Juno Reactor returned to the U.S. for the first time in seven years, and as a J-music fan I simply couldn’t resist the chance to see Sugizo, the “legendary” guitarist from LUNA SEA, in action.

Juno Reactor is an electronica act that specializes in blending genres and breaking down barriers. The “Gods & Monsters” tour is a multi-cultural event that includes composer Ben Watkins; Amapondo; a South African percussive ensemble; as well as ex-Asian Dub Foundation vocalist, Ghetto Priest; American drummer, Greg Ellis; UK vocalist, Tamsyn Alexander and Japanese guitarist Sugizo. Juno Reactor has created, or lent, music for the Matrix, the anime Texhnolyze, as well as other movies, anime and video games.

Sugizo Live at the Metro in Chicago (click image to enlarge)

I have to admit my knowledge of Juno Reactor is sketchy at best, but I was determined to make the best of it in order to watch Sugizo perform. The performance at the Metro was a late night show and was scheduled to begin at ten o’clock P.M. The show started half an hour late with an opening act who weren’t too bad. They were a good warm-up for Juno Reactor and got the crowd rolling.

Juno Reactor came on stage in a blur of smoke and dimmed lights. We were on the opposite side of the stage from Sugizo and I took this opportunity to enjoy Tamsyn Alexander’s wonderful vocals and the overall feel of Amapondo’s percussion.

Sugizo Live (click image to enlarge)

Amapondo was in what I suspect is traditional African dress, and Sugizo was wearing gothic-styled Japanese dress. The music practically flew. After about three songs, we moved to the other side of the stage in order to better see Sugizo’s performance.

Sugizo really is an amazing guitarist, and it was something of a shock to see him pull out his violin, another instrument he performs well with, and perform on that. He really plays to the crowd and drags attention to the larger event at hand. Watching him play against Ben Watkins was stunning.

The show was set up to give spotlight time to each person on stage; and seeing the music change to give way to one instrument was the best part of the show. The feel of the music is what I remember most.

I strongly suggest seeing Juno Reactor at least once in your life – shows like this are so uncommon and worth the price of admission.

SUGIZO will join Ben Watkins and Juno Reactor’s multi-ethnic live show that will break boundaries and open minds with their pulsing, tribal world of sonic awareness.  Besides SUGIZO, the U.S. shows will include Amapondo, a South African percussive ensemble, as well as ex-Asian Dub Foundation vocalist Ghetto Priest, American drummer Greg Ellis and UK vocalist, Tamsyn Alexander.

SUGIZO is one of the founding fathers of the Japanese rock movement. With his band, LUNA SEA, SUGIZO paved the way for generations of bands to follow in a career that has spanned nearly twenty years. LUNA SEA has sold millions of albums worldwide, and is one of Japan’s most influential bands of all time.

Juno Reactor has been in the major forefront of electronic music for over a decade and a half.  In addition to lending their music to a multitude of films, videogames and commercials over the years, as well as being involved in providing the score for movies such as The Matrix, Juno Reactor headlined Japan’s massive Fuji Rock Festival in 2007.

Juno Reactor is a culture clash of sonic cultures that defy the word, “fusion.” Their shows feature incantations, chants, vocals, lighting, mesmerizing visualizations, and raw live action. Video samples of their live performances can be found on the band’s MySpace.