Black Crystal Performance 2 (VHK preview)

On Sunday, September 22nd, I attended Black Crystal's second live. This performance took place at Hollywood's Whiskey A Go Go.

This venue was drastically different than the last live I attended for Black Crystal. The last performance took place at King King, which is also located in Hollywood. However, although the venues were only a couple minutes away from each other, the atmosphere was different. Whiskey A Go Go had two floors with both able to view the stage. Very few booths took up the floor and there was only one bar. A large dance floor, which stood before the raised stage, took up most of the space. Whiskey A Go Go is more musically established than a bar which makes the layout understandable.

Not only was the environment different but the audience as well. The people attending the event were there specifically for the music and performance. As opposed to the friends and family accompanying the debuting bands at King King. They were also more engaged; although the guitarist, Erik, had to ask us to approach closer to the stage in the beginning.

Although the audience was great, I wish they were slightly higher in energy. My friend and I wanted to seriously rock out but was reluctant to because no one else in the audience were. However, we were told that we should just let loose and "just do it next time"!

Perhaps it was due to the change in venue, but the performance had very much improved. There was an issue regarding the last performance that prevented us from hearing Izumi's vocals. Thankfully there wasn't such issue with this performance and the overall sound system was very clear.

Black Crystal's performance was amazing, as usual. Every song was high spirited and full of energy. Each piece was matched with dancing and headbanging. Izumi powered through every song without any stops or breaks. The guest appearances were also amazing. Mandy's, from Black Shinigami, vocals complimented well with Izumi's voice while Takuro gave the song a metal edge. I was informed after the show that there were some technical difficulties with the equipment but I didn't feel that it interfered with the performance at all.

Here was the set list for that night:

1) Mighty Blood -Reborn-

2) Last Bullet

3) Out of the Cage ft. Mandy Mefford

4) Vampire Banquet

5) Brink of Apocalypse ft. Takuro Shibata

Here are some pictures of their performance:

Izumi was cool with posing for another picture.

Again, same as the last, I made a piece of clothing specifically for this performance. This time instead of a jacket it was a tank vest top. In the front it has two slashes, one from the collar and the other from the hem. Within those slashes are two rows of strapping with eyelets. Finally they are corseted to finish the look. In the back there is a large zipper that runs vertically from the hem to the mid shoulder blades. This allows the tank vest to be worn conservatively or risky with just a bandeau under. Two rows of thin chains run around the armhole makes the tank less plain. Surprisingly, this top took more hours to make than the last jacket.

Materials:
1 yard white, knit fabric
2 yards vinyl strapping with eyelet row
Long, silver zipper
2 yards thin black chain

The rest of my outfit consisted of a pair of shorts, stripped garter leggings, and wedge heels with LED shoelaces. I have noticed lately that while black and white stripped have been in style for both visual kei and mainstream fashion but garter leggings are beginning to come into style.

Components of this outfit:

• Tank vest top (made by me)
• Shorts
• Striped garter leggings
• Wedge heels with LED shoelace
• Accessories to match!

Black Crystal is having another performance on October 25th, again at Whiskey A Go Go, so come check the out. Also, their first album "Taste My Soul" will be available either through iTunes, Amazon or Bandcamp on October 20th!

(Source: Official Facebook)

Everyday Kei #2: Black Crystal Performance ( VKH preview)

Yesterday I went to the Maximum Exposure Showcase at King King in Hollywood to attend Black Crystal's performance.

The showcase opened its doors at 5 PM and the performance didn't start until 6. Tickets were about $17 (mine was an online purchase). While the venue wasn't hidden it was still easy to miss, which we almost did.

King King's exterior did very little for the imagination but the inside was a totally different feel. Its setup was very inspired by the Chinese culture and featured its name in Chinese characters prominently throughout the club.

This showcase was mostly for beginning bands to introduce themselves to an audience and hopefully gain popularity. Before Black Crystal's appearance there about six to seven bands performing on stage. We arrived at 6 PM sharp but Black Crystal wasn't there until 11:30, being last in the lineup.

There were so many varied styles between each band. Some were very interesting while others were more mainstream, there was even a good old fashion Rock 'n Roll band there as well! However, it went on for so long that we became worried we went to the wrong event! It was only when we saw Izumi walk through the front door that we finally felt relieved.

Izumi's performance was amazing! He had so much energy throughout every song. From headbanging with the guitarists, to dancing, and fist pumping; he did it all! Song transitions were smooth and each one full of energy. Although it was hard to hear his amazing voice due to King King's sound system.

Here are some pictures of their performance:

When the performance ended it felt all too soon. Funniest moment of the night was when the audience asked for an encore the band couldn't, because they didn't know any more songs to perform!

Izumi's outfit for the night consisted of a screen printed tank, dark metallic skinny jeans and ankle high boots. I loved it! It was sweet and simple but also suited the audience that attended the performance.

The highlight of my night was when we went up to talk to him. He asked which band we attended the event with. We then told Izumi that we were there just to see his performance. His response was so excited and happy that it just made my night. I even got a hug in the end!

It was really dark and I had to use a lot of filters.

Here was my look for the night. I had something a little bit more extravagant planned but there wasn't enough time for me to prepare. Thankfully I didn't, I already felt like I was overdressed when we arrived at the venue. Most of the guests were either really casual, t-shirt and jeans, while others wore casual evening wear.

While it appears my outfit is easy to recreate, it requires a little bit of creativity. The little crop jacket is one of my own designs and was made especially for this performance.

This jacket is reversible! The blue plaid on the inside allows it to be worn casually but the busy houndstooth makes it perfect for concerts or other types of events. LED lights are sewn onto the edges with also makes it great for concerts!

Materials:

Old, blue plaid, woven button up shirt

Houndstooth patterned, cotton knit

Red woven polyester/cotton blend

Electric blue, knitted suiting wool

LED light strand

Components of this outfit:

• Brightly patterned crop jacket (made by me)
• Bold patterned tank top
• Black mini skirt
• Black lace leggings
• Brightly colored knee-high stockings
• A pair of creepers
• Finally accessorize and makeup to match!

Overall Black Crystal's performance was amazing. Be sure to support them and check out their official facebook!

(Source: Official Facebook)