ゲスの極み乙女。(Gesu no Kiwami Otome.)

©ゲスの極み乙女。. All rights reserved.

Biography

Formed in 2012 by 川谷絵音 (Kawatani Enon), bringing together other talented musicians for this project. The members are: 川谷絵音 (Kawatani Enon) [Vocals/Guitar], 休日課長 (Kyūjitsu Kachō) [Bass], ちゃんMARI (Chan MARI) [Keys], and ほな・いこか (Hona Ikoka) [Drums]. The band is heavily associated with Warner Music Japan, currently releasing their music with Taco Records which is a part of Warner Music (and run by 川谷絵音 (Kawatani Enon) himself). At the time of writing the band have released 4 albums, 3 mini-albums, and 3 EPs. Unfortunately they haven’t performed in the UK, but we hope that will change soon!

Sound

The group go for an interesting blend of rock and hip hop to create a new J-Pop sound, with a sprinkle of jazz if you ask me. It comes together to create this smooth bouncy rhythm, that has a ridiculously catchy twist to it. Breaking up the sound is where you can hear the different influences coming into play. The beat has a clear hip hop feel to it, it’s steady but there is a light bouncy energy to it. This acts as a base for the bass and guitar to have rhythmic riffs which are just as bouncy, creating a nice flow that is just pleasing to listen to. The instruments truly work together to ensure it is a solid rhythm, interestingly the bass and guitar don’t necessarily line up, doing quite different things, but at the same time manage to compliment each other which shows the talent behind the writing.

The main melody comes from the keys, which usually have a more typical piano sound. Again, following the soft bouncy rhythm from the other instruments, but also a more jazz influence really completes the sound. The vocals concentrate more on having that flow, proving a quiet tune and works with the instrumental. Where it doesn’t particularly stand out, it is weirdly catchy and works to make the whole track stay in your head, other than a catchy instrument or vocal. For me, that is what makes the band so great. On paper it’s something I would think is nice yet forgettable, but it is far from it and that is what makes their music truly special.

My Top 5 Hits

1.  私以外私じゃないの (Watashi Igai Watashi Janai no)

2. オンナは変わる (On’na wa Kawaru)

3. キラーボール (Kirābōru)

4. もう切ないとは言わせない (Mō Setsunai to wa Iwa Senai)

5. イメージセンリャク (Imējisenryaku)

Availability

Their discography is available digitally, but physical copies have to be imported.