Friday, September 23, 2005

POLYSICS
I'm almost too happy to function.



Now that I've seen your ticket, you may enter my day of Polysics goodness.

I arrived in Chinatown (where the club is located) at around 7:15pm. Since the doors were opening at 9:00pm, I had plenty of time to go for a stroll. My first stop was the bank machine. Seeing as how this is my first ever Japanese rock band concert, I thought I'd need a bit of spending cash for a few times of merchandise. So I withdrew a decent sum and was on my way.

I didn't get ANY sleep whatsoever the night before so I needed some sorta of drink. That's right. I bought me some Arizonas. In my state of excitement, they were a lovely treat. I then made a visit to my happy little anime store to see if there was anything new and exciting. I saw many Polysics tour posters and I asked if I could have one. The guy said no but it was worth a shot. So instead, I bought the FLCL soundtrack for little sister. She may torture me in ways unimaginable to man but I owe that little tater A LOT. So an album with her fave tracks was a start.

8:00pm started to near so I made my way to the club. By the front door, I saw a group of three Polysics fans. One Chinese guy and two girls. I also saw a short-haired girl keeping to herself in the corner. As we waited, we started talking to each other just to pass the time. The two rocker chickies felt the need to make "Polysics Or Die!!!!" signs so they grabbed a piece of cardboard and started drawing the letters in big print. The quiet short-haired girl eventually joined us in our fandom antics. Before we knew it, we were laughing the night away as friends.

Finally, the time came around for the doors to open. The big guy at the door shouted for all to have ID ready and have bags open for checking. My new acquaintances started to panic. "Whatever could the matter be?" I thought. It was then obvious. They were underage. I felt kinda bad that I had to leave them outside but once I was in, there was an open air window I could talk to them from.

I was first in line so I was first in the club. The moment I flashed my ID and had my ticket lazered, I skipped to the merchandise desk. There stood a cutie Japanese lady who was a part of the band road crew. I made my first three purchases of the night. One shirt for me and one for little sister (who missed out and made me feel bad. I later gave her the shirt and she loved it very muchly, so it's all good.) I also bought their latest album, "Polysics Or Die!!!!". I've listened to it a few times already and I can't get enough.

After some wandering around the empty spaces, I went back to the merch desk and started browsing through the other stuff. Since I had the money, I bought two Limited Edition Picture Discs. One featuring "New Wave Jacket" & "My Sharona" and the other featuring "Kaja Kaja Goo" & "Black Out Fall Out". To even out the spendage of cash, I bought a couple of buttons for sis and I.

I decided to visit the young ones via the open air window. By then, two more underagers became part of the group. (BTW, all of them were underage by just about a year. It sucks really but what could ya do?) They were these two boys who were very friendly but kinda odd. Big Polysics fans though. All 6 of them felt kinda sad and pretty envious that I got in. But I felt that they should get inside anyway. So what if the legal drinking age is 19? They're not here to drink! The owner still refused to law's sake. However, I told him to show some kind of mercy. So he asked the band to sign some poster for everyone. And they did. I saw them signing it!

Because the six were stuck outside (and because I was the one inside and therefore in a great and quite generous mood) I bought the six some Polysics buttons too. They said they couldn't be more grateful. While buying the buttons I noticed two different bodies other than the cutie Japanese merch lady. It was Hayashi (Guitarist/Vocals) and the lovely Kayo!!!!! I stood there stunned for a bit and since word refused to escaped my mouth, I pointed at the buttons hoping to get the message through. Kayo gave me one and I said to her "Umm. Five please." All three had a cute look of shock on their faces. They wondered why I needed so many buttons. I explained it was for my friends outside and they laughed and told me I was a gentleman (in Engrish, mind you.) It there was enough light in that room, they probably would've seen me blush.

Now being 19, I had the power to visit the bar. So I did. The guy greeted me and asked what I was having. I told him about this shot that I absolutely adore. It's called a Bazooka Joe and it consists of 1/3 Baileys, 1/3 Blue "Something" and 1/3 Banana Liquor. It is so tasty. However I heard after about 5, you're gonna be messed up. So I stuck to two. While at the bar, I had a chat with two ladies who are about 6 years older than I am. Thy were inquiring about the Bazooka Joes and asked if
I knew any other tasty shots. I really didn't so I told them Bazooka's were my fave so I think of no other. *laughs*

The opening act started around 9:45 or something. I wasn't really keeping track of time because I was too excited to care. It was some dude with a guitar. Nothing special but it did psyche up the crowd to prepare for the live madness that is Polysics.

I stayed near the window with the six up until I saw the stage people start putting up the Polysics Banner behind the stage. showtime was near so I went quickly to my spot right up front. It was a good spot too. I put my merch on the stage so I didn't have to hold it the whole time.

And the moment this crowded club was waiting for finally arrived.

"Ladies and Gentlemen of Toronto, I present to you... all the way from Tokyo, Japan...."


"POLYSICS!!!!"

One by one, the band members started to appear. First came Yano, the new drummer and he sat in place. Next was Fumi, the bassist. Then my love, Kayo took the stage and stood behind her synth set. Last but not least was the lead and guitarist, Hayashi. All dressed in their orange jumpsuits with a large "P" patch on one breast and the bolded word "Polysics" on the other. They also sported their familiar black block shades. If you've seen them before, you'll know what I'm talking about.

The show started with a bang. And because of their highly-known unlimited energy, that bang last throughout the night!

