by Jason Young, staff editor, Inside AX- Anime Expo

Fresh off of their latest 2011 single ‘Magia’, j-pop group Kalafina’s return to America at Anime Expo 2011 could only be described with one word: outstanding. Although this was their second visit to America, previously visiting Anime Boston back in 2009, the Yuki Kaijura produced band managed to win over tons of new fans with their rocking concert, panel and autograph sessions. Personally, as someone who hadn’t heard of the group until their release of ‘Magia’ from Madoka Magika, I honestly have to thank Sony Music for bringing the group over and introducing them to a new set of fans.

Starting with their panel on Day One, the group engaged their fans with a series of Q & As that included a number of topics such as why the group wanted to perform in front of the Anime Expo crowd to the more thought-provoking question of which of the songs they think best represents the world itself. Throughout the Q & A, the audience got a chance to find out the likes and dislikes of each girl music wise and that while Keiko likes rock’n'roll and Wakana on the other hand is more of a classical fan who enjoys the piano. It’s these different tastes in each of the girls that makes it easy for any fan to at least be able to identify with one of them. And alongside Yuki Kaijura’s fantastic eclectic compositions, makes them very appealing to both anime and video game music/soundtrack aficionados. Of side note, it was great seeing the entire audience engaged with singing a slightly-off melody rendition of “Happy Brithday!” to Hikaru.

On Day Two, Anime Expo attendees were treated to what I consider to be one of the better AX performances in recent memory. Within the intimate confines of Club Nokia, it was evident that the girls were determined to leave a lasting impression at Anime Expo; and personally I couldn’t thank them enough for it. Not only was it the best concert that day, in my opinion, but the set list was fantastic. Pulling from their two previously released albums Seventh Heaven and Red Moon the set list included up-tempo songs such as “Sprinter” and “Ongaku” to the more aggressive “Magia” which helped to show off the girls wide vocal ranges. And although their dance choreography wasn’t the greatest, it was evident that the girls were doing their best as was shown by their fatigue before their last song.

While I did hear a few complaints from within the crowd about the bass levels from the theatre drowning out the girl’s voices during the concert, I believe that it may have been to do with location more than anything else. Sitting with the rest of the bloggers/reporters in the “VIP section” of Club Nokia, the vocals weren’t noticeably affected. However, when I stood there during Maon Kurosaki’s concert, there was a noticeable change. Either way however, there are always a few vocal hiccups during live performances that helps gives definition to the term ‘live’. Additionally, several of the runs were flat, but weren’t enough to prevent anyone from truly being able to embrace the girls and enjoy Yuki Kaijura’s music. And judging by the audience’s reactions during the concert and the demand for an encore, it appears that everyone enjoyed the group’s performance.

Kalafina was brought here to Anime Expo 2011 to help market the popularity of Madoka Magica, but left their mark as a dominant force in the j-pop industry. And with the recent licensing of Madoka Magica by Aniplex and the increasing popularity of Nitroplus, whose CEO Takaki Digitarou oversaw the production of the series, this certainly isn’t going to be the last time that we hear from the girls. I know that I certainly have become one of the many brand-new fans of theirs, and will definitely be paying close attention to the group in the future.

Tags: Anime Expo 2011, Guest of Honor, Kalafina