Vamps is a new side project from L'Arc-en-Ciel front-man Hyde and Oblivion Dust guitarist K.A.Z.
K.A.Z. has flitted around many other outside projects in his time, both before and after Oblivion Dust's break up, and now once again during the band's recent re-formation. He's worked with the band Hide with Speed Beaver, with singer Anna Tsuchiya in her Spin Aqua band, with L'Arc bassist Tetsuo in TETSU69, as well on Hyde's own solo material.
Hyde himself is certainly no newcomer to the whole rockin' vampire shtick. He starred as a vampire alongside Gackt, another occasionally goth pretty boy, in the film Moon Child. Of course here it would seem more likely that the band is shooting for the slightly kitschy interpretation of "vamp," aiming for a dark and sexy femme fatale mood.
As a band, Vamps are still extremely young. In fact, as of this writing they have yet to release their first two song single for "Love Addict." The songs on the single sounds exactly like your typical up-tempo L'Arc track, perhaps a bit looser and bluesy. Hyde's vocal delivery isn't any different from his other efforts and the overall feel and production is the same. The music is still hard edged pop rock, with lavish production full of up-front guitars and Hyde's bold and syrupy vocals. The same air of elegant style and a commercial/glam fashion sense are just as prominent as they are in L'Arc.
It feels like Vamps are simply a place holder for L'Arc while they take their thee year hiatus. At any rate, this is certainly good news for L'Arc fans, as they will have plenty of new music to listen to in the meantime.
Love Addict
Official Site
MySpace
Members:
Hyde - Vocals
K.A.Z. - Guitar
Releases:
Vamps - 2009
Time Goes By
2 comments:
What... They sound nothing like L'Arc-en-Ciel. The composition is a lot simpler. Even Hyde's vocal style is not his usual in L'Arc. Not to mention tetsu's oh-so-sultry basslines (which is what I often think of when defining L'Arc) aren't anywhere near here. Although the guitar is pretty catchy, this Laruku fan probably won't be listening to much of Vamps this summer. ;)
Well, I'm agree with insomniaque, VAMPS' music is so different from L'Arc~en~Ciel, in my opinion, completly different.
It's good to see a report of VAMPS here, thanks for do it.
PS: L'Arc~en~Ciel bassist and leader's name is Tetsuya, not Tetsuo =P
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