Ian Walker
08/26/09, 10:42 AM
Dir en grey - A Knot Of [DVD]
Record Label: The End Records
Release Date: February 2, 2009
Dir en grey is a name composed of various words from different languages, making it impossible to categorize it in any way. The band's name is much like their storied history. Rising from the ashes of Japan's visual kei movement, a sort of glam rock aesthetic that popularized outward appearance over musical abilities, Dir en grey quickly came into their own. Since their formation in 1997, they have constantly pushed the boundaries of the Japanese music scene, as well as their own, to create a sound that is both powerful and easily accessible to listeners outside of Japan.
The A Knot Of DVD is much like one of their shows: fast and frenetic. A compilation of three fan-club only DVD releases, it doesn't chronicle a single concert or tour, but rather the band's flurry of touring that took place from 2005 to 2007. From American tours like Family Values to various European festivals, A Knot Of is an interesting gift for those of us outside of Japan who have no way of joining their fan club.
Interesting because, as a huge fan of Dir en grey, I am ultimately disappointed with this release. While the prospect of being able to see the band perform throughout many different tours sounds like an amazing journey, the end result is a disorganized mess. Many of the concerts shown boil down to glorified montages, exciting you with the opening riff or chorus of your favorite song before shooting off to the next song or concert venue. But in the DVD's defense, when you are treated to a full song, it's a glorious thing. Every member of the band is spot on, with lead singer Kyo both hitting notes within his incredible range and providing quite a show by himself.
Towards the end of the DVD, a large focus is put on Kyo's stage show. Channeling an inner, albeit tamer version of GG Allin, Kyo is no stranger to self-mutilation. His persona before the concert is drastically changed during, as clawing at his chest and savagely fish-hooking the insides of his cheeks leave him a bloody, insane-looking mess. And even if you can't understand the Japanese lyrics, the message is still conveyed through his body language.
While the quick glimpses and short sets may discourage Dir en grey's hardcore fans, A Knot Of is a great introduction to their extensive discography. Thinking of it from that perspective, I can understand why they released a DVD like this: to market themselves to a larger audience with a quick run-through of who they are and what they do. Unfortunately, the lack of bonus materials and interviews, and very little footage of the band offstage cause A Knot Of to drag on a bit longer than necessary.
The few seconds they showed of "Obscure" live, the ending performance of "Child Prey."
Sadie, DéspairsRay, watching the song "Dead Tree" performed four times.
http://www.myspace.com/direngrey
Record Label: The End Records
Release Date: February 2, 2009
Dir en grey is a name composed of various words from different languages, making it impossible to categorize it in any way. The band's name is much like their storied history. Rising from the ashes of Japan's visual kei movement, a sort of glam rock aesthetic that popularized outward appearance over musical abilities, Dir en grey quickly came into their own. Since their formation in 1997, they have constantly pushed the boundaries of the Japanese music scene, as well as their own, to create a sound that is both powerful and easily accessible to listeners outside of Japan.
The A Knot Of DVD is much like one of their shows: fast and frenetic. A compilation of three fan-club only DVD releases, it doesn't chronicle a single concert or tour, but rather the band's flurry of touring that took place from 2005 to 2007. From American tours like Family Values to various European festivals, A Knot Of is an interesting gift for those of us outside of Japan who have no way of joining their fan club.
Interesting because, as a huge fan of Dir en grey, I am ultimately disappointed with this release. While the prospect of being able to see the band perform throughout many different tours sounds like an amazing journey, the end result is a disorganized mess. Many of the concerts shown boil down to glorified montages, exciting you with the opening riff or chorus of your favorite song before shooting off to the next song or concert venue. But in the DVD's defense, when you are treated to a full song, it's a glorious thing. Every member of the band is spot on, with lead singer Kyo both hitting notes within his incredible range and providing quite a show by himself.
Towards the end of the DVD, a large focus is put on Kyo's stage show. Channeling an inner, albeit tamer version of GG Allin, Kyo is no stranger to self-mutilation. His persona before the concert is drastically changed during, as clawing at his chest and savagely fish-hooking the insides of his cheeks leave him a bloody, insane-looking mess. And even if you can't understand the Japanese lyrics, the message is still conveyed through his body language.
While the quick glimpses and short sets may discourage Dir en grey's hardcore fans, A Knot Of is a great introduction to their extensive discography. Thinking of it from that perspective, I can understand why they released a DVD like this: to market themselves to a larger audience with a quick run-through of who they are and what they do. Unfortunately, the lack of bonus materials and interviews, and very little footage of the band offstage cause A Knot Of to drag on a bit longer than necessary.
The few seconds they showed of "Obscure" live, the ending performance of "Child Prey."
Sadie, DéspairsRay, watching the song "Dead Tree" performed four times.
http://www.myspace.com/direngrey