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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 [Great for cover bands too!] (141–150)

Big LiarSTOMPIN’BIRD

STOMPIN’BIRD “Big Liar” (Official Music Video)
Big LiarSTOMPIN’BIRD

A three-piece band active on its self-run label, UP RECORDS.

They originally formed as a cover band playing early punk and psychobilly-style music.

Armed with powerful live performances, they operate at their own pace with a DIY spirit.

GreenHouseTrack’s

Track’s – GreenHouse(Official Video)
GreenHouseTrack's

Tracks is a three-piece band from Shizuoka formed in 2014.

The members are Yonosuke Ikuta on guitar and vocals, Shunta Omura on drums, and Yuki Uchida on bass.

Garnering attention at band contests since their high school days, they’ve gone on to perform at numerous festivals such as ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL and YON FES.

Their sound blends a fast-paced, exhilarating band groove born from childhood friends playing together with melodically evocative lines that really get your heart racing.

They’ve played in cover bands and seem influenced by ELLEGARDEN, so they’re highly recommended for fans of ELLEGARDEN as well!

teenagekubi furi Dolls

Head-Shaking Dolls “Teenage” PV
teenagekubi furi Dolls

A three-piece rock band formed in Fukuoka in 2012, they build a distinctive world centered around drummer-vocalist Nao.

Their sound fuses Showa-era kayōkyoku with garage rock and early punk, complemented by horror-tinged makeup and theatrical performances that leave a strong impression.

Their 2013 album “KUBI-FURI NINGYO SYNDROME” sold out its 1,000-copy run, and they made their major-label debut with King Records in 2018.

While they have no official awards to date, they’ve steadily grown their fanbase, selling out more than 100 shows on nationwide tours.

They’re the perfect band for anyone who enjoys idiosyncratic rock sounds and stage-like live performances.

Charm Explosion! A Roundup of Japanese Three-Piece Bands [Great for Cover Bands Too!] (151–160)

Chinese restaurantMe to Me

Me to Me – Chinese Restaurant (Music Video)
Chinese restaurantMe to Me

One of the hottest rock bands right now is Me to Me.

It’s a three-piece all-female rock band consisting of vocalist Kana Kobayashi, bassist Konomi Mimo, and drummer Kukk.

Formed in 2022, they began performing live and quickly spread by word of mouth.

Just six months later, they even performed at SUMMER SONIC 2022.

Then in March of the following year, they released their debut single, “1st Single,” which also became a big hit.

Lazy CrazyNOIMAGE

NOIMAGE – Lazy Crazy (Official Music Video)
Lazy CrazyNOIMAGE

NOIMAGE has been making waves with their feel-good style.

The band was formed in March 2021 by three childhood friends from Hiroshima Prefecture.

Three months later, they released their debut single, “Image is.” Word of mouth spread from there, drawing significant attention, and they went on to release their first album, “Life is,” followed by a headlining tour.

Every song is uplifting, so they’re highly recommended when you want to boost your mood.

Adahada AlienShinario Aato

Scenarioart “ADAHADA Alien” Music Video | Scenarioart “ADAHADA Alien”
Adahada AlienShinario Aato

Scenarioart is a band formed in 2009 by Kousuke Yashi and Takahisa Yamashita, who attended the same high school.

Takahisa Yamashita is also known as a support member for KANA-BOON.

Scenarioart made their major debut in 2014 and have continued to thrive, including handling theme songs for films.

Their appeal lies in harmonies between high-tone voices—their ultra-high notes overlap to create a unique, powerful sound.

lamplightMINAMI NiNE

MINAMI NiNE "Tomoshibi" OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
lamplightMINAMI NiNE

MINAMI NiNE, which began activities in 2015, is a rock band from Miyazaki Prefecture.

They’re a three-piece with bassist Hiroki on vocals, known for a unique hybrid style that’s rooted in melodic hardcore and infused with reggae elements.

They have fast, punk-leaning tracks as well as more laid-back songs, but what ties them all together is Hiroki’s warm voice.

Just listening can fill you with a soothing, nostalgic feeling.

Take this opportunity to give their gentle, heartfelt music a listen.

In conclusion

We’ve showcased a whole bunch of cool three-piece bands.

I bet some of them made you think, “Wait, this band only has three members!?” There are bands whose strength lies in their musicianship, bands with thrilling song structures, and bands that win you over with relatable lyrics or humor.

Each one has honed its own weapons, and even with just three members, they’re making the real deal.

If any band caught your attention, be sure to take your time and check out more of their songs!