Artists

ナンバーガール (NUMBER GIRL)

Biography

[ナンバーガール (NUMBER GIRL)]

Formed in 1995, NUMBER GIRL is best described by one of the tracks off its second album Sappukei -- brutal.

NUMBER GIRL's music precariously balances noisy, hard, punk-influenced rock with clear melodies. Vocalist/guitarist Mukai's off-key singing gives way to a powerful Banshee scream. Not since Kurt Cobain has one man's growl sounded so musical.

The band recorded a number of EPs for independent labels before releasing its debut album, School Girl Bye Bye in 1997. Number Girl signed to Toshiba-EMI and released two albums in 1999: School Girl Distortional Addict and a live album, Shibuya Rocktransformed Jotai.

For its third single "Destruction Baby," NUMBER GIRL enlisted the help of Flaming Lips producer David Fridmann. The band also performed in 1999 and 2000 at the South by Southwest Festival, the latter year touring with Mummy the Peepshow, Spoozys and Lolita No. 18 on a "Japan Nite" bill.

NUMBER GIRL spent most of 2001 touring, performing at the Rising Sun Rock Festival and opening for J Mascis and Superchunk. The band released a live DVD, Sawayaka na Enesoo, in June 2001.

In late 2001, NUMBER GIRL flew to upstate New York to record with Fridmann once again. Num-Heavymetallic, the band's fourth album, was released in April 2002.

In October 2002, bassist Nakao Kentaro announced he was leaving the band. Deciding it would no longer be NUMBER GIRL without Nakao, his bandmates decided to dissolve the band. NUMBER GIRL performed its final concert in November 2002. Each of the band members have since gone on to perform in other projects.

Nakao performed with Sloth Love Chunks before moving on to Spiral Chord. Tabuchi joined bloodthirsty butchers, first as a support player but then as a full-time member. She has also formed her own band, Toddle. Inazawa joined Mukai in forming Zazen Boys, but creative difference led to Inazawa's departure in 2005. Inazawa has since formed his own band, Vola and the Oriental Machine.

Mukai spent a year experimenting in his self-built recording studio, Matsuri, before emerging with Zazen Boys.

Members
  • Ahito Inazawa: Drums
  • Mukai Shutoku: Vocals, guitar
  • Nakao Kentaro: Bass
  • Tabuchi Hisako: Guitar