The first time I heard of this alternative indie Japanese-pop rock band was when their upbeat song “Hanabi” was featured as the ending piece for the popular anime series “Bleach”. The song title literally translates to “Fireworks”.

The band, which was formed last February 1999, is composed of Kiyoe Yoshioka (Vocals), Hotaka Yamashita (Guitar and Harmonica) and Yoshiki Mizuno (Guitar and Vocals). Hotaka plays harmonica while playing the guitar! Now that’s talent! I also like Kiyoe’s voice, shrill but definitely not annoying. Yama-chan (Yamashita) and Yocchan (Yoshiki) are high school classmates. Yosshie (Kiyoe) later joined the group shortly after it was formed. Her older brother was also a classmate of both guitarists.

Another of their upbeat songs is their latest single “Natsuzora Graffitti”. It literally means “Summer Sky Grafitti” and hence, has a summer feel to it. This song was an instant favorite of mine the moment I heard it!

Bookmark It