[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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[J-Pop] A roundup of cool bands with bass-playing vocalists (51–60)
Heromanatsu
It’s rare to see a band member step up to the mic with a bass in hand, and Manatsu’s “Hero” is a standout example.
Hailing from Machida City, the band captivates with Itaya Boy’s smoky vocals and smooth bass playing.
This track from their 2020 album expresses the strength to keep moving forward in the face of adversity.
It’s a song that energizes its listeners, and the build-up toward the climax is sure to set them ablaze.
Through “Hero,” you can feel Manatsu’s passion come through.
FlowerMINAMI NiNE
As their band name suggests, MINAMI NiNE is a three-piece band whose members all hail from Miyazaki Prefecture in southern Kyushu.
Their appeal lies in melodic, high-tempo songs that can even hint at hardcore influences, powered by the masculine vocals of bassist-vocalist Hiroki—perfect for firing up a live crowd.
Not only the band name, but also their lyrics and song titles convey a deep love for their hometown.
TRY HARDSUNSET BUS
3.6MILK was one of the bands at the center of the ska-punk boom since the 1990s.
After they disbanded in 2007, their bassist and vocalist SATOBOY formed a new band, SUNSET BUS.
Their sound defies the boundaries between genres like punk, ska, and reggae, enriched by SATOBOY’s melodic bass lines.
Today’s SongLIFE IS GROOVE
LIFE IS GROOVE is a unit that serves up funky rock.
The members are KenKen, who plays bass for RIZE; Ryunosuke Yamagishi, who once appeared on Sanma’s SUPER Karakuri TV as a prodigy guitar kid; and Monsieur Kamayatsu, who passed away in 2017.
Their full-throttle grooves—performed by a multi-generational lineup with diverse careers—are truly breathtaking.
KenKen, who doesn’t often take the lead vocal role, showcases his singing here alongside his jaw-dropping bass technique.
[J-Pop] A Roundup of Bands with Cool Bass-Playing Vocalists (61–70)
long hairFOMARE
A melodic hardcore band that took flight from Takasaki City in Gunma Prefecture to the entire country.
Since their formation in 2014, they have steadily built their career, winning the runner-up prize at FM Gunma’s band contest “ROCKERS2015” in November 2015.
They went on to top the Oricon Indie Albums Chart with their album “FORCE,” and made their major-label debut in November 2020.
Their appeal lies in a three-piece lineup’s exhilarating, fast-paced sound, powerful vocals, and emotionally resonant Japanese lyrics, with a string of hit signature songs to their name.
With powerful musicianship and passionate live performances, they are a formidable band that captivates rock fans and doesn’t let go.
May you, who are working so hard, find happiness.SWING
Mizuho and Keita warmly watch over everyday struggles and cheer them on in their masterful piece, “May You Who Are Doing Your Very Best Find Happiness.” This single holds a power that resonates in the hearts of its listeners.
In particular, the harmony woven by Mizuho’s clear, grounded lead vocals and Keita’s husky voice strongly conveys the band’s human touch.
SWING’s musicality offers an intimacy that narrows the distance with the listener, teaches the importance of supporting one another, and walking together.
The more you listen, the more you’ll be drawn into SWING’s skillful command of a variety of genres.
Manager, I’m quitting my part-time job.Su凸ko D凹koi
Su凸ko D凹koi, a Japanese three-piece girls’ band known for their unique and quirky style, captivates listeners with humor-packed musicality—as you can tell from their pun-based name derived from “suttokodokkoi.” While rooted in punk rock, they weave in black humor and social satire to create a world entirely their own.
彼らはインディーズのレーベル「おぽんこつレコーズ」で活動を始め、アルバム『Don’t Trust Su凸ko D凹koi』では「放送事故風の電波ソング」のような大胆な実験にも挑戦した。マリの個性的なボーカルと相まって、インディー・シーンの中でも際立つ存在となっている。
They’re also popular at school festivals and music festivals, and are highly recommended for anyone who loves music that defies conventions.