Band of the Week: Babymetal

This weeks band of the week is slightly different from usual. On a normal day I'd be recommending a band who are clearly full of potential and talent, who I actually like, and recommend for all good reasons. However, this week, Babymetal have been bought to my attention. A Japanese all female trio, Babymetal fuse metal with cutesy Gothic outfits and dance routines that belong in musical theater. They are quirky, odd, confusing and most definitely experimental. I have never seen or heard anything like this before and I don't know if I love it or hate it. They're backed by some pretty cool riffs and shouts but then they're shrouded in "kawaii" (Japanese cuteness) and it makes for the oddest combination since chilli and chocolate! They're supported by a band who look like they've done their own Halloween make up and they've turned the almighty devil horn hand into what looks like a giraffe ready for shadow puppetry. Novelty or not, Babymetal are a serious talking point right now.

So who actually are Babymetal? Su-metal, Yuimetal and Moametal are a vocal-dance group with their hearts set on conquering the world with their unique kawaii metal movement. And weird or not, they must be doing something right as Lady Gaga has just added them as a support act on the current leg of her artRave tour! Insane praise indeed, however, this is Lady Gaga we're talking about, the most experimental woman in music today. Not only this but they are already on a world tour which has included a UK debut on Sonisphere's main stage last Friday! It's insane what this group are doing already. With songs such as 'Gimme Chocolate!' and 'Head bangya!!' it's hard to take this band seriously; I don't whether to laugh or cry or mosh or dance. Naturally, a band as crazy as this is in both concept and reality has had mixed reviews. I think they probably are Marmite. There is no way you could watch this band and go "well, they're okay." Having said all this, I have sat through their debut album 'BABYMETAL' quite happily. It really isn't the most offensive thing my ears have ever heard but I won't be rushing to hit the replay button or brag about how much I love them any time soon. What can be said for Su, Yui and Moa is that they have balls and they've got a lot of people talking, even though no one can really explain what they're doing. They are definitely worth checking out, just to see what the hype is about. 

 

Debut album 'BABYMETAL' is available now.