Nico touches the walls are a relatively new band, having only formed in 2004 and having only 2 full length studio albums under their belt. But they’re songs were quickly snapped up to get slotted into popular anime’s. Their lead single “Broken youth” from their first full length studio album featured as an ending theme song for Naruto shippuden and the single “Hologram” from their second album featured as one of two opening theme’s for Fullmetal alchemist: Brotherhood.

If you like a bit of light hearted J-Rock, then you’ll dig this.

Listen: Hologram

Performed by Nico touches the walls
© 2010 Ki/oon records

I’m a sucker for a bit of feel good melodic J-Rock. And I was drawn to “Hologram” like a google eyed moth to a flame. It’s a great Summer song to drive to on a really nice day. Or alternatively a shit day when you need a bit of a pick me up. I always get stares at traffic lights for my head banging theatrics during the hook.

Nico’s home on the web: Official website

DTM, makers of Vocaloid will be releasing a new version of its software that features the voice of J-Rock legend Gackt. This, supposedly, to finally bring a male voice to the vocaloid platform and to cash in on Gackt’s fame. This however is probably the first in a new trend of bringing famous voices to the Vocaloid platform. You can listen to a sample track of GACKPOID above.

If this goes well it’s easy to foresee periodic releases with the top voices of J-pop, J-rock and even voice actresses. Fanboys and fangirls would probably pay ridiculous prices for them and the Internet would in turn be filled with yet more Vocaloid videos. I think I’m much more scared than excited, what about you?

[IT Media]

It’s just a rumor as of now, but Joystiq seems to consider it a strong possibility. Harmonix has confirmed that international tracks will continue to be a focus for Rock Band’s DLC, and when someone asked about Japanese tunes the response was to wait “a little over a week” for future announcements regarding DLC. Fingers crossed! I’d love to see some Maximum the Hormone on this mother.

[Joystiq]

Color me shocked, Dir En Grey is touring american soil. The visual rock band (read: we dress as anime characters and 80′s hair rockers) will be touring the US February of next year, Its the beginning of the end. Here’s the schedule.

February ST Ft. Lauderdale , FL – Revolution
February 2nd Lake Buena Vista , FL – House of Blues
February 3rd Atlanta , GA – Roxy Theater
February 5th Baltimore , MD – Ram’s Head Live
February 6th Philadelphia , PA – Theater of Living Arts
February 7th Boston , MA – Avalon Ballroom
February 9th Toronto , ON – Guvernment
February 10th New York , NY – Nokia Theater
February 12th Detroit , MI – St. Andrews Hall
February 13th Chicago, IL – House of Blues
February 14th Minneapolis , MN – Fine Line Music Club
February 16th Englewood , CO – Gothic Theater
February 18th Houston , TX – Meridian
February 19th Dallas , TX – Palladium Ballroom
February 21st Tempe , AZ – Marquee Theater
February 23rd Los Angeles , CA – Wiltern Theater

Next thing you know they are on MTV’s top 10 and Bono will decide to dye his hair purple. You know, to keep with the times.

[ANN]