Hi guys! 
Whoa! And now we're down to 28 days to go for the very first ONE OK ROCK concert here in the Philippines. So are you guys excited? I know I am :D
For today's post it's all about revenge...well, the good kind of way ;) Actually last October, my amazing friend Mei Manuel (owner of Autumn Sky X ONE OK ROCK), featured an interview of me as a fan of ONE OK ROCK on her blog. *To read my interview, click here.

Lately Mei has been featuring random fans on her blog for an interview about their love for ONE OK ROCK. Better check it out you guys. It's really interesting to read the fans' stories, and some lucky ones like me, got featured in Pulp magazine's December 2015 issue.


...and now it's my turn to interview the majestic Mei as a huge fan of this band. So here's how it went...
_________________________________________________________________________________

• 35XXXV
• Take Me To The Top
• Cry Out 

'till next post! - k*

photo by Amuse Inc. Asia

photo courtesy of Pulp Live World Inc. the official producer of ONE OK ROCK Live in Manila

photo courtesy of Pulp Live World Inc. the official producer of ONE OK ROCK Live in Manila

photo courtesy of Philippines' ONE OK ROCKers Facebook page

• ONE OK ROCK's website: http://www.oneokrock.com/
• Pulp Live World: http://pulpliveworld.com/shows/2016/one-ok-rock
• Amuse Inc. Asia: https://www.facebook.com/Amuse.Inc.Asia

 

Hi guys!
So I've been busy these past few weeks and I do miss blogging...A LOT!. That's why right now I am going to share to you the recipe of my current obsession: PANCAKES.

source: http://totalbeverage.net/wp-content/uploads/Pancakes.jpg

What about these pancakes?
Hmm...Actually I don't know really. But I find them very comforting, though. It may be a bit weird that I am associating them with heartaches but pancakes are known to be the ultimate comfort food in almost any time of the day. It may be everyone's favorite breakfast, but I could eat this stuff all day long whenever I feel down, or just plain hungry :P

...and here it is!

Ingredients (for 3-4 large pancakes or 5-6 medium-sized pancakes):

• 1 cup cake flour (or all purpose flour)
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 large egg
• 3 tbsp. sugar
• 140 ml milk
• 2 tsp. vegetable oil
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• maple syrup
• butter
• jam (optional)

• 3xxxv5 - Taka said that this was the last track they made before the album was released. Must be because they were trying to figure out the whole story of the album and I can feel a lot of mixed emotions with this intro since this is like a stepping stone for them. I love the part where they mixed the Japanese and English rap together. 
• Take Me To The Top - Just like the previous albums, Niche Syndrome and Zankyo Reference, they start it off with a pure English track in this album, and that's not really shocking because I know they are trying to target the American market this time. A very powerful track that showcases all of the band's strengths. There's a lot of screams which is not bad at all. 
• Cry Out - This track is one of my favorites because I love the lyrics, but....there's a big BUT! the back up vocals, I find it a bit disturbing and I don't even know why T.T

• Suddenly - It's one of those tracks in the album where I'm so-so. It's not really a bad track, it's actually catchy, plus the lyrics are in English, but this one kinda reminds me of some punk-rock bands in the US. Expect that this track is highly influenced by them.
• Mighty Long Fall - This is the OST of 'Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno'. I find this track very cool. Definitely a ONE OK ROCK original when you hear it, but again something annoys me, must be that there's too much effects in the song. I would've want it to be a bit raw, but hey! Again, they wanted to try new things, right? That's not bad at all. When I heard the acoustic version of this song, I really loved it!

• Heartache - The best track in the album everrrr!!! When I first heard this one, I almost broke down inside (know more about it here). 'Heartache' is the OST of 'Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends', and it's this song the main reason why I am THIS addicted to the band right now! (If you hear it, you'll know why). This is the album's ballad. When Taka was interviewed about their new album, he said that he was tired of singing 'Wherever You Are' during live concerts and that they really worked hard on making a new ballad piece that they can perform during lives, and it's going to be this 'Heartache' track. The part that really struck me most is the chorus.."so this is heartache...so this is heartache".. awww the chills, dude!  

• Memories - I like this track from the album. There's full of teenage angst on it, and I was actually expecting that this was going to be a sucky American-influenced track, but once again, ONE OK ROCK nailed it!
• Decision (featured in FOOL COOL ROCK) - Hmmm...Yes, I know this song is one of the best in the album. I actually like it, but I prefer the acoustic version more than the full band. The only thing I hate about the full band version is that it reminded me more of Fall Out Boy, than OOR.

