Band songs that get the crowd going by genre
There are so many genres of music performed in a band format! Of course, there’s rock and jazz, and plenty of music that has branched out from them as well.
In this article, we’ll introduce popular songs performed by bands, organized by genre.
It might be a chance to discover music that shares various roots and has influenced one another along the way.
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Devil in Your HeartSiM
A shocking track that fuses ferocious shouts with an unforgettable melody.
Centered on themes of inner demons and conflict, it unleashes a unique sound that exquisitely blends punk and reggae.
As an ambitious work that marks a new frontier in SiM’s musicality, it was included on the April 2020 album “THANK GOD, THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF WAYS TO KiLL ENEMiES.” In the music video, the band’s distinctive worldview is portrayed through scenes of the members being toyed with by a demon.
Highly recommended for those who want to confront the darkness within alongside a powerful sound.
VENGEANCEcoldrain
Amid fierce guitar riffs and a thunderous rhythm, the epic soundscape is defined by the piercing cries of a soul consumed by vengeance.
Centered on a thirst for revenge born from deep pain and betrayal, it powerfully portrays a descent into darkness.
At the same time, it offers layered hints of salvation and hope beyond that abyss.
Released on February 11, 2024, this work was chosen as the opening theme for Adult Swim’s anime series “NINJA KAMUI,” where it perfectly matches the show’s worldview.
It’s a track that will resonate when you want to unleash the anger and anguish within.
Recommended classic ska band songs (1–10)
A groove woven by rock and brass!
There are plenty of rock bands in Japan that incorporate ska, which originated in Jamaica. Its distinctive rhythm emphasizes the second and fourth beats—the “cha-cha!!” feel—that makes you want to start dancing just by listening. Many bands also use brass instruments, giving them a unique charm that sets them apart from typical rock bands!
Still Ska PunkHEY-SMITH
When it comes to ska bands at the forefront of today’s rock scene, HEY-SMITH—formed in Osaka—surely stands out.
After some lineup changes, the band now features saxophone, trumpet, and trombone, and their appeal lies in arrangements that make full use of the horn section over a melodic hardcore foundation.
Their songs truly cover a wide range: from crisp, West Coast-flavored uptempo tracks, to ska numbers that make you want to sway just by listening, and even tunes marked by metallic guitar riffs and intense shouts.
Plus, with the twin-vocal setup of guitarist Shuhei Igari and bassist Yuji, they keep listeners endlessly entertained without ever letting things get stale.
Blue MoonKEMURI
KEMURI is a ska band formed in 1995.
They describe their band style as “Positive Mental Attitude,” and they operate with a forward-looking, upbeat approach.
They were one of the central bands of the ska-punk boom from the late ’90s to the early 2000s.
Although they announced a breakup in 2007, they reunited in 2012.
The balance between the weighty groove of the rhythm section and the lightness of the horn section is striking, creating a fresh, breezy feel within their powerful sense of speed.
Fumio Ito’s husky vocals are another hallmark of the band, blending with the overall atmosphere of their sound to convey a distinctly positive vibe.
They’re a legendary Japanese ska band whose wide-ranging activities—such as tours overseas and shows featuring international ska bands—go far beyond Japan and are well worth following.
CLEARPOTSHOT
POTSHOT is a band formed in 1995 around vocalist RYOJI that calls itself “probably the third ska-punk band formed in Japan.” They were at the forefront of Japan’s ska-punk boom and, as the flagship act of the indie label TV-FREAK RECORDS, went on to have a major influence on later bands.
Their extensive touring, including overseas, was notable, and they’re a band connected with ska acts around the world.
With a classic ska-punk sound that fuses ska’s light, bright vibe with punk’s drive, POTSHOT’s style could be considered the standard for Japanese ska-punk.
Another key theme is “ska-punk you can sing along to,” with simple, easy-to-grasp call-and-response parts that create a strong sense of unity—one of the most fun aspects of their live shows.
Save You LoveSCAFULL KING
SCAFULL KING is a ska band formed in 1990.
They announced a breakup in 1995, then restarted in 1996 with an expanded lineup.
After announcing a hiatus in 2001, they made a secret appearance at SKAViLLE JAPAN in 2003 and restarted again—steadily moving forward while overcoming crises.
As the members themselves say, their pace can be slow, and there have been years with few live shows, but they’ve gradually built a following and secured their place as an indispensable band in Japanese ska.
Emphasizing traditional ska offbeats and brass while keeping a fun sense of speed, their sound is a textbook example of ska-punk—full of energy and joy.
The vocalist’s dual role as trumpeter is unusual and naturally draws attention.
They’re a band that creates a fun, unified atmosphere, pulling everyone in and making the space come alive.
620SHANK
Formed in 2004, SHANK is an elite ska band hailing from Nagasaki.
These days, you can spot their name at just about every punk festival in Japan.
They also host their own festival, BLAZE UP NAGASAKI, held annually in their hometown.
What stands out most about their songs is how stylish they are: meticulously crafted guitar riffs, ingenious drumming, and a piercing, husky voice that’s downright captivating.
Their calm, understated stage banter at live shows also has a unique charm.
Make sure to do your homework and skank hard out there!
