbon copy” of T.M Revolution’s original PV. And yes, the motorcycle noise makes no sense whatsoever.

Appears, on the other hand has a totally different approach to reviewing HOT LIMIT. He clearly states in his review that Haikara clearly “fails in their interpretation of the single”. One may disagree with this bold statement but after reading his clear and genuine explanation, you gotta ask yourself whether are Haikara looking to interpret or reinterpret this song.

Maakii to leave HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR

Pengie at Unchained has also been struck by the sudden news of Maki leaving Haikara. While tears have been shed, Pengie recollects herself and explains from a fan’s perspective that we fans, cannot do anything to stop these abrupt actions from happening. We can only watch them from the sidelines and cheer them on until the end.

Because this just creeped me out. (Minna Star)
The Story Hasn’t Finished Yet (Our Second Blossoming)
Maki Marries Up, Quits H&MC (jrocknyc)

Recommended reading. These three posts, surprisingly enough, display three completely unique reactions to the news of HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR vocalist Maakii’s eventual departure from the band. Kimitsu seems startled mostly by the age difference between the husband and wife (and notes that Dreams Come True has been around almost as long as Maakii has been alive). Second Blossoming goes through a wide range of emotions in his post, from anger to sorrow, but ends on a positive note. For SB, this is a big loss, so it is his post that is perhaps the most touching to read. Meanwhile, Go just seems amused…

[high-fives dude from Dreams Come True even if his music tastes like creamed corn]

Even casual fans (or non-fans) seem to have something to say about this, and it’s interesting to read all the reactions, even if you may not personally agree with them.

DCT’s Nakamura marries H&MC’s Maki

Sad news for H&MC fans. Tokyograph announces marriage between the bass player of DREAMS COME TRUE, Nakamura Masato and vocalist of HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR, Maki. The couple had been seeing each other from this spring and submitted their marriage registration not too long ago. Maki decided to leave H&MC by the end of the year, as the other members accepted her decision and will continue their activities without her.

It is unknown whether Yuusuke will be the main vocalist afterwards or perhaps H&MC will find a new vocalist.

HIGH and MIGHTY COLOR - ROCK PIT

Megumi has a track by track review of the Okinawan rock band’s fourth album, finding it entertaining but nothing out of the ordinary.