Sharp, gritty, and straight to the heart!! Introducing Japanese garage rock bands
“Garage rock” is a term that originated overseas, originally referring to amateur bands that practiced in their garages.
It’s characterized by a raw, impulsive sound influenced by early British rock ’n’ roll and punk.
Many bands feature aggressively distorted, exhilarating guitar tones and vocal styles that verge on a shouted snarl.
In recent years, with the resurgence of rock that carries a grunge or underground vibe, garage rock has also come back into the spotlight, and you can find young bands influenced by it as well.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of Japanese garage rock bands, from veterans to up-and-comers.
It’s packed with the raw impulse of rock ’n’ roll!
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Sharp, raw, and straight to the heart!! Introducing Japanese garage rock bands (41–50)
pistolTEXAS STYLE
A three-piece garage rock ’n’ roll band from Iwate Prefecture.
They blast loud, straightforward garage rock, and the screaming vocals are insanely cool.
The lyrics are pure rock, singing about the frustration and restlessness of delinquent youth.
Sharp, rugged, and straight to the heart!! Introducing Japanese garage rock bands (51–60)
meaningfulTHE RODEO CARBURETTOR
A three-piece band that made their major debut in 2005.
Their sound blends cool, solid garage rock with punk and grunge.
Rather than an all-out, breakneck feel, it carries a sense of stability while still evoking a certain wistful melancholy.
Midnight Call GirlRomane
Romane plays straightforward garage guitar rock.
They formed in 2016.
While their sound is intense garage rock, the vocals are delicate and often sing about love.
The rhythm section grooves solidly, making you want to move to the beat.
ParametricThe quilt
A band formed in Tokyo in 2012.
They play urban, cool garage rock.
Their performance is fiery, yet somehow retains a composed, cool vibe.
The vocalist’s spit-fire delivery of literary lyrics is addictive.
Their arrangements are intricate and intriguing.
PISTOL AND DIAMONDRAT
RAT is a band formed in 2003 and based in Tokyo.
Their simple, powerful, and straightforward garage rock sound is perfectly complemented by vocalist Kenji Hamada’s husky voice, creating a masculine musical style that’s truly compelling.
They’re highly active live performers, and their work spans radio and film appearances as well.
They’ve even had a session with the world-renowned guitarist Derek Trucks.
If you want to hear “this is Japanese garage rock!” be sure to check them out.
COWBOY BLUEJOHNNY GUITARS
A Nagoya-based band that debuted in 2010.
They deliver an adult, cool, and steady garage sound.
The entire band makes an impact with their look—sunglasses and black suits.
Their instruments are carefully chosen vintage gear, producing a tasteful, gritty tone.
TWISTIN’HEADRadio Caroline
In 2003, PATCH from GYOGAN REND’S invited Kouji Ueno of Thee Michelle Gun Elephant and Shinya Kusube of The Neatbeats to form a band.
In 2004, they released their first album, “DEAD GROOVY ACTION,” and then embarked on a nationwide tour.
They gained popularity with a rock ’n’ roll sound that incorporated a garage-style approach.
In 2009, after releasing a best-of album and completing their nationwide tour, they ended their activities as a band.
