On the 21st of September, we were invited to Ikebukuro Live Inn Rosa for the first live of Iruma Rioka's new group Hollow Mellow.
Before Hollow Mellow took the stage, with a quick glance around the venue, it was easy to spot the fans who showed up specifically to see them. Apart from the motley crew of cyber-punks and ravers, most of them were elegantly dressed in gothic-lolita coordinates (complimenting Iruma Rioka’s style) and holding deep red glow sticks.
Beginning with a haunting music box melody and progressing into strong guitar riffs, the first song “Fall Away - the little match girl -" gave the crowd a showcase of Iruma Rioka’s strong voice and impressive range. Everyone in the audience immediately gave their full attention to the performance on stage.
After the first song, there was a quick pause for a self-introduction by the band then they quickly progressed to the second song. Though they only performed a total of 5 songs, each number showed off the group’s individual talents as well as their elegant, theatrical style of performing.
During the second song “Kakumei Zenya” Iruma Ryoka used roses as a prop to guide the crowd, like a music conductor. The crowd, waving glowsticks, eagerly swayed along to the music as if hypnotized. Violinist Jill added to the atmosphere with a dramatic violin solo giving even more flair to the performance.
This time there was another break for a longer MC where the band announced their upcoming one-man live in January.
The lights dimmed then and the third number began with Iruma Rioka’s high, clear voice ringing through the venue accompanied by a haunting piano melody. The guitars and drums soon joined in and the crowd began headbanging. The venue was lit with alternating blue and red flashing lights and both Jill and NEMU took center stage with a violin and guitar solo.
Without stopping this time, they immediately began the next song “Bad End - Snow White -”. Beginning with a sweeping instrumental then switching to a fast paced rhythm during the chorus, the music easily captured the crowd, who, at this time was undoubtedly entranced by Iruma Rioka as she danced and gestured elegantly during the song. Her energy was contagious as both Jill and NEMU joined with her and danced as well, proving that Hollow Mellow not only put their efforts into playing songs. But rather, their performances felt more like classic musical theatre.
After all the energy of the previous song, there was another well deserved break for an MC. This time, they announced the sale of volume 18. of Alamode Magazine which features Hollow Mellow on the cover. They also announced their upcoming November 15th live in France to cheers of support from the audience. Since this was a special night for them, Iruma encouraged the audience to take pictures to commemorate the event.
There was a unanimous noise of disappointment from the crowd when they announced that the next song would be the last of the night. With this in mind though, the crowd went all out as the opening of “Romantique” began to play. Eager to show their support, the audience threw themselves into waving, jumping, swaying and headbanging.
Similarly on stage, Iruma Rioka and company jumped around on stage, while still managing to sing and look elegant. There were guitar and violin solos from NEMU and Jill respectively who switched places during the song, using the opportunity to move around the stage and show off their skills.
At the end of the song, fans eagerly rushed to the stage, cameras in hand as Iruma, NEMU and Jill posed in unison for photos, gesturing dramatically and smiling at the crowd.
Special thanks to Nesshin Music for making this report possible!
SETLIST:
- Fall Away - The little match girl -
- Kakumei Zenya
- Eat Me - Little Red Riding Hood -
- Bad End - Snow White -
- Romantique
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