• Paper Planes (feat. Kellin Quinn of Sleeping with Sirens) - Trust me, this is a pop song. I'm a bit disappointed with this track. No offense to Kellin Quinn, I mean he's great, but this song is just too Americanized for me. At first, I thought this track was catchy, but at the end of the day, it's annoying! I was expecting that their collab was going to be something like whoa and not a shitty pop track.
• Good Goodbye - It's one of those tracks in the album where you are allowed to rape the replay button as much as you like. I find this one to be very relaxing. It's like if you're too disappointed with 'Paper Planes', 'Good Goodbye' is going to chill you out. Imagine that one perfect song that you want to play in your car for a long drive in a one Sunday afternoon. Taka's falsetto in the chorus is the thing!
• One By One - Are we going to a war?! haha! These guys are really fighting for their dreams, and they know that it's not going to be easy. When I first heard this one, I was trying to picture something on my mind, like the fight to achieve your dreams. It must be one hell of a war. The screams are just, ugh! Very powerful and I call it as "beautiful desperation".
• Stuck in the Middle - After going to that war, there is always a point where you're gonna think if what you're fighting for is worth it all now that you're left with nothing. I get it all in this song, and this is definitely one of those meaningful songs in the album. If you're in the middle of a mid-life crisis and you want to shout it all out, then this track must be the one for you. Take time to listen to it.
• Fight The Night - What a perfect way to end things. 'Fight The Night' is one of my faves from this album. When you hear it, you can say it's a ONE OK ROCK original, even though the intro is kinda of a Maroon 5-ish. It seems like that they really want to reach out to their fans in the west. Since ONE OK ROCK make songs not just for pure fun, but also to inspire people, they have already accomplished that here in Asia and Europe, and I can really tell that this time, they are hoping that they will also touch the hearts of their fans in America. This song is full of hope, and I know Taka is really good at making lyrics with those kind of songs in Japanese and Japlish, but this song blew me away because it was beautifully written in English.

ONE OK ROCK: Mighty Long Fall in Yokohama Stadium

To summarize my thoughts about '35XXXV':

• It's not that I hate it, I'm just so-so with this album. There were great tracks, and there were also not-so-great tracks, but I have a great respect for the band for their craft. 
• I love the fact that they have included six (6) English tracks this time to gather more attention to their non-Japanese fans. Those tracks were Take Me To The Top, Suddenly, Paper Planes, Good Goodbye, One By One, and Fight The Night.
• I know most songs from this album have more sound effects compared to their previous albums, and that's what made this album more westernized. But whatever! I know that this band really sound better when they perform live!

Jinsei x Boku = album cover

• Introduction~Where idiot should go~ - Once the cello started to play its strings, I know that it's going to give a heavy feeling, but on the later part of this introduction, the music gets lighter, it's as if hope will always bring light to a person's life. The intro's quite nice actually.
• Ending Story?? - At first, Taka starts to whisper, and then he screams! I love the way he screams by the way haha. Anyways, this track is one of my faves from this album, and they really did show something new because Taka did rap in this song.
• ONION! - "Life is like an ONION!"...Yeah and now their talking. I'm not really a huge fan of this track, but it's definitely promising as they want to let their audience listen to their songs about life and stuff. 
• The Beginning - I hereby declare that this song made ONE OK ROCK popular all across the globe. Takeru Sato asked Taka to write a song for the movie 'Rurouni Kenshin' and he did not fail. The movie became a great hit, and so as the soundtrack. What I love about this song is the message and the way they interpret it musically. A lot of people can relate to it because it's all about fighting for something that's precious to you. 'The Beginning' was also the key for the band's new beginning, as they became one of the world's top bands today. 

• Clock Strikes - This soooooong!!! This is the reason why I fell in love with this band a lot! And I heard it in a live version, which means that they are REALLY that awesome. Until now, whenever I hear this one, I always feel a lot of emotions. For me this song, even when I don't understand all of it 'cause most lyrics are in Japanese, touches my soul. Really gives me the feels of positivity and hope, and I bet some fans do feel it too.

screen cap of 'Clock Strikes' MV

• Be The Light - It's one of this album's ballads and this song's really emotional. I love it when Taka pours a lot of emotions in a song because it really affects whoever listens to it. What's special about this one is that it's a pure English track, must be because he really intended to reach out to a lot of people as much as possible, and his English keeps getting better and better every album. Definitely one of my faves, and it's a must-listen track. 

