We Are Kazeyomi DVD Review
Thank you Kai for doing this for us!
We Are Kazeyomi DVD Review
by Kai
Anyone who knows me will know this is not going to be an objective review. Consider yourselves warned!
Packaging:
Let’s start from the start, the packaging is quite nice. The dvd’s pop out of the black case like a pop-up book which I think is kind of cool. It also comes with a small booklet and a Kazeyomi sticker. The poster is the same as the cover so if you don’t have it you’re not really missing out on much.
The show:
The recording of Vento merges with Get no satisfaction as Maaya appears from under the stage. In the red dress. Sorry guys,I don’t think that dress really suits her, the black dress is much more flattering. The song itself is sung a bit differently from the album version. Those who didn’t like the album version because it was too high may like the live version better, Maaya sings with more restraint without losing the energy and cheerfulness of the song and it actually sounds better.
I wanted to refrain from comparing the Tokyo gig to Osaka but I have to for Triangler because I thought the Osaka performance was better. Sorry Mai but Maaya sang Triangler in Osaka more forcefully, the Tokyo version sounds more like the CD version.
The start of Loop was a bit soft, either her voice was a bit muted or the band was a bit loud. She sounds great by the end though. I like the new version of Kazemachi Jetto more than the original and she looks like she has fun singing the song. One point of concern is the fanboys (and girls) in the front miming her hand movements. I swear I didn’t do this, those fans are HARD core! 
Ame ga furu sounded a bit thin to me but in contrast Remedy is just right. MC2 precedes Kiseki no umi which also sounded a bit thin at the high notes but it has lost none of its awesomeness. Kaze ga fuku hi is the best song of the concert for me, Maaya’s delivery is faultless. A sweet, easygoing performance of Purarine ends in Lucy and a costume change.
Comparison 2: Osaka’s Honey bunny was more fun than Tokyo’s Hashiru, even though I like Hashiru more. Another chat and then a Yakusoku wa iranai that didn’t have the stomp or the bagpipes. As in Kaze ga fuku hi she sounded perfect, ‘nuff said. I was surprised she missed a few lyrics in Yubiwa but I doubt anyone cares, I don’t. Then an emotional Bokutachi ga koi wo suru riyuu and MC4. Hikari are is probably the strongest and most intense song in the concert and Mameshiba is a Maaya classic. I doubt I need to tell you how good these two songs are. Saigo no kajitsu, MC5 and a beautiful Kazamidori follow and the first disc ends with a tearful performance of Yunibaasu.
Disc two is the encore with a good mix of songs: an energetic Platina and tune the rainbow followed by the piano solo of NO FEAR then Poketto wo karanishite with audience participation. Her first ever performance of Kazamidori as a piano solo is the cherry on the cake. It was performed so cleanly and gracefully it didn’t need any other accompaniment to sound gorgeous. I wish I was there. The extras are of the rehersals and clips of the Nagoya and Osaka concerts etc.
Is the dvd worth 6000yen? I can’t give you an impartial verdict. It is a quality product, the concert was excellent. The range of songs were well chosen, spanning Maaya’s entire career. Everyone has their own favourite song list and to think “I wish she sang this song” is natural but I don’t think anyone can complain about the songs in the concert. We international Maaya fans have been waiting for a live dvd for so long now I think for most people who read this I’m preaching to the choir, so I’ll just say if you want 6000yen worth of pure pleasure, you should get “We Are Kazeyomi” ASAP (if you haven’t already got it).
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May 24th, 2009 at 8:09 pm
Kai! I think your comment was not biased
That’s too bad though that I won’t get to hear the Triangler that you got to hear!
May 25th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
On the up side you get a perfect Kaze ga fuku hi (in Osaka the band was a bit loud), and the Kazamidori piano solo finale. Always look on the bright side of life…
May 29th, 2009 at 8:37 am
Nice review. I don’t expect it to be like the Osaka performance. That is what makes live performances good. They are all slightly different. I saw Taylor Swift a few days ago and she does a cover song at every concert, but she changes it each show. I like that, it makes each performance special.