More Light Side’s “1st Single”: A Raw Rock Gem from Japan That Stuck With Me
Let’s get real here—there’s something about More Light Side’s 1st Single that feels like finding an old mixtape in your junk drawer. It’s not perfect, but damn if it doesn’t hit you right where it counts. Released back in 2008, this self-released rock album came outta nowhere (well, Japan) and slapped listeners with its unfiltered energy. And yeah, I know what you’re thinking: “Self-released? Is that even worth listening to?” Oh, trust me, it is.
The band’s lineup reads simple enough—カンノテルヒロ on vocals and guitar, MISAKI holding down bass and chorus duties, and 野田メン smashing the drums—but don’t let the short credits fool you. This crew knows how to make noise that sticks in your head for days. Tracks like Blue Line and Stand are proof of that.
Take Blue Line, for instance. The moment the opening riff kicks in, it’s like someone just lit a match under your brain. You can feel the tension building up as カンノテルヒロ’s voice cuts through, raw and gritty, almost like he’s spilling his guts right there in front of you. There’s no fancy production tricks here—just straight-up rock honesty. I remember blasting this track late one night when nothing else seemed to fit my mood, and suddenly, everything clicked. Like, who needs overproduced pop songs when you’ve got stuff like this?
Then there’s Stand. Man, this song hits different. It starts off slow, almost hesitant, like it’s testing the waters before diving headfirst into chaos. When the chorus explodes, though, oh man—you better believe I was screaming along at the top of my lungs. MISAKI’s backing vocals add this haunting layer that makes the whole thing feel bigger than life. Honestly, every time I hear those crashing cymbals and wild guitar solos, I’m reminded why rock music still matters. It’s messy, unpredictable, and completely alive.
Now, sure, some people might call this album rough around the edges. Maybe the mixing isn’t perfect, or the transitions between tracks could use a little work. But honestly? That’s part of its charm. This isn’t some polished studio project made by robots—it’s human. Flaws and all, 1st Single captures a vibe that so many modern bands seem to have forgotten.
Here’s the kicker, though: after listening to this album, I couldn’t help but wonder…why isn’t More Light Side more well-known? Seriously, these guys poured their hearts into this thing, and yet most folks outside Japan probably haven’t even heard of them. Makes you think about how much amazing music we miss out on because big labels don’t give it a chance. Or maybe, just maybe, they’re happy staying underground, letting their tunes speak for themselves.
So yeah, do yourself a favor and check out 1st Single. Crank up the volume, let the imperfections sink in, and see if it doesn’t leave a mark. Because sometimes, the best discoveries aren’t the ones wrapped in shiny packaging—they’re the ones waiting patiently in the shadows, ready to blow your mind when you least expect it.
