Concert Report “Ningen Isu” April 3,2022 Japan

In the beginning

I went to the “Ningen Isu” “Odoru-Issun-Boushi” one-man tour to commemorate the reissue of “Odoru-Issun-Boushi “.

The Aomori venue was sold out in advance by the fan club.

In other words, it was practically a fan club-only show.

My number was 27, which was pretty good.

I wonder if they decide by lottery?

I entered the venue, bought a drink and got the 4th row.

You couldn’t see so close to the member in Tokyo.

The lights went down and the show began.

Shin-Seinen Maegaki

“Shigan-Goeika”…no!

They changed the appearance SE.

This is also quite good, isn’t it?

It heightens my anticipation for the upcoming live show.

It’s the first song on the album “Shin-Seinen”, right?

Mothra

As expected of the “Odoru-Issun-Boushi” tour, the first song on the album is the first one to start.

I don’t know when I heard this song before.

I think it was the first time since the fan club-only concert I saw in Tokyo.

The beat changed rapidly, and it was pleasant.

Suzuki’s voice was also well played.

Girigiri-Highway

The next was vibrant song from “Odoru-Issun-Boushi”.

This song from when Wajima was 30 years old, so his high notes sounded a bit harsh, but it was okay if they didn’t come out.

The live performance included these things.

Somehow, at the time, we were able to sing this song at karaoke.

I don’t remember which company’s karaoke machine it was.

Before the Dawn

A song from the new album, “Ku-Raku”.

This is the first time to hear it at concert, as I was not able to see the “Ku-Raku” tour.

The most heavily structured masterpiece of the “Ku-Raku”.

It is a so-called “Ningen Isu-like” song, I guess you would call it.

All three seemed to be enjoying themselves, and were happy to be able to perform live.

Kamigami-no-Koshin (March of the Gods)

Another song from the new record.

I’m sorry I can’t say out loud, but in my heart, I say, “Yay-yay-oh”.

I raise my fist and tell the members that I am enjoying myself.

Dodarebachi

This is one of the standard live numbers, in full Tsugaru dialect, and it’s a hell of an invention that a “Black Sabbath”-esque riff and a folk-like melody go so well together.

Jikan-wo-Tometa-Otoko (The Man Who Stopped Time)

I needed to hear this one!

Probably the first time I heard it at concert.

I think it will be a less prominent song on the album, but it is a masterpiece with a brilliantly complex structure.

It was worth the trip to the live venue.

Odoru Issun-Boshi

This is Suzuki’s sole domain now.

With the dance, which was inspired by march of the walking stick, I could tell that he was getting into the groove.

His facial expressions, such as his eyes widening and tongue sticking out, kept me watching the entire performance.

Even though I mainly watch Wajima, this was the only time I was glued to Suzuki.

Kurai-Nichiyobi (Gloomy Sunday)

This is another classic song, a great song.

After leaving the major labels with the album “Rashomon”, the band decided to release the album as an indie album, so they were determined to write only the songs they wanted to write.

It is interesting that this pop song are included in the album.

I’ve been listening to the progressive part in the middle of the album for about 20 years, and I still don’t know what’s going on.

Doro-no-Ame(Muddy Rain)

Haven’t heard this one in ages!

The bass drum hits like a downpour, and Wajima’s guitar reminds us of a drizzling rain.

It is a unique work among the band, and does not resemble any of their other songs.

Tsukiyo-no-Oniodori(Moonlit Night Demon Dance)

Here is the hell section of this concert.

I think it has been a long time since I heard this one.

As I swayed my body slowly, I felt as if I was tripping.

Heartless Scat

A long and elaborately developed song that was talked about overseas on Youtube.

The lyrics are like Wajima’s direct feeling and are even moving.

Shijo-no-Kuchibiru(Supreme Lips)

The Nob corner is from “Ku-Raku”.

I want to shout, “Imasugu!” but I can’t.

So I raised my fist in the air and cheered.

There was a time when the band used to have Nob sing two songs.

I wish they would bring that back.

Otherwise, it’s hard to listen to past Nob songs.

I want to hear “Red and Black” and so on.

Kofuku-no-Neji(The Screw of Happiness)

A masterpiece among masterpieces that combines the impulsiveness of youth and the beauty of skilled composition.

The beat and development are not straightforward, and the lyrics are extraordinary.

Every part of the song is simply wonderful.

It is a song that leaves one in awe.

Dynamite

Last in the main program is Dynamite!

I have heard this song many times, but I felt that Nob’s drumming was sharper than usual.

I wonder if he changed the hats’ ticking finely.

I was headbanging and going wild, yes.

Hanemono-Jinsei

Encore from here.

Wajima is a double-necked guitar, the top one with 12 strings.

Mmmm, cool.

This is one song where we can enjoy the wide swing of “Ningen Isu”.

The front two harmonized beautifully in a folk-like performance.

This was also the first time I heard this song at concert, so I was very happy to hear it.

Namahage

Strangely enough, I never get tired of this song no matter how many times I listen to it.

The riff is well done, the development is elaborate, and on the other hand, the melody is easy to understand.

I especially love the part that gradually builds up toward the solo (including Suzuki’s facial expressions).

Hari-no-Yama(Needle Mountain)

The second encore.

According to what I heard, they had left it off the set list on the “Ku-Raku” tour, and I wonder if they decided it was still necessary.

The members ran around the stage and seemed to enjoy playing.

At the end, the two members played their instruments on their shoulders, carrying their instruments side by side.

Wajima always does this, but I’ve never seen Suzuki do it before!

This sincere attitude of preparing these kinds of gimmicks to keep the audience entertained is what keeps fans coming back for more.

In the end

As is always the case, the atmosphere at this live concert was exceptionally good.

There were some happenings, such as the bass player losing his sound, but Suzuki was in no hurry at all, which was amazing.

The 56 year old trio will continue to entertain us for years to come.

Thanks for a great night!

April 4,2022　Freakz

(Postscript)

One of the charms of the live show of “Ningen Isu” is the mellow and light-hearted MC.

There were many interesting episodes this time as well, so I will summarize the MC in a separate section.

April 4,2022　Freakz