The band's music and lyrical imagery are likely influenced by the liberal Taisho and early Showa era, a period of significant artistic and musical movement when Japan shifted further towards Western concepts, and industrialization brought jazz and blues to Japanese culture. Similarly, MERRY fuse the these genres with rock music to create a "modern avant-garde" sound, or "modern-garde" as their second album is named. Along with cali≠gari, MERRY are also noted for their early "eroguro" (erotic, grotesque) themes.
MERRY was formed in Tokyo, Japan by Gara (ガラ, vocals), Yuu (結生, guitar), Kenichi (健一, guitar), Tetsu (テツ, bass) and Nero (ネロ, drums) in October 2001. Their aggressive performance and melancholic sounds got on the topics. They established an independent record label “GEKIYAKU RECORD” in 2002, and released two studio-albums, a couple of singles, and played numerous shows around Japan.
They signed to Victor Entertainment Inc. in September 2005, and the following year, they started their longest tour, performing nationwide, and played an impressive tour-final show at YOKOHAMA CULTURAL GYMNASIUM on 3rd May 2008. In 2006, they have performed outside of Japan for the first time in their history, and played successfully in München/Germany, Paris/France and Los Angeles/USA.
The band has released four studio-albums, nine singles and three DVD's from Victor Entertainment Inc.
In Europe, they've got signed on Gan-shin Records in 2005, which has released all four studio-albums.
In 2010 they were signed to FREE-WILL Co.,Ltd and management sun-krad. MERRY released their first single "The Cry Against... / モノクローム" on FIREWALL DIV. (same label as Dir en grey) on August 4th.
The band was previously known as メリー but changed their name officially to Merry in 2007. Another name change was done in 2010 when the band was signed to FREE-WILL Co.,Ltd changing the name officially to MERRY uppercased.
MERRY released another single "クライシスモメント" (Crisis Moment) on October 6th, 2010.
On the release day, MERRY announced the title and tracklist for their upcoming single "夜光" (Yakou), which is expected to be released on December 1st.
MERRY's official homepage: http://merryweb.jp/
MERRY's official MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/merrymerrycojp
Retro Future
MERRY Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Retro future retro future retro future
Taihaiteki na jidai no fucho de rhythm ga kuzure hyouryu shiteru
Saishuukai wo miru mae ni owatterunda museieiga dotabata kigeki
Dance hall no katasumi de hula hula hula dance
Aita kuchi ga fusagarani rhythm ni norezu ni bouso shiteru
Hitori torinokosareteru hitori samayotte shimau
Jouge no hedate ga nai kinmiraigata no yoru ni
Atama wo kakimawashiteiru kinmiraigata no asa ga
The repetitive phrase "retro future" in MERRY's song of the same name is used as a motif to reflect a time period of rapid technological and societal change. The lyrics paint a picture of a time when the rhythm of life is unstable and unsteady due to the fast pace of progress. The reference to dance and hula rhythms suggests a sense of cultural displacement in response to the new world, as people likely sought to hold onto their traditional values and customs.
The image of one person being left behind and lost in the midst of this rapid change is also conveyed. The loneliness and displacement felt by this person is reminiscent of widespread social and economic upheaval in the wake of modernization. The use of the phrase "kinmiraigata," which roughly translates to "near future," is notable, as it suggests not only a sense of uncertainty about the future, but also a fear of loss of identity and the unknown that comes with rapid change.
Line by Line Meaning
Retro future retro future retro future
Repeating 'retro future' three times to emphasize that the song is about a future that looks back on the past.
Taihaiteki na jidai no fucho de rhythm ga kuzure hyouryu shiteru
The rhythm is falling apart under the influence of a static era.
Saishuukai wo miru mae ni owatterunda museieiga dotabata kigeki
Before the final show, it's a complete mess, like a slapstick comedy movie.
Dance hall no katasumi de hula hula hula dance
Dancing the hula in the corner of the dance hall.
Aita kuchi ga fusagarani rhythm ni norezu ni bouso shiteru
Can't catch the rhythm because of a closed mouth, feeling frustrated.
Hitori torinokosareteru hitori samayotte shimau
Left behind alone, aimlessly wandering.
Jouge no hedate ga nai kinmiraigata no yoru ni
In a futuristic world where there are no socio-economic gaps at night.
Hitori torinokosareteru mayonaka pool de oyogu
Left behind alone, swimming in a midnight pool.
Atama wo kakimawashiteiru kinmiraigata no asa ga
The morning of a futuristic world where one's head is spinning.
Contributed by Leo C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.