Baroque (band)
| Baroque | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Genres | Rock |
| Years active | 2001–2004, 2011, 2012–present |
| Labels | S'Cube, Firewall Div./SMEJ |
| Associated acts | Kannivalism |
| Website | Official site |
| Members | |
| Ryo Akira Kei Bansaku |
|
| Past members | |
| Naru Yuji |
|
Baroque (stylized as baroque) is a Japanese visual kei rock band originally formed in 2001.[1][2] Originally signed to S'Cube, a sub-division of the independent record label Free-Will, the band later switched to the company's Firewall Division, with distribution handled by Sony Music Entertainment Japan. After releasing two albums, along with a greatest hits compilation, several singles and home video releases, Baroque disbanded in 2004. Baroque reunited for a free concert in 2011 and fully restarted activities in January 2012.[3][4]
Contents |
[edit] History
[edit] 2001–2004: Formation and disbandment
Baroque began with the members Ryo, Akira, Kei, Bansaku, and Naru. In Late 2001, Baroque released 2 demotapes. After releasing a mini-album and video tape, Naru left the band in March and was replaced by Yuji.[5][6] During this time, the band was called "Oshare Kei" or "Baroque kei" by media sources.[7]
In 2002, still as an independent band, Baroque released three singles and was able to play at NHK Hall.[1][5] After the singles were released, Yuji left the band due to problems with his brain/memory.[8]
Their first major single was Gakidou.[9] When Baroque went major in 2003, their sound shifted and included a drum machine; also their style shifted to casual clothing.[7] Their second major single "Ila" in particular had a trance/electronica sound.[1]
Shortly after their major label debut, the band's bassist announced he was resigning.[10] The band announced on September 11 that they would break up, but they continued activities through the rest of the year.[6][11][12] Their last concert was a sold out performance at Zepp Tokyo on December 25, 2004, titled "Baroque Last Live Mumirai -No Future-".[1][7]
Vocalist Ryo and guitarist Kei then reformed their previous band Kannivalism in 2006.[10]
[edit] 2011–present: Reunion
Baroque reunited for a free live, titled "Odai ha Kekkou Irimasenkara", on July 17, 2011 at Yokohama Red Brick.[3] On September 28, 2011, they announced that they would fully restart activities at a live called "Baroque Re: First Live in Future" on January 6, 2012 at Zepp Tokyo.[4] On January 4, they released three singles, "Rinzen Identity", "Mono Dorama" and "Teeny-Tiny Star".[13] The singles reached third, fourth, and fifth, respectively, on the Oricon chart, making Baroque the first independent band to have three of the top five positions on the majors' chart.[13] They will be going on a nationwide tour in March, followed by a hall tour in April.[13]
[edit] Members
- Former members
- Naru (ナル) – Drums
- Yuji (祐二) – Drums
[edit] Discography
- Albums
- Sug Life (September 9, 2004) Oricon Weekly Album Chart Top Position: 31[14]
- Mini albums
- Tokyo Stripper (東京ストリッパー, January 12, 2002)
- Compilation Albums
- Brq 2001-2004 (December 12, 2004) Oricon Weekly Album Chart Top Position: 55[14]
- Singles
- "Sukebe Boy" (スケベボウイ, August 7, 2002)
- "Caramel Drops" (キャラメルドロップス, November 29, 2002)
- "Chaplin" (February 5, 2003) Oricon Weekly Single Chart Top Position: 23[15]
- "Gakidou" (我伐道, July 24, 2003) Oricon Weekly Single Chart Top Position: 14[15]
- "ila." (April 7, 2004) Oricon Weekly Single Chart Top Position: 17[15]
- "Garion" (ガリロン, April 21, 2004) Oricon Weekly Single Chart Top Position: 18[15]
- "Nutty a Hermit" (July 28, 2004) Oricon Weekly Single Chart Top Position: 28[15]
- "Rinzen Identity"
- "Mono Dorama"
- "Teeny-Tiny Star"
- Videos
- Anakuro Film (あなくろフィルム, August 12, 2001)
- Brq DVD (December 15, 2004)
- Clip Collection (March 23, 2005)
- Last Live Mumirai No Future (Last Live 無未来 NO FUTURE March 23, 2005)
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d Baroque's Biography at CD Journal Retrieved August 27, 2007
- ^ Bounce Di(s)ctionary Number 13 - Visual Kei Retrieved November 19, 2008
- ^ a b baroque comes back with first live in seven years Retrieved September 29, 2011
- ^ a b baroque officially announces their revival Retrieved September 29, 2011
- ^ a b Baroque's Page on Grass Thread
- ^ a b Baroque Profile & Bibliography JAME Retrieved August 21 2007
- ^ Asian Rave JAME news Retrieved August 20, 2007
- ^ Personal Interview Part 1 Arena 27c Special - Vol 013 August 2003 pg 3 - 25
- ^ a b Cure magazine, Volume 30, March, released 2006.1.21 pg 38
- ^ Official Website Announcement Retrieved April 2, 2006
- ^ Members Comments on their Official Website Retrieved April 2, 2006
- ^ a b c baroque Entering ORICON Weekly Top 5 with all 3 Singles at Once! Retrieved January 12, 2012
- ^ a b Baroque Album Ranking Retrieved Nov 12, 2010
- ^ a b c d e Baroque Single Ranking Retrieved Nov 12, 2010