• Nothing Helps - Another English track! I like this song a lot. Seems like they're telling their own band's story to their fans. I've gotta say, it's one of those OOR songs that I'm proud of. For me 'Nothing Helps' is like a prequel of the next track - 'Juvenile'.
• Juvenile - A song about knowing what you want in life and chasing after them. This track's giving me more reasons to love this album. At first, I thought this was a chill kind of rock song, but at the bridge, Taka top it off with a scream, and that made this track more passionate than ever. Honestly, this is one of my fave songs of the band.
• All Mine - I've heard that this is Ryota's fave song from this album...awwww isn't that romantic? I love it how they put variety in this album. This song, 'All Mine', is a mellow track. Just the piano, cello, and violin all together. This is also one of my faves from the album. So, if you're looking for a romantic, mellow, and sweet track that's perfect for a slow dance, then it's gotta be this one! 
• Smiling Down - I'm not really a fan of this track. But again, they are putting variety to this album. For me, this is an emo track. It's also worth listening to anyway. Whenever I hear this one, it reminds me of the band The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus...just sayin'.
• Deeper Deeper - I really really wanna see the band play this song LIVE! Deeper Deeper is this album's hard rock track. Whenever I hear this one, I'm craving for more of their music. The intro, the bass, the drums, the guitar, and the vocals blend perfectly to make that ultimate rock track that's gonna make the fans scream...'soshite good good days!!!'

• 69 - I know what your thinking, but that's NOT it! Sorry to disappoint you, but this is not a sex track. Nope! Not at all! LOL XD '69' simply means 'rock' (roku is 6 in Japanese, and ku is 9 in Japanese, all together it's 'rokku'). In this track, you can hear more of Taka rapping. I find this one interesting and it's one of those OOR tracks that have a very good musicality. I love Toru's guitar here! If you ever feel like dancing to rock, then this gotta be it.
• the same as... - It started with just the piano and Taka, then after the first chorus, the band comes in with a bang! Next the verses were sang gently and heartfelt, and also the band toned down a bit, but during the second refrain, the band goes louder. The track's full of transition and for me it's not bad 'cause the transitions did match the lyrics after all. This is not really one of my favorite tracks from the album, but it's also a good one.

• Coda - For me, the intro for this album was calming, but heavy to the feeling too. I can hear there's a lot more electronic influence to it, like it's vibe was more futuristic. The kind of giving you the feeling of looking forward into the future, excited but scared at the same time. Things may start slow, but it will be promising to the end.
• LOST AND FOUND - Wow! Just like the previous album, they kicked it off with another pure English track. Again, I'm very proud for this one. I love this one. When you listen to this one, you can definitely say that ONE OK ROCK is ready for anything whatever waits for them in the future.
• アンサイズニア (Answer is Near) - This was a hit, right? Another one of my favorites from this album. Truly one of the most meaningful songs that I've heard in my whole existence, though most lyrics are in Japanese (Well, Google translate's gonna take care of that for me). The melody is catchy, but trust me, it's gonna be more than that.

• NO SCARED - AAAAAHHHHH!!! I love NO SCARED!!! I get a lot of feedback like "What the hell's NO SCARED?!", but I don't mind those people who don't wanna get it. I know this track sells to the teenage crowd, but if you ever feel like you just wanna keep your head bangin' the whole day, this is the song that you must listen to. 

• C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h. - They are slowing it down now. When you hear this song, the start was a bit of a mellow-rock, but there is a transition when it goes to chorus. It gets louder and back to the rock that we love. This is another meaningful song for the band, as Taka wrote this one for his friends, his bandmates. I can say it's a must-listen track.

• Mr.現代Speaker (Mr. Gendai Speaker/Mr. Modern-day Speaker) - When I first listened to this, I was hoping from the bottom of my gut that OOR didn't change their genre, but I definitely relaxed when the chorus came. Yay! They are still a rock band after all. I thought they were aiming for that electro-pop-rock shit that I get to hear everyday. This is something new from the band. It's definitely one of the powerful tracks from this album. 
• 世間知らずの宇宙飛行士(Seken Shirazu no Uchuu Hikoushi/Naive Astronaut) - Now I can really sense that they are definitely aiming for something different. Why? The title is in Japanese, but the song's in English! and also, must be because these guys are maturing, and their tastes are changing. This track gave me a futuristic feel to it. I thought it's another one of that electro-rock shit, but it's not. This is another English track from the album. It's actually good, but not really one of my favorites.
• Re:make - This is one of my favorites. I'd never get tired listening to this over and over again. After that futuristic-inspired track, they followed it up with this rock track and they're back! This song kinda gives me the "I-wanna-move-on-from-this-break-up-'coz-you're-not-worth-grieving-for" feeling. Plus the tune makes my feet stomp, and Taka's vocals makes me wanna scream so loud. 

