Monday, August 10, 1998
Dreams may not come true for dull Japanese band
MUSIC: Bland, insincere singer, monotonous tunes leave crowd
unimpressed with group’s show
By Michelle Zubiate
Daily Bruin Staff
Take everything that is commercial and generic about American
pop music, combine it with mediocre singing talent – but a definite
burst of vitality – and you have Japan’s big sensation, Dreams Come
True (DCT).
On Aug. 3, DCT gave an honest effort for a loyal yet apathetic
audience at the El Rey Theater. Despite all the success and hype
that drifted over from across the Pacific, the concert proved only
a ho-hum event characterized by monotonous tunes and cheesy
rhythms.
The evening’s crowd included a distinctly Asian fan base but did
hold a diverse range in ages from teenagers and college students to
older middle-aged couples. All appeared very familiar with the
group’s career, which has spanned over a decade and nine albums
(which have sold 25 million copies worldwide).
The concert premiered as DCT’s first performance in Los Angeles.
The set featured the songs from its newest album, "Sing Or Die,"
the first to be released in the United States.
Lead singer Miwa’s influences include American jazz legends Ella
Fitzgerald and Marvin Gaye, and the American style behind the
catchy tunes remains obviously noticeable. Miwa’s vocal talent,
although confident and diverse in range, proved unoriginal and
strangely similar to Mariah Carey’s own proudly boisterous
character. Empty frills and sultry attempts made each song blend
into another with dulling effects that rarely excited even the
crowd of avid admirers.
The best song of the night and current single, "Song of Joy,"
gave the audience a much-needed boost, serving as a reminder of the
band’s capabilities to achieve more than a novelty pop act.
Unfortunately, the energy died quickly into a pattern of generic
tunes, interspersed with Miwa’s attempts at charming banter.
One ingredient the group did possess was an oddly endearing
back-up band of middle-aged musicians showing talent on horns,
guitar, percussion and keyboard. Enthusiastic and talented, they
contributed more to the set’s performance than Miwa did through
sheer sincerity. Miwa’s own efforts became more an act of pomposity
than genuine emotion.
The band’s sound takes pop to the extreme, ranging from sultry
dance beats to simplistic nursery rhyme-style melodies. Despite the
lackluster performance, it remained obvious that each member of the
group loved the stage and their music. This passion alone will
continue to keep their heads above water.