RIBBON

Members:

• vocal: Kanzaki (ex. Marry+An+Blood, now solo)
• guitar: Luca (ex. Lar~mia)
• bass: Emiru (Lareine)
• drums: Kazumi (ex. Orivia, now Lareine)

Releases:

• "Beautiful & Resistance"
  mini album, 6 tracks, LMJP001R
• "finale"
  1-track single, not for sale, no catalog number
• "Vampire Romance"
  Applause Records omnibus CD single with a remixed version of "Territory, ARLC-014

Ribbon emerged in the summer of 2002 with a large amount of publicity for a visual indies band and seemed intent on making a big splash in the scene. However, in the two years since best-known member Emiru had left Lareine and been completely underground, many fans had already become tired of waiting and moved on. It wasn't an ideal situation, but for a short time they made some great music.

To promote the release of "Beautiful & Resistance", Ribbon had two not-so-well-attended instore events and a few "secret" shows. "Secret" shows aren't usually much of a secret -- it's a common way for new bands with members who've been around for a while (and already have a fanbase) to get used to performing together in a live environment, a setting where they can test things and make mistakes before the band formally begins live activities. I think the only way fans were able to find out the details of these Ribbon appearances was from a FC mailing, and I'm not sure how many people were actually on that mailing list. (At the time, I was holding off on the expense of joining Ribbon's FC until I knew more about the band.)

By the early fall Ribbon was already having internal problems and guitarist Luca abruptly left before the band's first oneman show in October, which was supposed to be the real introduction of Ribbon. The other members left messages about this on their official HP BBS and while Emiru and Kazumi were politely vague about the reasons for Luca's departure, Kanzaki was plainly angry and vented some frustration about Luca's many missed rehearsals and lack of contact. Ribbon was able to find a pair of support guitarists in time for that oneman (at which Kamijo made an appearance as a guest) and the show went on after all. Later in October Ribbon performed a short but energy-filled set at the Applause Records Halloween Party show, still with the two support guitarists.

By early winter things were going even worse. The band had not yet found a new guitarist. Kanzaki injured his leg/foot and a show had to be cancelled. Due to the improbability of the band being able to do any good FC activities, they closed the club and refunded members' fees. Around Christmas, the single "finale" was distributed by special mail order.

It wasn't a big surprise when in February, there was an announcement in Shoxx that Ribbon would be putting an indefinite freeze on activities. At the time Kanzaki was involved in the long-awaited CD release/rerelease of some Marry+An+Blood material that should have been out a long time ago. In retrospect we know what Emiru and Kazumi got up to -- on March 26th 2003, they appeared as Lareine members at the "Saikai no Hana" return to activities show.

In October 2003 Ribbon reunited for one night (yes, with Luca) for a New Sodmy vs. Ribbon themed Applause Records Halloween Party. A remixed version of the song "Territory" was contributed to the Applause Records Halloween commemorative single "Vampire Romance". Since then Kanzaki has been working as a solo artist and recently (as of 10/04) has been doing live activities with former Lareine support guitarist Motoki in his band. His solo sets have included the Ribbon song "Kyokutou no Koibito".