Search - Asian Kung-Fu Generation :: Houkai Amplifier

A Great Rock Album, No Matter What Country You're From!

Richard Jew | Champaign, IL | 10/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Admittedly, Houkai Amplifier lacks some of the catchy originality that was displayed on Kimi Tsunagi 5-M, but it's nonetheless a great album. AKFG (Aji-kan in Japan) is one of my favorite bands because they know how to rock out, and the lead sing Gotoh has great screaming vocals when he lets loose, but enough understated apathy to carry the gentler parts of his lyrics. This CD is worthwhile just for Haruka Kanata, the opening theme for Naruto that broadened their fan base, while the rest of the songs are somewhat reminiscent of Weezer mixed with Gotoh's great lyrics. I think that none of these tracks particularly highlights any one of the band members over the others, whereas Kimi Tsunagi 5-M had different textures for the songs (evoking a range from pensive U2 to power chord 80's rock) that allowed you to appreciate the extraordinary bass work in the foundation, the great guitar riffs and some awesome drumwork. Still, Rasshinban is a solid song, and the lyrics for Konayuki are interesting. Their latest singles, especially Rewrite, are good, and as long as they stay true to their indy rock roots and still rock out, their next album should be a good one."

Lots of yelling, lots of guitar, no samples!

tiger_lux | Nippon | 02/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The first time I heard this group was when I was driving, they were on the NHK show "Music Square." I liked the music so much that when I got home I stayed in the car, trying as hard as I could to catch the name of the band so I could look for it in the record store asap. The next day I found the CD and listened to it on the listening station thingie in the store. . .I was trying hard not to start dancing right there in the store. I thought, if I were writing a review of this album I would say, This album will make you run around your apartment, jump on the couch, look at yourself in the mirror about 10 times, and generally act like Bugs Bunny when he goes crazy. If you are driving and hear these songs, you will have to pull over, get out, and start dancing on the side of the road. That is how ecstatic I feel when I listen to this album. And yeah, most j-pop is just j-pop, but this can actually cut the mustard in the US of A, that is just my humble opinion. It does sound like things I have heard before, but still, I think it is awesome!"

Excellent J-Rock

Jose S. Faz Jr. | 08/24/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ever since I heard the second opening to Naruto I had to check AKFG, and I was not disappointed! Every single on this CD is top notch and a must for any fan of J-rock."