• Pierce - Grieving over  a break up? Then this track is for you. It's this album's ballad. Pierce starts with that mellow piano, but the feeling is heavy. I thought that this would be a piano song all through out, but it's an acoustic one. I love it how the song was well-constructed. Since the lyrics were sad, the whole arrangement just simply goes with it, which will make you melodramatic by the end of the day. They inserted violins in this track, and that kinda reminded me a bit of Yellowcard. Pierce actually is a song that's heavy on the feeling, but towards the ending after Taka sang "...we always wish tonight could last forever!", it's about time to let go of that feeling. 
• Let's Take It Someday - Again, another one of my favorites. Why? It's give you that positive feeling toward life. I love listening to this one whenever I'm on doubt with the decisions I make, big or small. And this song is one of the band's legacy to the fans, since the message of the song is very inspiring and a lot of people can relate to it even if you're not a ONE OK ROCK fan. They still play this song live, and I'm hoping I could hear this one live too. I would really jump so high while singing. 
• キミシダイ列車 (Kimishidai Ressha/Your own train) - I guess this is my ultimate fave from the album. I love every part of the song. The intro simply moves me in any way. I love it how well it is written by Taka. This song gives a positive vibe to people of all ages. These lyrics really moved me: "Yes try to try, keep moving on, sou demo shinakya, can't see the light, moto mo ko mo nakunatte hontouni tada itai me miru dake...Just hold on tight it can be alright.." (Yes, try to try, keep moving on, I have to, I can’t see the light, losing everything really makes you focus only on painful experience... Just hold on tight, it can be all right..) AAAAHHH!!! I can't get over it! 

From their MV "Re:make"

1. Introduction - So this was definitely new. I'm sure the band really thought hard about making an introduction for their album since they were only four of them left. It seemed like they were reborn or something. And this intro was perfect for the next track.
2. Never Let This Go - An angry Taka will welcome you with "WE HAVE TO CARRY ON!!! WE HAVE TO MAKE IT FOR US!!!". I'm definitely proud with this track. This is a treat not only to the Japanese fans, but also for the non-Japanese fans because the whole song's in English. With this song, you can really tell that OOR really took their music into a whole new level.
3. Kanzen Kankaku Dreamer (完全感覚 Dreamer) - This!...This!...THIS!!! I have listened to all OOR songs but nothing will ever compare to this song! The very first time I heard this one, I find the intro very catchy. There's a bit of a history in this song according to some sources, and whenever I hear this one, I can really feel the band's effort in continuing their music. The emotion, the melody, the lyrics, the music, and everything on it is perfection. Most of the lyrics are in English also and I guess they really put a lot of effort on that just to relate to fans all over the world, because this song is all about taking the dream. The words "This is my own judgement! Got nothing to say!" is just - umm...a lot! 
4. Konzatsu Communication (混雑コミュニケーション) - Like a high school rebel. That's the best way to describe this track. And whenever I hear this, that's all on my mind haha!
5. Yes I Am - I like this track. The tune is very cheerful, but kinda like an anthem, and cheesy, especially on the chorus: "Say my name, I'm gonna take my chance to change your heart.." 
6. Shake It Down - Not a fan of this track really. But it's an upbeat track which makes OOR so irresistible.
7. Jibun Rock (じぶんROCK) - This song is one of their popular tracks in this album, but not really one of my favorites. Anyways, the musicality is really good with this track. Kinda like OOR's own version of rock.
8. Liar - The whole song's about expressing your anger and hate about that certain person who lies to you. I really like this track. Gotta keep those heads bangin' while listening to this.
9. Wherever You Are - This album's ballad. A classic to all OOR fans. This one's really popular to non-Japanese fans because it's about 3/4 of the song is in English. It will definitely give you an LSS. Taka really knows how to move people's hearts through his lyrics. I really find this one very touching, romantic, and sweet. A must-played song on a wedding, after all this song was written for Taka's friend who was about to get married at that time.
10. Riot!!! - Riot!? Isn't that an album of Paramore? LOL XD I'm also a die-hard Parawhore haha! This track will really make you get up and dance. The song's almost an English track of the album. The pre-chorus parts are in Japanese. Riot!!! is one of my faves and it did kinda remind me a bit of Paramore.  
11. Adult Suit (アダルトスーツ) - I'm not really a fan of this song, but whenever I hear this one I always find myself singing to the lyrics to the point of giving me an LSS.
12. Mikansei Kokyokyoku (未完成交響曲) - A pure Japanese track of this album. The title is translated as Incomplete Symphony. It's a song about life living it to the fullest everyday and that's what I really like about it. This is one of the album's must-listen tracks.
13. Nobody's Home - This song's very personal to Taka, but it seems like a lot of the band's fans can relate to it. The very first time I heard this one was kinda embarrassing gaaaaah. I was riding a jeepney that time, but as I listen to the track I can really feel the emotion and that almost made me brought to tears, but I realized that I have to pull myself together haha! I know most people would call it overreacting, but whatever! XD

From the MV 'Kanzen Kankaku Dreamer'