If you are reading this article, chances are you’re already aware of Babymetal. While there are also a number of all-women rock and metal bands coming out of Japan such as Band-Maid, Lovebites and Aldious - who play their own instruments rather than just singing and dancing at the front of the stage - they belong in a different category. The band of instrument players is usually in the background, or in some cases not present at all while the girls perform to a playback tape. They are comprised of a core group of girls who sing, dance and act as a visual anchor for the act. The bands presented here are idol groups with a harder edge. New members are then “initiated,” and different eras of the groups are referred to as “generations.” When a member leaves an idol group they “graduate,” some due to health reasons, personal issues or to start a solo career. No matter their appearance or sound, the idols still have intense work schedules and little time for their personal lives. These groups adopted a harder music style in comparison to the pop numbers associated with the usual J-Pop stars, with some emancipating themselves from the clean cut, non-sexual image that these groups’ handlers traditionally preferred. Some groups adopted the sonic and visual aesthetics of punk or metal and broke away from the traditionally safe and highly controlled standards of the idol world. You will not want to miss her on the upcoming tour.In the 2010s, the usual pop trappings of idol culture went through a crossover revolution. Just goes to show the true extent of Saki’s writing skills, and live creates a special energy. The instrumentals are part of the song, and it really enhances the listening experience. The guitars particularly play complex riffs, providing complex rhythms that don’t support but compliment the vocals. What I also really like is the instrumentals, which I feel are really part of the track, a lot more so than other idol acts. Standing strong, you zone into the vocals and when that chorus comes round, good luck getting it out of your head! What I particularly like is the rough edge onto it, having a melody, but a more punk vocal style in parts to really give songs an energetic boost! Where production of the tracks can feel a little low budget, her vocals having such a great presence and clarity is a testament to her vocal performance.
Saki has strong vocals, which allows her to deliver the melody over the harsh instrumental. The real drive of her sound is having a strong energy. (Massive thanks to on Twitter for their contribution to the background information) Yes, incase you somehow haven’t heard, 2& are returning to the UK on the Indie, Idol, and Infamous tour. At the time of writing 2& has released 1 album and 5 singles, with plans to realise a compilation album as part of her upcoming UK tour (courtesy of Kushikatsu Records). Completely running the project independently, Saki has complete control over her act.
For a time it became a side project when she joined the idol group Guso Drop, however since she graduated in 2017, 2& is now her main focus again. Originally a double act with the idol Saya, until 2014 where Saki carried on solo. 2& is the act name of Saki, a idol who started this project late 2011.
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