It's been over a year since I last updated my blog. I'm busy with doujins so I really don't have time to write anime reviews, let alone have the muse to do so. My Japanese language sensei suggested that I'd write again since I often write brief reviews on my facebook posts. But allow me to restart with writing a review on Distant Worlds as requested by a friend
Due to unfortunate events, we arrived late for the concert; as a result we couldn't enter the concert hall until the orchestra finished one set. But we were able to listen from outside and it was equally beautiful. The moment we got in they started playing Dancing Mad (Final Fantasy VI's final battle theme) which the conductor Arnie Roth claimed that it was something they have never done before.
After Kefkka's final form theme, it's Final Fantasy XIII's signature music, Light Eternal. Not quite familiar with it since I don't really have any interest playing the game, but watching the movie above the orchestra makes me want to play FFXIII. Next they performed You're Not Alone from Final Fantasy IX, which is my favourite piece from the game though it didn't sound too different from the last Distant World's concert in Kuala Lumpur. Before the interval, it's Chocobo Medley; also a little disappointing to me although they put an effort to make it a little different. I am still hoping they mix all the medleys from every game.
So it turns out we missed 6 songs and I was a little upset that I couldn't make it in time to hear Battle with the Four Fiends, and I think it affected my mood during the first half of the concert. But I personally think that the second half was better because of.... FEELS.
Final Fantasy VII's Opening - Bombing Mission wasn't anything special, Final Fantasy VIII's Fisherman's Horizon was ok and I love the choir part. I was excited that they're gonna play Final Fantasy XII's The Dalmasca Estersand as it's the best song in the game though it wasn't as epic as the studio version. Then we go back to VIII's with Don't Be Afraid.
Now the next part has the best feels, both songs from Final Fantasy X back-to-back. The Hymn of the Fayth was short but it gave me goosebumps. I personally think that Zanarkand was the most beautiful piece in this concert. Now this reminds me why have I not playerd FFX remastered yet?? (Oh wait I don't even have the BD yet!)
Battle & Victory Theme Medley was next, I was kinda hoping that they mix all the normal battle medleys something like this because I love all of the battle themes! But oh well at least they performed Gilgamesh aka Battle on the Big Bridge (Final Fantasy V) and Those Who Fight (Final Fantasy VII).
Final Fantasy VI's Opera 'Mario & Draco' (which is a mix of The Opening, Aria di Mezzo Carattere, The Wedding Grand Finale performed consecutively) has something new in it; the inclusion of a narrator. Though I expected the narrator to have better voice as heard in The Black Mages version (it's in Japanese but you get my point) or sound more British because British accent is sexy. Nonetheless a mouthed the lyrics along with the singers. Maria & Draco never cease to amaze me in spite of being just a minor scene in the game, and I still wonder what is really the significance (Does it has something to do with Locke x Celes?)
A Final Fantasy concert is incomplete without the Main Theme and this is also gives me (forgive my lack of vocab and tumblr influence) SO MUCH FEELS ;__;
And of course, what's a Final Fantasy concert without Sephiroth's theme? One Winged Angel (Final Fantasy VII) was played during the encore and I wasn't surprised. I guess you really can't deny the awesomeness of this song (though some people argue that Kefka's theme was better).
Overall, I think the fast paced songs especially battle themes were not that great, maybe because I'm used to listen to the rock covers or The Black Mages' rendition. Some songs sounded a bit too fast from its original pace. However, I love the slower songs a lot as in... it gave me the chills and made my hair stood at its end. The movie which was played along with the concert was sometimes distracting, the 32-bit cutscenes looks awkward with the live orchestra (but they did maeke me wanna play the games again, and I haven't even finished the classics! Trust me the gameplay seemed much harder than the recent ones). And I do think the 'AMV's could have done been better.
The first DW in KL was better I think...?
So yeah done with the review. I'll try my best to get back to anime reviews next. Luckily I have MyAnimeList that helps me keep track of my completed animes.
We've been waiting for any Final Fantasy Orchestra to come to Malaysia. And finally, when Distant Worlds was announced that they will be performing in Kuala Lumpur, we immediately bought the tickets the moment the sales are open! The tickets sold like hot cakes. And the seats we got are the cheapest, and three rows in front of the stage. But that doesn't matter because what's important is to enjoy the live performance of our favourite tracks!
