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
Kei
Past members Naru
Yuji
Bansaku
Akira

Baroque (stylized as baroque) is a Japanese rock band originally formed in 2001.[1][2] They have been credited as one of the bands that started oshare kei,[3] a subgenre of visual kei that features more colorful outfits and utilizes upbeat and "happy" music. 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.[4][5]

History

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.[6][7] In 2002, still as an independent band, baroque released three singles and was able to play at NHK Hall.[1][6] 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.[10] 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.[11] The band announced on September 11 that they would break up, but they continued activities through the rest of the year.[7][12][13] Their last concert was a sold out performance at Zepp Tokyo on December 25, 2004, titled "baroque Last Live Mumirai -No Future-".[1][10]

Vocalist ryo and guitarist Kei then reformed their previous band Kannivalism in 2006.[11]

2011–present: Reunion and the disappearance of Bansaku

baroque reunited for a free live, titled "Odai ha Kekkou Irimasenkara", on July 17, 2011 at Yokohama Red Brick.[4] 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.[5] On January 4, they released three singles, "Rinzen Identity", "Mono Dorama" and "Teeny-Tiny Star".[14] 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.[14] They then went on a nationwide tour in March, followed by a hall tour in April.[14]

On June 26, baroque posted on their website that bassist Bansaku had been missing since June 24.[15] The band notified the police and even retitled their tour to "Search for Bansaku".[15] A month later, on July 30, a message was posted on their website stating that a representative of Bansaku's contacted the band saying he was safe, but due to his health has decided to leave baroque.[16] However, as the message was not from Bansaku himself, the other members stated that they are trying to arrange a meeting with him in person.[16]

Members

Former members

Discography

Albums
Mini albums
Compilation Albums
Singles
Videos

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 baroque's Biography at CD Journal Retrieved August 27, 2007
  2. ↑ Bounce Di(s)ctionary Number 13 - Visual Kei Retrieved November 19, 2008
  3. ↑ Oshare kei Retrieved August 3, 2012
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 baroque comes back with first live in seven years Retrieved September 29, 2011
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 baroque officially announces their revival Retrieved September 29, 2011
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 baroque's Page on Grass Thread
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 baroque Profile & Bibliography JAME Retrieved August 21 2007
  8. ↑ Asian Rave JAME news Retrieved August 20, 2007
  9. ↑ Personal Interview Part 1 Arena 27c Special - Vol 013 August 2003 pg 3 - 25
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 baroque's page at Visunavi Retrieved August 20, 2007
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Cure magazine, Volume 30, March, released 2006.1.21 pg 38
  12. ↑ Official Website Announcement Retrieved April 2, 2006
  13. ↑ Members Comments on their Official Website Retrieved April 2, 2006
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 baroque Entering ORICON Weekly Top 5 with all 3 Singles at Once! Retrieved January 12, 2012
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Update on baroque's Bassist Missing Retrieved August 3, 2012
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Update on baroque's Bansaku Retrieved August 3, 2012
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 baroque Album Ranking Retrieved Nov 12, 2010
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 18.5 18.6 18.7 18.8 18.9 18.10 18.11 baroque Single Ranking Retrieved Nov 12, 2010
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4 19.5 baroque DVD Ranking Retrieved July 18, 2013

External links