No “visual” limitations for Alice Nine

Text: Lim Wen Ying
Photos: Sundown Festival 2012 and Red Spade Entertainment

Since transitioning from the indie scene to the mainstream, it seems inevitable for Japan's visual kei (genre) bands to move on from heavy makeup and elaborate costumes to a much milder aesthetic.

And as one of the top visual kei rock bands, Alice Nine's look has progressed from a stylized take on traditional Japanese clothing to one that includes street fashion. Their music has also shifted, having gone from heavy metal, to light rock, and back to heavy metal since the band's debut in 2004.

However, the band has never let itself be pigeonholed by the label of "visual." In an email interview with xinmsn prior to their maiden trip to Singapore, they explained that "visual" has been so diversified over the years that it is difficult to define it as one genre.

"It would be great if it (visual rock music) can exhibit its activities worldwide, not being limited by the word 'visual'," they added.

The five-member band, which consists of Shou (band leader and vocalist), Hiroto (lead guitarist), Tora (rhythm guitarist), Saga (bassist) and Nao (drummer), will headline Sundown Festival 2012 happening this Saturday (December 1) at Marina Promenade.

The concert also features Raymond Lam from Hong Kong, Anthony Neely from Taiwan, Jeno Liu from China and boyband BTOB from South Korea. Now in its fourth year, Sundown Festival continues its mission to celebrate Asian music while bridging cultural gaps.

This will be Alice Nine's first trip to Singapore. They see it as a pleasure to communicate with overseas fans through their music, in spite of the language barrier.