There's Nothing Plastic About Them

Plastic Tree

L-R: Akira Nakayama,Ryutaro Arimura ,Kenken Sato,Tadashi Hasegawa

 

Who are they?

     Plastic Tree, nicknamed Pura by fans, is a longstanding Japanese rock band; their formation dates all the way back to 1993.  Unlike many bands that would experience periods of turmoil during a career spanning 2 decades, Plastic Tree has remained quite stable.   Plastic Tree consists of Ryutaro Arimura (vocals), Akira Nakayama (lead guitar), Tadashi Hasegawa (bass guitar) and Kenken Sato (drums).  This line-up has stayed consistent for 20 years with the exception of their drummer, which has changed 4 times.

     Founded in 1993 by members Ryutaro and Tadashi, the band was predominately a Visual Kei band.  Visual Kei is a genre quite unique to Japan.  It’s a sub-genre of rock music that focuses equally on the visuals as the music.  These types of bands tend to “often wear striking makeup, style their hair with disparate but meticulously done dyes, and wear elaborate costumes”.  In style, they’re pretty similar to our glam metal bands of the eighties… but a bit more dramatic.

It's just the tip of the iceberg for Visual Kei.

     However, after signing to the Major Label Record Company, Warner Music Japan, Plastic Tree gradually grew out their Visual Kei Roots.  But the band still remains faithful to their fans as their music still retains that unique aspect that makes Plastic Tree.  Each new album the band releases showcases their versatility and experimental nature.  Plastic Tree’s music “show[s] off elements of goth rock, slow ballads, power pop, metal, and punk, all with just a bit of a hook to get the attention of mainstream listeners”.

     A speculation about the band’s name Plastic Tree is that it was derived from Radiohead’s song Fake Plastic Trees.  This seems reasonable considering that the band has drawn heavy influences from British bands such as Radiohead and The cure.  However, the band Plastic tree was already established 2 years before the song even came out.  The real meaning from their band, as Ryutaro clarified, is “something that is abstract and natural at the same time”.  That’s pretty deep, eh?

 

The Music

     One of Plastic Tree’s most recognizable traits is the “melodic, child-like voice of Arimura Ryutaro”.  Often described as “very ethereal “, his voice adds a distinctive quality to their music.  While Ryutaro compose the lyrics to a vast majority of the band’s songs, Akira and Hasegawa compose much of the music.

     It was really hard picking out only a few songs of Plastic Tree.  Every single one of them are my favorites.  So here are a some that showcases Plastic Tree's versatility and unique sound.

     This first song is "Gentou Kikai" which mean lanterna magica, an ancestor of the slide projector.  With the echoing effects of the guitars coupled with Ryutaro's haunting voice, the song leaves a spooky impression.

     Here is an intersting song that most people may know already.  Well, the original at least.  Plastic Tree did a cover of the Disney classic, "Chim Chim Cheree".  Although the melody remains true to the original, Plastic Tree gives it a new take.  Creating a gloomy and melancholic twist to it.

     And just because I love Plastic Tree so much, here is another song by them, called "Baka Ni Natta No Ni" which literally mean 'I became an Idiot'.  It even comes along with a very... interesting video.  I hope you enjoy!

Sources

http://schwarzes-zelt.net/html/index.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_Tree
http://www.jpopasia.com/group/plastictree/
http://www.generasia.com/wiki/Plastic_Tree
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/artist/plastic-tree/id151146953