VOL.112 live report“live scope 2004 〜君という光〜”2004.2.13 Shibuya Public Hall

From music freak magazine Vol. 112

GARNET CROW live scope 2004 〜君という光〜

February 13, 2004, Shibuya Public Hall

More than a year had passed since the memorable first tour, *GARNET CROW LIVE TOUR 2002 〜first live scope〜*, which took place in the autumn of 2002. GARNET CROW had left an unforgettable impression on many people with their live performances, and in 2004 they once again embarked on a nationwide tour, *GARNET CROW live scope 2004〜君という光〜*. This issue of music freak magazine reports on the final show at Shibuya Public Hall on February 13, bringing you the world of sound GARNET CROW wove together onstage.

Perhaps because it was the day before Valentine's Day, the entire city was wrapped in a bright, festive mood on February 13. The final show of the tour was held at Shibuya Public Hall that day. After performances in Osaka, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, and Aichi, the tour had finally reached its last stop. More than two thousand people had already filled the venue before the show began, and anticipation filled the hall as everyone imagined what kind of performance they were about to see.

Looking toward the stage, the first things that caught the eye were the large crimson banners hanging on either side. White crow silhouettes were printed in their centers, echoing the white Gothic columns that suggested a royal court.

About five minutes after the scheduled start time, the lights went out. To spontaneous cheers and applause, the members slowly made their way onto the dimly lit stage, opening the final show with “Timeless Sleep.” Rather than beginning with a burst of force, they chose a mid-tempo song, which felt very GARNET CROW. Under the blue lights, the members played and sang with such composure and power that it was enough to make your heart race. The well-judged tension and concentration they radiated quickly drew everyone into the performance.

“Good evening, everyone! We are GARNET CROW!” Nakamura’s first greeting sent a wave of cheers through the venue. She looked around the entire hall, then began singing “泣けない夜も 泣かない朝も” with strength.

When people think of GARNET CROW, they often picture their predominantly black clothing, and this tour was no exception. The contrast with the crimson banners was striking. After Nakamura told everyone to “enjoy yourselves tonight,” they performed “flying.” AZUKI’s dramatic intro and Nakamura’s voice cutting through the chorus were both a pleasure to hear. Once she switched to a handheld microphone, Nakamura’s expression gradually relaxed as well. “Endless Desire” made it clear that the show was picking up speed. Then “水のない晴れた海へ,” with its mysterious lyrics and beautiful melody, filled the hall. The stage lighting changed to a deep-sea blue that matched the song’s imagery perfectly. AZUKI looked completely absorbed in her playing, and the technique her fingers displayed on the keyboard was striking.

As on the previous tour, a large screen had been set up at the back of the stage, showing the members’ expressions from various angles as they performed. Even from the second floor, everything was clearly visible: AZUKI’s fingertips as she played, Okamoto’s energetic guitar solos, and Furui’s delighted expression. At times, the screen even showed the audience from the stage, allowing everyone to see the view from the members’ perspective. That was fascinating too. Lyrics were also displayed on the screen during the performance, allowing the audience to follow the music and savor one of GARNET CROW’s greatest strengths: the depth of their lyrics.

During “君という光,” the screen showed bubbles swaying underwater as a peaceful intro began. Okamoto switched from electric guitar to acoustic guitar, producing a gentle tone. Along with the melody, Nakamura’s voice emerged warm yet firmly grounded. The audience watched the members intently, then listened with equal concentration to the reverberation of Nakamura’s voice in the climactic passages of “今日の君と明日を待つ.”

As mentioned earlier, the stage had been arranged with white columns suggestive of a royal court, and a chandelier hung overhead. The song that seemed to fit this atmosphere best was “Marionette Fantasia.” Nakamura’s rich voice approached with delicate emotion, and before long the entire hall had become a world of fantasy.

As the atmosphere gradually grew warmer, the fresh, natural-sounding intro to “永遠を駆け抜ける一瞬の僕ら” began. The supporting musicians who carried this tour were introduced one by one within the music. Since the lineup was almost the same as on the previous tour, their chemistry was effortless. Perhaps because this was the final show, everyone looked deeply satisfied, which left a strong impression.

After the song ended, Nakamura continued introducing the members of GARNET CROW. Furui smiled and waved at the cheers from the audience; Okamoto bowed shyly with a bashful smile; and AZUKI bowed with her usual smile after Nakamura introduced her by saying, “Her smile always puts me at ease.” Being able to see these small, natural expressions from the members is one of the pleasures of a concert.