Venue: KLCC Philharmonic Hall, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Date: 17th November 2012 Time: 8.30pm
no pictures allowed at all times. But sorry, we are Malaysians, we don't give a f*ck. Photo by Reppu_kiri
Just for this concert, suddenly all the nerds/gamers/otakus look like a sir.
Oyeah, before the concert started, we bought some merchandise.
The show started with the Final Fantasy Prelude, the song you hear in most FF intros especially the classic ones. While it was played it brings me back to the days I started playing the games, the times we watch the opening FMVs, holding on to the controller getting all excited about beginning the adventures. Damn you, you made me wanna play all the games again!!
Next was Liberi Fatali. The local choir did a great job imitating the eerieness of the original song. Though FF8 was my least favourite game, it's one of my faves. Well, don't we all love Liberi Fatali? Thank you Dithyrambic Singers! Right after that the conductor, Arnie Roth did a bit of introduction, and relayed a message that Nobuo Uematsu feels bad for not able to come here. I think if he did we'd totally go wild.
you can see Sephiroth's face peeking at the side
Suddenly Victory Fanfare *Victory pose* (they could have played the longer version, you know the part where we see how much we level up and what battle spoils we get? yeah that)
Followed by Final Fantasy III Medley. I don't remember if it's similar from the one in the CD, but of course there's the world map song (OMG THE JALAN2 SONG IS SO BEAUTIFUL), Matoya's Cave - slow version (honestly i prefer the original catchy one xD), and then there's probably an FFIII song that I didn't recognize (cos it's the only classic I have not played), then comes the epic 'Final Fantasy', which is often played at the end of the ending credits. Lastly, FFII's Castle Theme. Wondeful medley ;__; but I really wish to hear FF1's battle theme and Mount Gulug.
Edit: I forgot to talk about To Zanarkand. To me it's one of the songs that really sent shivers down my spine and got me almost teary eyed. I think I was too focused on the video behind the orchestra, and I started recalling the whole gameplay and the story. It was beautiful indeed.
Next was Memoria De La Stono - Distant Worlds, a music from Final Fantasy XI, sung by a guest artist; Stephanie Van Driesen. I believe I've heard this before, but nonetheless, it was still awesome. And then, FFVIII's Man With the Machine Gun - however, I still cannot brain any orchestra versions of Laguna's theme no matter how many times I listen to it. Cos the song suits as techno, if not, The Black Mage's rock rendition of it could bring the whole machine gun guy image in my mind. And then there's Final Fantasy IV's Theme of Love! Again all those video cutscenes makes you wanna play the game all over again.
Prior to the concert, the Friday show attendees spoiled us with the programme list. I'm very much excited the moment I saw You're Not Alone, from FFIX. I mean, really. Only several weeks ago I was all over that song after something bad happened. I'm really surprised to see that particular song in the list, cos it was only played once in the game, and near the ending, I never thought it was so popular. Though it was only played once, it remains in my memory (and heart) for so long... because Nobuo Uematsu is just amazing. I guess that's the thing? So being able to hear it live, words can't describe how I really felt at that moment.
Then, as the conductor said, the concert is incomplete without the infamous Chocobo song, much to my friend Choco-tan's delight XD. First, he introduced us to FFXIV's version of Chocobo theme, the way Uematsu wanted it. And then the ever popular Swing de Chocobo. I'm sure we all felt like dancing, but we could only tap our feet.
Then there's the intermission. Fan-talk about the games.
ninja snapshot
And then we had the FFVII: Opening Theme. We never get tired of this. How it began with slow music and later with something more catchy. Then Az Samad, another guest artist went up the stage to play something from FFV, Dear Friends and also another favourite, FFIX's Vamo' alla Flamenco! And there's the one and only song from a different composer, from FFXIII, Blinded by Light. Probably the only best song from the game, and a little disappointed that the specific violin part wasn't apparent enough to feel its epicness.