Each song blasted loud and the crowd was definitely feeling the sound. I recognized most of their set but I was delighted to hear some new songs. When "New Wave Jacket" started, I went insane. It was the first song I've ever heard by Polysics so I just gave in to the music.

Four songs into their set, they experienced a minor technical difficulty that lasted for about 6 minutes. While Hayashi and Kayo tried to fix it, Fumi played some pretty wicked solo on her bass while trying to keep the crowds spirit alive. She didn't need to do so anyway because the crowd loved the band so much, they cheered the whole time. Fumi made a few cute remarks about the difficulties. "Sorry.... *points at the problem* ..Broken." Engrish is sooo cute!

Speaking of Engrish, Hayashi paused the set every once in a while to shout at the crowd. "Hello!
Hello! Hello!" he screamed. We chanted along with him. "Hello! Hello! Hello!".

At one point he said, "Toronto! Are you enjoying the show?" The crowd cheered madly. Remember, this is Engrish. "Well. We are Polysics from Tokyo, Japan and we are here to rock your fucking minds out!"

Everyone went mad. Hayashi swears so we love him even more. It just works that way.

For a good two hours, I head banged and jumped along to the sweet sounds of their energetic show. I only paused to take pictures but as you will soon see, even while taking pictures I couldn't stand still. I enjoyed every bloody minute of it!

"Kaja Kaja Goo" was probably the most energetic song they played. Hayashi told the crowd to scream with him and we did. A sea of airborne, rockin' bodies flowed through the club throughout the set and me being one of them, I'm telling you it felt sooo fucking good.

They ended their set with their hit, "Black Out Fall Out" but their live version sounded a lot more punk than their previous album release. The same version is on the album I bought that night.

After the left the stage, us fans knew for a fact that they weren't done. So we all chanted
"Polysics" in the typical encore fashion. And sure enough, they return to give us one last blast of mind-blowing sound. Two songs actually. One was "Making Sense" and the other I don't remember.

After they finished for real, the crowd cheered for a good 10 minutes before dispersing. Since I was obviously drained of any energy I had, I sat on the edge of the stage to rest for a bit while collecting myself. It was a damn wicked show. A fellow fan who rocked out beside me introduced himself and asked how long it took me to grow my hair. He said that he was completely envious that I had something to whip around so insanely. He also said he was looking to make a band so he gave me his email and said we should jam sometime. I just nodded but I doubt I will. He's a good guy though.

I went outside and was greeted by the six. The two odd guys were spazzing out because they enjoyed the show so much. We all had a chat about the greatness of the show until we saw the band return to the stage to clean up. I went straight back in to see if I could get stuff signed. The six made their way inside later because the big guy at the door left.

I first went up to the lovely Kayo. I was nervous as hell but it came out good. "Excuse me, Kayo-san. May I have your signature?" And sure enough, she gave it to me in my new album sleeve. I got the signatures of Hayashi and Yano next. Fumi went outside for a smoke so I got hers later. I'm glad I figured a way to get the flash thing on my cell phone to work otherwise my pictured would've been horribly dark. I got pics with each band member!! The six and I had a good chat with them about the show. Nobody in the band knows fluent English but it was a sweet chat regardless. Especially Kayo. I love her so..

We're not married though. That was just a phase. *laughs* Still. She's the prettiest synth/vocalist in history.

The six then had to leave because it was nearing 1:00am and the public transit was about to close.
So they left but not before we all exchanged emails.

I, however, stayed behind to watch the band clean up. I even helped out a bit by pushing a few cases outside. I had nothing better to do. The band appreciated it. So while they were distracted, I took two of their water bottle. Methinks I have Kayo's and Yano's water. *laughs* I couldn't just leave it there!

Before leaving, I said goodbye to the band and thanked them for visiting our city and for giving us an awesome show.

Now, I'm home. I'm tired. I'm aching. And I have to meet again with C.A. Teacher in the morning for my Photoshop.

And now, I think you deserve some pictures!!


Here's the stage before the band went one. See the big "P" banner? I wanted that soo bad. I would've
worn it like a cape and run through the streets.


Here's Hayashi wailing away with Yano in the background. Yano is a friggin machine. His drumming was flawless!


Hayashi balancing his guitar on his head while still managing to tap the frets.


This is pure balance here. *laughs* He's so silly.


Fumi soloing away to keep the crowd happy. I gotta say, she's a damn good bassist.


Hayashi and Fumi doing their string thing. Oh they rock so hard. So very hard.


Hayashi screaming his lungs out. I can only wish to have a voice like his. *sigh*


My beloved Kayo playing her synths in a very robotic fashion. Gosh, she's cute.


Kayo looking pretty. She doesn't get any cuter than this.


I stand corrected. Kayo with golden pom poms.


Okay. Just one more. KAYOOOOO!!!


Yano and Enin


Hayashi and Enin


Fumi and Enin


Kayo and Enin (Omigod, she hugged me.)


And now, a look at what I snagged.


My signed Polysics poster. It's not completely flat, though. I think I squished it in my excitement. On the right, you can see my ticket just peeking out.


The two Limited Edition Picture Discs, the top of the poster, the two water bottle I snagged and the permanent marker used by the band and given to me by Fumi.


Polysics' signatures in my album sleeve. Aren't they cuuuute? (and the ticket again)

I forgot to take a pic of my shirts but I can do that later. I'm really tired....

So yes. That was my Polysics adventure. I had an amazing time and I can't wait till they visit again.

I'll probably be resting for the weekend, so don't expect much from me. I'm THAT tired.

Have an awesome one, everybody!

Cheers.

- enin -

P.S. I love Kayo.

Comments (8)