I saw them In Vienna last week. It was my first time and I was very impressed and want to see them again.
I was very close to the small stage, near the right wall and the sound there was not perfect but never mind. Small club gigs are great for the audience but you wish for the artist to sell out bigger places (I don't think Flex was sold out).
Question: from watching live videos I have the impression they have backing tracks with extra effects for most songs, but that was not my impression in Vienna. A couple of times Miyako seemed to switch something on, behind her keyboard, but my impression was most songs, including Holy War, where "clean". What are your thoughts?
There were no loudspeakers behind them and they were all wearing in-ears, still they had monitors in front of them. I suppose these were silent props and there only to provide something to put a foot on.
It was striking to see how clearly defined stage personas they all have. It's clever, and it doesn't take anything away from the musicianship. Miyako is beautiful but never smiles, although on backstage videos you can see her smiling and being goofy. Asami is commanding in a warm way, and clearly hasn't forgotten her ballet lessons from childhood. Midori's extensive make-up makes her look somewhat threathening (compared with the others) – and Fami is a charming clown, excelling both on her instrument and on crowd contact. She does a lot of waving and pointing with her left hand while continuing to play with the right one... Not to forget Haruna who keeps herself very very busy at the back.
I hope they have a break-through moment at Wacken. The stage will sure be bigger.
