ONE OK ROCK Rocks Manila with Epic Sound and Light Show: Review
In the most recent stop of their DETOX Asia Tour, the Japanese rock band ONE OK ROCK showcased that arena rock music is alive and well through a powerful combination of passion, amplification, and an enthusiastic crowd. The group, comprised of vocalist Taka, guitarist Toru, bassist Ryota, and drummer Tomoya, took to the stage at a packed MOA Arena in Manila on March 4, performing a high-octane and emotionally charged set that captivated the audience.
The evening commenced with an animated video setting a post-apocalyptic tone, signaling that the concert was going to be a grand affair. As the band launched into their opening track, “Puppets Can’t Control You” from their latest album DETOX, it was evident that ONE OK ROCK was there not just to perform but to rock the house. The experience was multi-dimensional, with the music, visuals, and the energy of the audience combining to create a sensory overload.
The intensity continued to build as the band transitioned into “The Beginning,” a song known for being the theme of the live-action Rurouni Kenshin movie. The connection between the band and their fans was palpable, with Taka’s call to “take my hand” met with an overwhelming response from the crowd. Despite the volume of the performance reaching near-deafening levels, the sound quality remained crystal clear, enveloping the arena in a cocoon of sound.
ONE OK ROCK’s genre is reflected in their name, a testament to their honesty and commitment to their style of rock music. Their performance was not just auditory but also visually stimulating, enhancing the emotional essence of their music. While rock concerts are often associated with raw power and gritty authenticity, ONE OK ROCK demonstrated that rock music can also be a visually captivating experience, something that the genre might have forgotten along the way.
The setlist, ranging from high-octane tracks like “Save Yourself” to anthemic ballads like “Wherever you are,” showcased the band’s versatility and ability to captivate the audience. Despite Taka’s admission of feeling under the weather, the energy of the performance remained undiminished, fueled by the electric atmosphere of the arena. The band’s performance also touched on poignant themes, with Taka addressing societal issues and urging unity among the audience.
The climax of the concert came with the conclusion of the encore, as the band performed “We Are,” leaving the audience in a state of collective catharsis. The show was not just a musical performance but a unifying experience, reaffirming the enduring power of rock music to transcend boundaries and connect people. ONE OK ROCK’s performance was a testament to the fact that rock music, when delivered with sincerity and conviction, has the capacity to resonate with audiences on a deeply emotional level.
As the audience left the arena, they carried with them the echoes of a performance that had left them exhilarated and inspired. ONE OK ROCK’s concert in Manila was a testament to the enduring vitality of rock music, a defiant declaration that the genre, with its raw energy and unapologetic passion, continues to thrive in the modern music landscape.