RAG Musicartist
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Charm overload! A roundup of Japanese three-piece bands (perfect for cover bands, too!)

Three-piece bands that create cool music with just three members are truly captivating, aren’t they?

Because they have fewer members, each band hones its own unique weapons to stand out.

In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of those cool three-piece bands!

It’s great to discover and listen to cool bands, but if you’re in a band yourself, feel free to use this as a reference for choosing cover songs.

From legendary groups that are essential when talking about three-piece bands to some unexpected picks, we’ve got a wide range covered!

Charm Explosion! A Roundup of Japanese Three-Piece Bands [Perfect for Cover Bands, Too!] (91–100)

Liars do as they please.Arusuteiku

Alstake – Liars Do As They Please – Music Video
Liars do as they please.Arusuteiku

Arstake is a band from Okayama Prefecture that was formed by guitarist-vocalist Yoshiaki Hidaka during his high school years.

After some lineup changes, drummer Amu and bassist Non joined, leading to the current Arstake.

Their band sound—anchored by a solid, low-centered rhythm and roaring, distorted guitars—is seriously cool.

They released their first single, Usotsuki wa Katte (Liar’s Prerogative), exclusively through Tower Records in 2021, and in 2022 they put out their first nationally distributed album, A.

Doubt first.itashimoku

Banshimoku - “Be Suspicious First” (Official Music Video, released January 1, 2022) _ BANSHIMOKU
Doubt first.itashimoku

Formed in 2019 by three high school students, Hachurui-kei rock band Itashime is a reptile-themed trio bursting with personality that lives up to their striking tagline.

Lead vocalist Chiaki Shion’s powerful, rock-edged voice is seriously cool.

Riding a wave of momentum, they pulled off their first nationwide tour in 2022, hitting 24 locations.

In 2023, they released their third album, “Genetic-Level NO!!!,” and embarked on a second national tour.

They’re a band to watch, so be sure to catch them live!

Charm Explosion! A Roundup of Japanese Three-Piece Bands (Great for Cover Bands Too!) [101–110]

Hey, darling.tsukimi

Tsukimi / Hey, Darling Music Video
Hey, darling.tsukimi

Tsukimi is a gutsy, gyaru-style rock band from Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture.

For a long time they operated as a duo with Niichan and Shuka, but in June 2024 Ritan joined as their bassist.

Their energetic live performances are a major draw.

True to their self-described “gutsy gyaru rock band” image, their makeup and fashion are full-on gyaru.

But contrary to their looks, their appeal lies in a powerful, hard-hitting rock sound! Many of their songs depict relatable stories of love, which I think many women will find easy to empathize with.

UkifuneGO!GO!7188

GO!GO!7188 – Ukifune / Ukifune – Ukifune (Official PV)
UkifuneGO!GO!7188

This is a three-piece rock band formed by classmates Yuu and Akko from Kagoshima.

They specialize in surf rock and garage rock infused with traditional Japanese flavors, and made their major debut in 2000.

Skillfully weaving in elements of nostalgic Shōwa-era pop while adding a punk rock edge, they captivated many fans with their distinctive sound.

Their fiery live performances—driven by Yuu’s striking vocals and guitar, Akko’s bass, and Turkey’s drums—left audiences in awe.

Even after disbanding in February 2012, the members each continued their musical pursuits.

If you discovered rock in your youth, this band will surely resonate with you.

I’m IThis is LAST

This is LAST “I'm I” MUSIC VIDEO
I'm IThis is LAST

This is LAST, known for many heartrending love songs, is a band formed in 2018.

In the early days, they produced many tracks with a rugged, hard-edged feel.

However, after lineup changes and shifts in the private life of vocalist Yoho Kikuchi, their style evolved into what it is today.

Since then, they have produced numerous tie-in songs, and among them, “What Is Affection” (#情とは)—used as an insert song for “We’re Not Fooled by the Wolf-chan with a Bouquet” (#花束とオオカミちゃんには騙されない)—has received an enormous response.

EVERBLUEOmoinotake

Omoinotake / EVERBLUE [Official Music Video]
EVERBLUEOmoinotake

Omoinotake is a piano rock band formed in 2012 by members from Shimane Prefecture.

Since their formation, they have been highly active, and in 2021 they finally made their major-label debut.

Their music ranges from ballads with strikingly minimal beats to tracks that make you want to get up and dance.

Influenced by Black music, their songs display refined groove and rhythmic sensibility.

They’re a standout band poised for explosive growth in popularity.

This is fine.KALMA

KALMA – This Is Fine As It Is (Music Video)
This is fine.KALMA

KALMA is a band formed in Hokkaido in 2016, originally as a four-piece.

After a lineup change in 2017, they became a three-piece and continued to work energetically, making their major debut in 2020.

KALMA’s music is characterized by a sound that evokes a sense of nostalgia and the warm, approachable singing voice of vocalist Yuzuki Hatakeyama.

Their catalog ranges from songs that get you pumped up to ones that warm your heart, so be sure to explore a variety of their tracks!