From music freak magazine Vol. 112

The highlight of the middle section of the show now appeared: “千以上の言葉を並べても...,” with Okamoto taking the lead vocals. Nakamura stood beside him, holding a red tambourine and providing harmony vocals. His gentle singing voice had already seemed captivating in his solo work, but no one could have expected it to blend so naturally into a GARNET CROW song and draw the audience into its world. Perhaps it was partly because the “I” in the lyrics is male, but his unforced, natural, and candid singing revealed another kind of appeal in the song and once again confirmed the excellence of GARNET CROW’s music itself.

As the audience remained immersed in Okamoto’s voice, Nakamura said, “This is one of the songs we treasure most.” They then performed “夢みたあとで.” The melody is beautiful, combining sadness and tenderness, and under Nakamura’s deeply affecting vocals it sank into the heart, almost bringing tears to the eyes.

What became clear again and again that day was Nakamura’s unique presence as a lead vocalist. It was about far more than simply having a beautiful voice or singing well. Beneath the calm expression and poise she maintained while singing lay a range of emotions, released through the songs sometimes quietly and sometimes with intensity. The finely woven playing in every note, together with the feeling Nakamura—also the composer—put into her singing, made it seem as though the audience could witness the moment when the hall and the stage became one.

The next songs, “永遠に葬れ” and “君の家に着くまでずっと走ってゆく,” were both early works. Just as everyone had settled comfortably into listening, the crimson banners on both sides at the back of the stage fell away and the lights suddenly brightened. “夏の幻” and “Mysterious Eyes” then unleashed the full sound of the band, followed by the latest single, “僕らだけの未来.” One powerful song after another kept the applause rolling, strengthening the connection between the stage and the audience. Furui’s entire body moved intensely with the rhythm as he played, and at times he encouraged the audience to clap along. His expression made it clear that he was thoroughly enjoying the show.

The final song of the main set was the exhilarating “スパイラル,” which kept building toward its chorus. Nakamura walked from one side of the stage to the other, pointing the microphone toward the audience as she moved, and everyone responded with all their strength. The distance between the stage and the audience seemed to grow smaller and smaller.

Amid unbroken calls for an encore, the members returned to the stage. Everyone except Nakamura had changed into a black T-shirt, while the supporting musicians appeared in T-shirts of various colors, including blue and yellow. The first encore song was the new song “雨上がりのBlue,” whose release had not even been decided yet. Its keyword was “summer”! The up-tempo music was as refreshing as a blue sky, almost making it easy to forget that it was still winter outside. For the fans, it must have been a wonderful surprise.

After the gentle and heartfelt “Holy ground” brought a moment of calm to the hall, Nakamura said, “This really is the end!” The encore closed with “二人のロケット.” The audience raised their hands high and clapped along during the chorus, enjoying themselves to the very end. The lights illuminated the crowd, revealing expressions just as fresh and satisfied on the members’ faces. They must have been looking back on the tour with deep emotion, savoring the feeling of becoming one with audiences in every city.

At the end, Nakamura said, “Thank you! I’m so happy!” Her words seemed to show how much the show that day, and the tour as a whole, had given them. Even after the members left the stage, the applause continued for a long time, conveying the profound emotion these four outstanding creators had brought to the audience.

The tour visited only five places across the country, so there must still be many fans who wanted to attend but could not make it. One can only hope that next time, even more people will be able to experience GARNET CROW’s music in person. After this tour, anticipation for whatever they do next has only grown stronger.

Setlist

1. Timeless Sleep
2. 泣けない夜も 泣かない朝も
3. flying
4. Endless Desire
5. 水のない晴れた海へ
6. 未完成な音色
7. 君という光
8. 今日の君と明日を待つ
9. Marionette Fantasia
10. 永遠を駆け抜ける一瞬の僕ら
11. 千以上の言葉を並べても... (lead vocals: Hitoshi Okamoto)
12. 夢みたあとで
13. 永遠に葬れ
14. 君の家に着くまでずっと走ってゆく
15. 夏の幻
16. Mysterious Eyes
17. 僕らだけの未来
18. スパイラル

Encore:

1. 雨上がりのBlue (new song)
2. Holy ground
3. 二人のロケット