Suddenly there's the cutscene from FFVIII, where the problem team; Squall, Zell and Seifer was about to start a mission. The video shows the battle scenes while the orchestra plays Don't Be Afraid. I guess this is one of the favourite battle themes, but in fact I love ALL the FF battle themes, that I wish for a show that only plays the battle themes XD. And then, comes another one of my favourites, Clash on the Big Bridge from FFV. Though it's sad that I couldn't hear the beginning of the melody, but still... HELL YEAH GILGAMESH!!! (although he is the enemy) Just so you know this theme is also present in FFXII :3
And then Aerith theme. I'm not sure how many people got emotional, but, in spite of not being my favourite character, it's sad when you recall that cutscene. I dreaded the video showing the stabbing part, but I'm glad it didn't. But when the video shows the part where Aerith is saying goodbye to Cloud... that's just... well... in memory of Aerith.
Near the end of the show, we have two of the greatest FFVI songs; firstly the OPERA "Maria and Draco" (which consists of Opening, Aria di Mezzo Carattere,The Wedding, and Grand Finale?.). The conductor summoned Ho Chi Mei, James Leong Cai Hunt and Mok Chi Hoe to sing as Maria, Draco and Ralse. I think they did a great job with it, they didn't sound too creepy with their singing. The thing I love about the mission in the opera -in the game- was the story behind it. It wasn't even about that love triangle *coughlockexcelescough*. Secondly, the sad and full of pride... Terra's theme. It really made me want to play FFVI all over again.
why did they not show this? It's not even a spoiler....
The end?
or not...
Arnie Roth said, "we decided to do something a little different for the Malaysian fans"
And different is different indeed. Because he called upon Stephanie again, to sing Suteki Da Ne (FFX)... in ENGLISH! oh wow all the Japanese lyrics disappeared from my head, I couldn't sing a long. It was if i'm not mistaken, a literal translation of the original song. Also the video shows us the FFX FMVs.. and lastly Tidus and Yuna's underwater sex romance. Anyway the dude in front of me hugged his girlfriend cos he was excited to have this performed lol.
Then we have the epic grand finale, the song that initates the existence of many other creepy choir battle themes, and also the song which we've all been waiting for... the MUST HAVE song in every Final Fantasy concerts... the One Winged Angel. It is my second tie hearing it live, but that night felt like we were literally chanting for Sephiroth to descend into the theatre. Yeah the creepiness was there, it was like some kind of ritual I almost felt like an infedel (owait-). I'm not even a fan of Sephiroth but it doesn't hurt to sing along to your favourite final battle theme :3
After the concert, we camwhored a lot we had an autograph session with the artists. Long before the concert, I got the Japanese version of Distant World's volume 1 MWAHAHAHA man I wish Nobuo Uematsu was there to sign that one.
autograph session
note that, my friends sang something special for Arnie Roth likeaboss.jpg before we left. I pretended not to know them wwww
In spite of a few weaknesses, it was a dream come true to attend a concert of your favourite game series. Will definitely hope and pray that they'd come next year. New tracks, new arrangement please! Especially battle music! And Nobuo Uematsu MUST come next time!
le spoils
Edit: For the younger players, I know most of you started becoming a fan since at least Final Fantasy 7. I'm the same too, but I'd like to recommend the classics. You could start with the first installment, where everything was goddamn simple and straightfoward - you get to at least feel what the original FF is actually like, and that was the game that saved Square from closing down. Hence, the name "FINAL FANTASY", as they thought that would be their final game that they'd release. And especially FFVI, where there are wide range of characters which I think have more depth and have much much more interesting backstory. You can hear more wonderful music than just Terra's Theme. Forget the lack of fabulous graphics, in the end it's basically the same. Where there's a slope, be it 2D or 3D you still cannot climb it. When you're hit the random encounter, you're still teleport into a different stage. What makes the classic games great is how the prioritize the gameplay and story more than eyecandy CGI.
It was a last minute plan to attend Anime Festival Asia 2012 in Singapore. It was a surprise from mom and dad to sponsor me. in normal circumstances I'd reject this but they said it was a birthday present. So I'm just gonna accept it shamelessly. But I plan to go for only one day, and arrive a day earlier because the thing I want to see most is T.M. Revolution's concert!
[disclaimer: most of the photos in this blogpost do not belong to me]
On the night of 9th November 2011, I love Anisong (AFA) presented T.M. Revolution solo concert in Max Pavillion, Singapore EXPO.
I took the VIP seating (yeap, there's goes my money!) but too bad is in the back row. it's like watching the videos in the youtube, except that you get to enjoy the show with the rest of the fans around you. I couldn't see TMR close up, and taking photos isn't allowed. It's a standard rule for Japanese concerts, so I respect that (since I'm a true weeabo ww). Besides, my phone battery was running low, and i concentrated on enjoying the concert.
