Well, yes, in manner of speaking. Several times. I have just returned from Kanon X Kanons gig at the O2 Academy. Or at least in a bit of it. I never knew that they had a super special secret extra bit hidden away. About the size of the Underworld I guess, but less grotty. It was a bit surprising to find the gig in this smaller area. It was also a surprise just how far up the queue I was when I arrived. I was expecting there to be a lot more people, but then I was also expecting it to be in the normal place. This is of course all fantastic news. You can't beat this sort of set up in my opinion. I t makes for a special sort of gig, far more intimate and friendly than you'd ever get in a big venue.
And this was certainly a special gig. Very special and rather unusual. It's not everyday an artist plays a concert as their own support band. The evening was split into 3 acts. Firstly Kanon Wakeshima played some of her own songs. Then Kanon from An Cafe came out and DJ'd for a bit. Finally Kanon X Kanon finished of the evening. As I said, kind of odd. Whilst Kanon Wakeshima has a couple of albums of her own material, Kanon X Kanon only has a couple of singles. However, since it features 2 famous musicians it does have the greater star power. And let's be honest, there's not many bands that could pull of a full European tour on the back of five songs. One of which they didn't even play. But I digress, how did it go?
First up was the delightful Miss Wakeshima herself. She was, of course, quite adorable. Having said that though, I never before realized just how bad ass playing the Cello can actually look. It's like all that fiddly guitar stuff, only writ large. I don't know why more metal bands don't employ a Cellist. Not that her music could really be described as metal. Suffice to say she started with the haunting gothic tones of Still Doll, and finished up with the ridiculously cheery bounce of Princess Charleston. Needles to say I was a happy bunny.
After this it was Mr Kanons turn, playing a selection of his favorite anime themes. I must confess that aside from a weird mix of a Kotoko song from Kannazuki No Miko there wasn't much I recognized. Although I do now have a list of new shows to check out thanks to the video projection of the various shows openings or closings. Of course he finished with an An Cafe track. But Kakusei Heroism is an awesome track, so who's going to argue?
It was after this that the REALLY strange part of the show happened. A somewhat protracted introduction to the art of Otage from 2 animated characters and a rather strange gentleman clad in a spandex grey alien costume was projected upon the screen. Otage is, apparently, an ancient japanese nerd technique of dancing incredibly badly but with great enthusiasm. This equally baffling and hilarious. And whilst it did go on a bit the purpose was quite clearly to buy time to get ready for the main event. It really can't be all that easy supporting yourself like this.
But after this rather unexpected interlude both Kanons took to the stage, resplendent in their outfits from the Calendula Requiem video. They busted out everything except Umigami Soup, which got used in part as the intro. Filling out the set were a couple of unexpected covers. Firstly A track from Sailor Moon, which I admit I only really realised when Mr Kanon jumped out dressed as Tuxedo Mask, and then a Hatsune Miko track. Which of course I only know thanks to the projector showing the leek wielding character in question. The final track was Koi No Dotei, during which Mr Kanon exemplified the previously discussed Otage dancing with terrifying gusto and a good time was had by all. They even came out and played it again for an encore. Which was both nice of them and pretty compelling evidence that they really should look at actually recording a full album soon.
As I said, a rather unusual evening. But certainly a most enjoyable one. The band were friendly and engaging, taking the time to shake hands with pretty much everyone at the front of the stage several times. What they lacked in flash and budget (there's only so much you can do with 2 people and a macbook) they made up in heart. All things considered this tour has been quite an impressive achievement.
Now, if they could just start work on that album...
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