Exclusive: Plastic Tree sounds in Latin America!

From Chile, we post this complete review by one of the Trick31’s musician (USB band), whose purpose is to invite this J-indie music band in a Latin America tour in the future. Special pick up on weekend through Bunka Sonidos de Oriente radio show. English version.

Zelda Satine. Trick31’s member, Chile

Photos. Plastic Tree for journalistic proposals.

Edited by. Pedro Suárez, El Aullido del Lobo.

Designed by. Duvan Prada, J-Music Colombia.

Our guest band, Plastic Tree, whose songs and history will be playing this weekend, appeared in the Japan music scene in 1993, from Chiba. We can say that his music has a clear influence of British pop groups like The Cure and Radiohead, but their musical style is always in constant evolution, each disc has something new, changing from rock to pop constantly, or performing songs shoegazer style. But what makes their music so special something are certainly their lyrics in themes such as melancholy, dreams, darkness and loneliness are recurrent, being able to create wonderful scenes and convey feelings that added to the soft voice Ryutaro makes his songs unique.

In the early 90’s, Ryutaro (vocals) and Akira (guitar) were band mates, the two were together in Religion Mix and Drop 'in Shop Lifters music bands, however, briefly dissolved. After a while, Ryutaro met Tadashi, then two members who were in their respective bands were brothers, which led the two begin to spend more time together, realizing their ideals about a band were very similar.

In December 1993, decided to start such as Cam-Flage. Then they renamed it Fucks FTT, but later the name changed again when we all know: Plastic Tree, which was intended to be a mix between something artificial to natural. Akira, joined with fellow Ryutaro with a drummer named Koji, who he is leaving them few months later to be replaced by Shin.

Their first mini-album Strange Fruits Kimyou na Kajitsu, was launched in December 1995 under the label Gio Records. In 1996, Shin left the band and was replaced by Takashi one month later, the same year he opened their official fan club called Jellyfish Breed (why fans are often called Plastic kurage which is the Japanese word for Jellyfish) in 2000 was renamed the sickroom.

In 1997 they signed with Warner Music Japan, their first major single was Waret Mado (translated as Broken Window), launched in June and the following month came the album Hide & Seek (Search and Find). Having had several successful concerts, they continued releasing albums and singles.

In 2001 they signed with Sweetheart Records. However, Plastic Tree suffered a blow with the departure of their drummer Takashi, and a throat operation to which Ryutaro had to be submitted. Takashi took with him a good portion of fans, and Plastic Tree was about to dissolve. But the band hanged out. And so it happened, in the summer of 2002 released the single Aoi Tori (Blue Bird) with your new drummer Bucchi, who was not officially announced until the beginning of Shoegazer Tour in July, this month went on sale the Album Best Album (Premium Best). Traumerei was released in September of that year. In their new album the sound of the guitars became more powerful and Ryutaro's voice became more serious.

Around Halloween, they release their fifth album, Shirochronicle. Cell was released in 2004. Simultaneosly, Plastic Tree experienced a new turn, leaving behind their former record label to sign now with J-Rock (a sub-label of Universal Music) in 2005, the same year they released 4 new singles, Sanbika, Namae no nai hana (Flower unnamed), Ghost and Kuuchu buranka (Trapeze) plus two compilation discs: Shiroban (Greatest Hits) and Kurobe (Greatest Hits). The fan club was also renamed again Jellyfish Breed.

The year 2006 was marked by two simultaneous events: the release of Chandelier and it is first international tour: Chandelier Tour, visiting Germany, France and Finland. The tour was also scheduled to visit Mexico, but unfortunately the presentation was canceled.

In their 18 years musical career, Plastic Tree has been active, constantly bringing new material, having already to their credit about 15 albums and singles over 30.

Decisions are made as a band, but Tadashi is most associated with the role of leader, he firmly believes that does not meet a specific role in comparison to others. All members now contribute in some measure to the composition of new songs.

Usually, Plastic Tree several contents as carnivals or circuses topics in several of their albums and PV's. The recurrence of this theme may be related to their childhood in their hometown of Chiba. Ryutaro thinks it's "unusual" and has always been fascinated with it. "Circuses, theaters and Japanese traditional festivals, are clearly in my mind when I think of my childhood."

The year 2007 was marked by the 10^th anniversary and being mature, pushing the limits of existence. It was time for a "spiritual quest as a band" (Ryutaro). Their fans are whose continue to keep Plastic Tree anyway; doing live shows the band to help rejuvenate. The band released Bmen Gahou, compilation album of what could be the issues B songs.

In 2009 Bucchi leaves the band for support drummer of The Studs, and the current drummer of Plastic Tree is Satou Kenken. In November they have released on DVD Tent, with images and sounds of their concert in August 30^th at Nippon Budokan. Following the December, DonaDona hit the music market in two editions. Even in December (2009), another DVD compilation, Gelstalt Houkai (this contains the new PV's of the last singles), was released for sale. That same year, Plastic Tree signed on this month with Tokuma Japan Communications, a music label; Moonlight was released under this label. Although it was accepted, was not without strong criticism from the fans.

Their 30^th musical production called Iro Mirai (The color of the future), was released on December 15, 2010. And the song of the same title as the single was used as ending song for Yu Gi Oh 5D's.

On April 6^th, 2011, Plastic Tree worldwide released their new album: Ammonite, with two editions, limited and regular. The reaction of their fans around the world was very positive. It is now expected this great Japanese band can walk on our continent to showcase the best of their music soon. More information about the band can be found in their official website and the website of their Latin America fanclub.

Note: Do not miss this special live and direct on Saturday July 16^th from 2:00 pm (Colombia) with replay on Wednesday July 20th at noon (Colombia) Bunka, Sonidos de Oriente radio show, by J-Music Revolution Radio, where together we make noise. Colectivo Bunka, connects you to Asia!