I didn't recognize the first few songs he sang, probably from Gundam SEED, although I listened to the songs prior to the concert. I didn't watch SEED nor am I a fan of the series.
The best part of the concert, is when he thanked everyone for the supportive messages after the (Tohoku Earthquake 2011) disaster. Then he said, "so I will dedicate this song to you..."
...
...
"ICHIZU NARAAAAA KONO YO NO HATE DEEEMO, MAMORU OMOI WA HITORI JA NAAAIIIIIIII"
The crowd went crazy, as well as I, cos it was so epic since the song is "Save the One, Save the All" it's so fukken related. That song is for Bleach's movie. Though I did not watch it, I love the song very much. And it's funny at first I did not like it but I'm sort of addicted to it right now.
He sang the rest of the anime songs, "Resonance" (Soul Eater), then all the Sengoku Basara songs (movie and anime). It was really amazing. I hope all the jumping burns a lot of calorie lololol. Also I sat exactly behind 2 rows of Japanese fangirls, and they look like they're in their mid 30s. But if you don't mind the face each of them has a body of a teenager. I mean look at those slim legs!! And they have a few wrinkles on their faces already! They know the dance steps. They know when Takanori is going to ask you to jump, and you have to squat before that.
Finally, the last song (before the encore) is the moment I've been waiting for. Also another song he decided to "dedicate" to us. I almost cried when i heard the intro.
It was "Heart of Sword"
Memories of Rurouni Kenshin flashed through my mind while he sang, and it's the only lyrics I memorized among the rest. I was around 10 years old when I heard this in the anime's ED, and I fell in love with it while I was oblivious of the singer. As a kid, you know you want to memorize the lyrics of the song so I have it in my memory till now (as I grow older I became too lazy to memorize songs lol). It is one of the first few Japanese songs I liked, before I officially turn into a Japanese music fan. So I'm really glad to finally hear this particular song... the song that I have loved for 14... FOURTEEN years.... LIVE!!
*tacing2 kejap*
After the song, he left the stage. But the encore chant wasn't so convincing, wasn't so loud. I remember how loud it was during Kalafina's concert in AFA Malaysia, but this one is too unorganized and less wild. Man, you Singaporean's are so tame hwahahaha don't be so uptight!! (ok nothing bad about being civilized, plus I really like your country).
So he came back for an encore, 2 songs I also cannot recall listening to but still enjoyable. He changed into a simple T-shirt, along with his band members. Oh I haven't mentioned that the band he was with was freakin' amazing as well. So Takanori isn't the only one in the spotlight, in spite of being the solo. At the end the drummer threw his drumstick and i dunno who the lucky people who got them. I'm sure they'd treasure it for life even if it's not the main star of the show. Because, well, the drummer IS amazing too.
[spoils from Day 0. Bought 2 of TMR's album]
The whole concert is literally a decent strip show by Takanori. As usual he wore his flashy costume, this time it's white and you know... looks like a cross between military and Elvis Presley. After a few songs, he took of his trenchchoat. Then after another few songs, he took of another piece of clothing. It makes me wonder if he was going to strip all the way towards the end (and surprise us with HOT LIMIT). I think the guys are disturbed by his belly button exposure but heck, it was FANSERVICE!
So there's also UTAGE sold during the event, it compiles all of the Sengoku Basara songs. I'm glad it's my favourite game he contributes to.
[TM Revolution in Sengoku Basara form. That is SO him!]
It's sad that I didn't get autographs from him (only selected seat winners), I won for Minami Kuribayashi instead. But I don't care about her (and the other Anisong artists pfft-). I'd like to express my gratitude towards Choco-tan and Little Wolf for introducing me to Abingdon Boys School, and consequently leading me to love TMR. Also thanks to Kirua for helping me buy the tix.
Did I mention that the concert was awesome? Then i'm gonna say it again.
IT WAS AWESOME!
Also the concert was shown in nicovideo (oh lol I should've known cos instead of wasting money i can just watch it from the livestream), as well as the concerts on 10th and 11th November.
So that's all for Day 0, and TMR's concert alone. Will do a report on Day 1 event next.
