...the Kamikazee goes Japanese

Japanese Band Breathes New Life Into Kamikazee’s ‘Narda’

By ROWENA JOY A. SANCHEZ

August 10, 2012

MANILA, Philippines – A visual kei band from Japan has performed their own version of “Narda,” one of the biggest hits of local rock group Kamikazee.

Yes, they're singing in Filipino: Uchusentai Noiz in their video for 'Narda' (Screengrab from YouTube)

Uchusentai Noiz, a five-piece band, recorded and even shot a video for the song, which was uploaded on YouTube on Aug. 7. While some groups would tend to translate foreign songs into their vernacular, Uchusentai Noiz’s vocalist Angel-Taka sang “Narda” with its original Filipino lyrics—though with a thick Japanese accent. The video has so far spawned 160,000 views on YouTube.

“Narda” is the carrier single off Kamikazee’s sophomore album “Maharot,” which was released in 2006. The song serves as a serenade to classic comic book heroine Darna and her “normal” persona, Narda.

Kamikazee lead singer Jay Contreras has also seen the video and tweeted about it on Aug. 9.

“RT @hilarion @jomalee @jaykmkz Nakita niyo na 'to? Haha kulit eh. youtu.be/lde76arEmGA – hehehehe,” he posted.

Gabby Alipe, vocalist of another rock band Urbandub, is likewise impressed by Uchusentai Noiz’s rendition.

“PANOORIN NYO! Coolest thing! @jaykmkz @jomalee @chitomirandajr @RosariOko: Japanese band NOIZ (Uchusentai NOIZ)http://youtu.be/lde76arEmGA,” he tweeted.

Chito Miranda of Parokya Ni Edgar, who had done numerous collaborations with Kamikazee, responded, “hehe! ayus no?!”

Formed back in 1999, Uchusentai Noiz is composed of vocalist Angel-Taka, guitarists Kotaro and Masato, bassist Kyo, and drummer Yamato. Their genre, visual kei, is usually identified with Japanese rock music, and a type of fashion characterized by heavy make-up as well as flamboyant hair and costumes—reminiscent of glam rock.

The group is scheduled to perform shows in Manila and Davao in September. Meanwhile, a Japanese-language YouTube clip that’s been uploaded December last year sees Uchusentai Noiz also in Davao where they are shown going to the beach and even doing some form of charity work, personally giving out toothbrushes to children as well as singing for them.