[J-Pop/Rock] A roundup of bands with cool singing bassists
When you think of someone playing an instrument and singing in a rock band, most people picture a guitarist-vocalist.
In reality, it’s most common for the guitarist to stand at the front, and it’s relatively rare for members of the rhythm section—like the bassist or drummer—to handle lead vocals.
That’s precisely why bands with a bassist as the lead vocalist tend to be distinctive and unique.
In this article, we highlight Japanese bands that feature a bass-vocalist, introducing them across different eras and genres.
You might even discover that the singer in a band you love has actually been singing while playing the bass!
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[Japanese Rock/Pop] A roundup of bands with cool singing bassists (21–30)
Namahageningen ishi
This three-piece rock band has forged a truly one-of-a-kind musical identity, where a heavy hard rock sound steeped in an underground vibe intertwines with vocals that evoke Tsugaru folk songs and enka.
Combined with lyrics that feel decadent and somehow otherworldly, their world-building is unmistakable.
Even as they weathered the ups and downs of the 1970s hard rock scene, their music never wavered—testament to the strength of the band Ningen Isu.
While clearly distinct from the overground scene overflowing with catchy, pop-oriented music, they have continued to command presence as pioneers in the Japanese hard rock landscape.
Sandy’s SundaySPARKS GO GO
Sparks Go Go is a three-piece band formed in 1990, boasting a career of over 30 years with an unchanging lineup.
Their predecessor was a band called Be Modern, formed in 1985 and making a major-label debut the following year, so they truly have a very long history.
The vocalist of Sparks Go Go, Shinichi “Yakk” Yakuma, also plays bass, making him a singing bassist.
His style—wearing the bass low and hammering away with a pick—is undeniably cool.
Another hallmark is his setup: he runs his clean, core bass tone through an Ampeg bass amp, while his distorted sound comes from a Roland CUBE 60 placed next to the Ampeg.
Yakuma’s approach to sound-making—achieving distortion without using effects pedals—is fascinating and uniquely his.
[J-Pop/Rock] A roundup of bands with cool bass-and-vocal leads (31–40)
Goodbye, memoriesLOSTAGE
Takehisa Gomi, the vocalist of LOSTAGE—a three-piece rock band from Nara Prefecture—also plays bass while handling lead vocals.
His distinctive, singular voice is indispensable to their songs.
They’re a driving force in an underground rock scene that could verge on the mainstream, known for their powerful sound and aggressive live performances.
Soldiers of Februarythe cabs
The three-piece band the cabs was a Japanese rock band formed in 2006 and disbanded in 2013.
Centered around vocalist and bassist Yoshikatsu Shuto, they were known for a unique sound that fused complex chord progressions with catchy melodies.
Their 2011 album “Saisei no Fukei” (“Scenery of Rebirth”) fully showcased their musicality.
With drumming so intense it was nicknamed a “bomber,” and layer upon layer of instrumental parts added almost arithmetically, they still managed to maintain an exquisite balance that never sacrificed listenability.
The band’s history also had its dramatic moments, including the disappearance of Kunimitsu Takahashi, which led to their breakup.
They’re highly recommended for listeners seeking music that marries intricate structural beauty with catchiness.
STARTlocofrank
The three-piece melodic punk band locofrank is also known as a band with a singing bassist.
They’ve had a long career, yet they continue to make their presence felt in the scene.
Bassist and lead vocalist Masayuki Kinoshita’s wild, high-energy singing fits perfectly with their melodic, fast-paced songs!
MIND YOUR STEPSNAIL RAMP
SNAIL RAMP is a band that could be said to have sparked Japan’s ska-core boom.
Their signature song “MIND YOUR STEP!” influenced many people and even landed them appearances on music TV shows.
They’re an essential band when talking about the ’90s melodic hardcore and ska-core boom.
Despite being the bassist-vocalist, he delivers cool performances, singing while playing highly skilled bass lines.
As you’d expect from the ska-core genre, the offbeat “cha! cha!” rhythm is striking.
Just like the title says, listening makes you want to start stepping.
30LOST IN TIME
When you think of a three-piece band with the bassist on vocals, punk might be the first image that comes to mind, but not all such bands fit that mold.
LOST IN TIME is a rock band that exudes a distinctive emotional quality.
Their name comes from a song by bloodthirsty butchers, and they’re the kind of band whose gentle vocals and bass tone by Daisuke Umihira become addictive, carried by a sound reminiscent of alternative rock.