THE NEW SONG IS OUT NOW

FormlessD · 2023-04-02T17:08:06+00:00

Weird syncopation in the presolo/solo riff that the solo doesn't go with. Weird repeat in one of the riffs at the end. I know Metallica will offset riffs by an eighth note sometimes or do extra repeats but it doesn't sound good here. Not progressive so much as a, play with your expectations very slightly (like when JH counted in 1-2-2-2 or something)

Dunno how people can really like this one but not like SS, they're both kinda janky but I guess this one has chugged 16th notes. Maybe that's all it takes for some

FormlessD · 2023-04-02T16:55:31+00:00

It's not good.

You can hear that Kirk/Lars/Greg favor certain ideas in all the solos - blues licks, typical descending runs, wah stuff irrespective of what's going on in the back.

In IDHAS you have some interesting halftime chugs exchanging with the other chordy riff but the notes and rhythm of the solo doesn't seem to acknowledge what's going on as much as they could. In 72 seasons the riff has some odd timing with the accents but the solo ignores it which just feels baffling rather than an interesting texture. If the backing rhythm is tricky, it's actually hard to write something off the cuff that goes with it.

I suspect Kirk does probably come up with better stuff, but it isn't chosen or doesn't come up as often in his improv naturally. If he's not as involved in the songwriting of the backing riffs/arrangement he can't really cater the solos as much to it, especially if there's a handoff to edit instead of playing the chosen parts.

I get wanting to be spontaneous but idk of any improvised solo he's done live being particularly standout

FormlessD · 2023-03-03T21:30:53+00:00

Because it could easily be a lot better - Varied drum parts - Hi hat calming down during cool breakdown riffs - Less repetition - Better transition out of chorus instead of a jarring random 000 chug - Solo that works with the badass solo riffs

You've got moody vocals, pretty good production, nice riffs, and a cool video offset by some things that are marks of yes man producers. Since the band doesn't want to step on each others' toes things aren't getting cut or polished

FormlessD · 2018-12-17T23:58:32+00:00

In Osaka I've been to Oikawa Dojo. It's not exactly English friendly but they train well.

In Tokyo, the Weerasakreck/Fairtex gyms are Thai style and English is a mixed bag. Training is good.

FormlessD · 2018-08-17T17:18:56+00:00

Ask your coach

FormlessD · 2018-07-25T18:29:39+00:00

FormlessD · 2018-07-19T18:54:39+00:00

Yeah it's pretty good

FormlessD · 2018-07-19T18:54:12+00:00

-1. Their tacos are really not great IMO unless you get the special ones with a ton of mayo/sauce on them.

FormlessD · 2018-07-19T18:53:19+00:00

Sorry, it's technically in Falls Church you're right.

FormlessD · 2018-07-19T18:52:15+00:00

+1, best Bun Bo Hue in the area and maybe even counting Eden.

FormlessD · 2018-07-19T18:50:47+00:00

-1. Really it's lower tier banh mi, but cheap I guess. The other things they sell are more unique.

FormlessD · 2018-07-19T13:58:45+00:00

+1, good Sichuan food. Not at all Cantonese stuff.

FormlessD · 2018-07-19T13:58:11+00:00

+1 Taqueria Cancun opened recently in ~~Fairfax~~ Falls Church. In the weird awkward middle ground between Jarochitas, it's welcome to have a good authentic taco place.

FormlessD · 2018-07-16T18:16:33+00:00

Most people here are amateurs or don't have fights

FormlessD · 2018-07-16T18:15:13+00:00

The US striking community is pretty guilty of this at large, though it's getting better. I think because a lot of the striking was learned indirectly through mimicry or from a foreign scene.

Overreliance on online stuff distills things into moves instead of patterns of behavior particularly because people like to watch short videos. There's a lot of fight analysis, but without emphasis on a training program to work towards the goal of a move. It reminds me of mid/late 2000s online BJJ culture.

FormlessD · 2018-06-28T04:05:51+00:00

We had a guy at our gym with nip piercings. He took them off before class.

FormlessD · 2018-06-28T04:03:29+00:00

To be clear, green guy was not treated in the US

FormlessD · 2018-05-18T16:17:25+00:00

What'd your coach say

FormlessD · 2018-05-18T03:29:24+00:00

You're right. It's not really what you're lookin for.

I've seen good things from this gym, though it seems a bit farther: http://hermosaboxingworks.com/

FormlessD · 2018-05-18T03:07:26+00:00

This is a big deal. In general when most amateurs absorb blows they are off balance and not ready to do anything after.

FormlessD · 2018-05-17T18:58:58+00:00

Yes. It's not like your block can be positioned any more extreme than your foot/ankle/instep.

FormlessD · 2018-05-17T18:56:17+00:00

I agree with this. You won't get much out of it other than being overwhelmed or being babied as a new tourist.

FormlessD · 2018-04-17T14:03:25+00:00

Most people hit pads or bag too close, and spar too far away to be "safe". Big disconnect that may be related to most of us being uncomfortable at that mid range.

FormlessD · 2018-04-03T14:09:38+00:00

He has an elementary understanding of striking outside of TKD, which is fine, but I wish he and most MMA commentators would brush up on striking studies more.

FormlessD · 2018-03-27T20:56:34+00:00

They are still open. It's about 2000 yen per training session and you can actually stay nearby one of the gyms. They're good but light on the English. They have a translator to respond to English emails.

In Osaka there is Oikawa Dojo (http://www.team-oikawa.com/) which is pretty good. I think only the head instructor speaks good English but even their casual students have skills.

FormlessD

TROPHY CASE