Back from Osaka

So I got back from Osaka about 3 hours ago and I must say I had a great if tiring time in a really lively city. It was great to see Evan and Brad again, eat and drink good food and beer, and generally experience something a little more lively than Kagawa and Marugame.

The Gig

So, of course the main reason myself and Evan made the trip to Osaka was to experience the sonic assault of Aussie rock trio, Wolfmother. And I have to say it was a journey well taken.

The gig itself was in Osaka`s Club Quattro (there are also venues in Tokyo, Nagoya and Hiroshima) and the atmosphere was excellent. Quattro is a small multi-levelled club with a close Performer/Audience ambience. Despite the typical extortionate price of beer and spirits I was really impressed by the place.

Myself and Evan managed to get about 2 rows from the stage and began mingling with the friendly Japanese and the not so friendly Gaijin. Then on came the support act. Wolf and Cub. Loud (2 drummers) with any melodies lost in the din, but they were an entertaining enough opening act if nothing particularly memorable in the set listing.

Wolfmother rocked the joint. All I can say they are the best live act I`ve seen in a while that doesn`t rely on gimmicks. Just straightforward rock that recalls Led Zeppelin (Communication Breakdown was included in the encore). A great show.

Osaka

We met up with Brad the day after and hung out in Osaka. We went to the Umeda Sky Building (see the photo) and kudos to Brad who went all the way to the top with us, where you can get some of the most amazing views of Osaka.

We also got down to Osaka Jo (Castle) which is impressive despite being a replica of the original.

In the evening we found a cheap Izakaya, had a few beers and food before we went onto Karaoke. Good times.