File Index

L’Arc-en-Ciel

The Back Horn

Bonnie Pink

The Brilliant Green

B'z

Chara

Cocco

CORE OF SOUL

Dir en grey

fra-foa

Gackt

GLAY

globe

GO!GO!7188

GOING UNDER GROUND

hide

Judy and Mary

Malice Mizer

Mr. Children

Onitsuka Chihiro

Penicillin

The Pillows

Shiina Ringo

T.M.Revolution

Thee Michelle Gun Elephant

Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra

X Japan

Yaida Hitomi

The Yellow Monkey

Matsuda Shinji

Drums

Okamine Kohshu

Bass

Suganami Eijun

Guitar

Yamada Masashi

Vocals


The Back Horn completely took me by surprise. Active only since 1998, this trio is just starting to get the praise they deserve in their own nation and this is hopefully a first step towards global domination. Even if whatever genres you claim to like do not include anything remotely "heavy," I still encourage you to try this band out, if only to catch a glimpse of their vocalist’s compelling style.

Their music is in a class of its own and even if it may not sound special at first, from personal experience, it does not take long before The Back Horn fights its way into your music collection. Granted sometimes a bit hard on virgin ears and requiring a few listening before getting used to it, they rage against the machine with fierce vocals, powerful lyrics and adrenalin-induced music.

 

If emotional singing is anywhere on your list of things to look out for in a band, this is it; things do not get much better. You can clearly feel Masashi’s pain and anger through his hoarse voice and the way he puts his heart out on a plate in every song makes one wonder how he could ever sing two in a row without losing his voice or dropping dead. And when the gentle Masashi comes out, he surprises everyone with a beautifully tuned voice that is just as stirring. There is no denying The Back Horn has one of the most passionate singers out there in both what he sings and how he sings it.

Socio-political metaphors of the deepest kind and personal feelings of guilt are on the menu along with so many other meaningful themes that are poetically rendered without a glitch. I have also yet to read lyrics from a song in which he advocated violence or revenge, which is a plus in my book. 

The Back Horn musicians are thankfully much more than background accompaniment. While always staying on the extreme side, they use many different styles and tricks making each tune growingly distinct every time you listen to them. The guest bassist, who played in their two latest albums was recently promoted to full-fledge member and is, in my opinion, just as good as Hirabayashi Naoki, the original member of the group. His offbeat lines are a vital ingredient in what makes The Back Horn’s music so exceptional. Guitar and drums are very inspired, as well; a fresh new sound can be expected of each and every song.

 

The Back Horn was formed in 1998 and started in a hole at the bottom of the ladder, giving out flyers and Demo tapes to everyone in Tokyo where they met. In the first few years of hardship and playing any club that would take them, the members went from sharing a dream to sharing friendship, and eventually signed with a major label, Speedstar Records, in 2001.

Going "major" is a big step and this gave cold feet to their then bassist, Hirabayashi Naoki. They release Ningen Program without him before looking for a replacement. Okamine Kohshu won the honors by his style and insistence and have been an important part of the band ever since.  

The Back Horn has come a long way in a few years and seem to be continuing on the same trend. They have contributed to the soundtrack of many Japanese movies like Akarui Mirai and Casshern and have seen their popularity raise consistently with each release, as they promote themselves the good old-fashioned way, by giving gripping live shows across Japan almost every night. They are showing no signs of slowing down, or of letting fame get to their heads. A big "Ganbatte" to them from this humble fan.

 

Favourite Album:

Headphone Children

Given the constant quality of their work through all of their albums, this was a photo finish. I'll be honest, I'm always slightly disappointed with new Back Horn releases at first. Then they grow on me and my whole outlook changes. This was the case with Headphone Children; On first spin it sounded too different, perhaps? But it did not take long before the tons of little niceties all come together in each song. Ukiyo no Nami, for example, adds to the chorus every time it comes up to builds up into a heart-squeezing ending.

 

Favourite Songs:

  1. Shiroi Nikkicho

  2. Ukiyo no Nami

  3. Unmei Fukuzatsu Kossetsu

  4. Ame

  5. Wakusei Melancholy

  6. Namida ga Koboretara

  7. Sunny

  8. Cobalt Blue

  9. Hikari no Kessho

  10. Winter's Milk

Why Shiroi Nikkicho?

You can't even afford to skip the B-Sides with these guys. From the Cobalt Blue single, this little gem is loads of fun. It takes unexpected turns and has a melody that you surely won't mind having in your head all day. Their heavy and soft sides both make appearances, so you might get an idea of the gamut that The Back Horn offers with this song. 

 

 

Official Site: http://www.speedstarmusic.co.jp/backhorn/

(Tip: use AltaVista's Babel Fish translator)