[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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- A compilation of cool Japanese rock band songs. Recommended tracks for cover bands.
[J-Pop/Rock] A roundup of bands with cool bass-and-vocal leads (31–40)
Gather the Windhappiiendo
Happy End was a band that laid the foundation of Japanese rock, active from the late 1960s to the early 1970s.
They are also known for their star-studded lineup of Haruomi Hosono, Eiichi Ohtaki, Takashi Matsumoto, and Shigeru Suzuki.
The band employed a style in which the lead vocalist changed depending on the song, and among their repertoire were tracks where bassist Haruomi Hosono took the lead vocals.
His low, calm vocal tone is especially captivating.
SARAFENCE OF DEFENSE
FENCE OF DEFENSE, known for their signature song “SARA,” is a rock band that has been active since 1985.
The bassist and vocalist is Masatoshi Nishimura, and he uses a distinctive Yamaha headless bass, which lacks the instrument’s headstock.
Depending on the song, he also plays a 5-string bass with more strings than a standard bass, delivering a heavier, more masculine sound.
He even has his own customized signature model, showing a level of dedication as a bassist that’s truly admirable!
Loved oneFOMARE
FOMARE is a three-piece band from Takasaki, Gunma, built on a foundation of melodic hardcore, with the standout appeal of Amada Shinsuke’s performance style—singing while playing bass.
Formed in 2015, the band reached No.
1 on the Oricon Indies Albums chart with their album “FORCE” just four years later, and, riding that momentum, accomplished the feat of completing a tour of all 47 prefectures in Japan.
As the anchor of the rhythm section, Amada lays down powerful basslines while delivering songs that cherish Japanese lyrics, projecting a one-of-a-kind presence as a rock band frontman.
FOMARE—whose name, according to lore, was given by a live house manager—continues to garner support from music fans who love hardcore and punk rock.
IN THIS WAYLONGMAN
LONGMAN is a three-piece band from Ehime that plays melodic punk rock with a male-female twin vocal setup.
SAWA YORIKI, the female vocalist, also plays bass, delivering piercing vocals alongside bass lines that highlight the melodies.
Their song “Wish on” was used as an ending theme for the TV anime BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS, and they made their major-label debut in 2019!
with you all the timeBACKLIFT
BACKLIFT is also a three-piece melodic band, with KICHIKU handling bass and vocals.
He’s a vocalist with a masculine, slightly husky voice that’s very appealing.
On top of that, the catchy guitar riffs and the superb drum phrases—built on overwhelming technical skill—are essential elements when listening to this band’s songs.
And of course, their live performances are incredibly cool, so be sure to head to a live house and catch them in person.
[J-Pop] A roundup of cool bands with bassist-vocalists (41–50)
Odoru Pompoko RinS.M.N.
The Fukuoka-born three-piece band S.M.N.
has been developing the lineage of melodic hardcore in their own way since their formation in 2001.
Led by bassist-vocalist Kosuke Nishimura, they pursue a thrilling punk sound that fuses Japanese and Western elements.
They debuted in 2006 with the cover album “Knocking My Soul,” and have continued to release music energetically ever since.
Their 2010 album “Repaint It New” featured contributions from Roger Manganelli of Less Than Jake, delivering a world-class sound.
Influenced by American culture in Kyushu and Fukuoka, their music charms listeners with exquisite melodies that blend nostalgia and freshness.
S.M.N.’s exhilarating, fast-paced tracks are perfect for summer drives or get-togethers with friends.
Embrace of the Malicious SpiritOnmyoza
Formed in 1999, this band performs in a unique style, playing heavy metal while wearing traditional Japanese attire.
The main vocalist is the female singer Kuroneko, but Shingetsu, the bassist and the band’s founder, often takes on lead vocals as well.
Their vocal work—featuring a rich, deep low register and bold vibrato—showcases a quintessential Japanese metal flair.
In some songs, there are call-and-response sections between Kuroneko and Shingetsu, letting you enjoy the contrasting qualities of their voices.