Straightener is a cornerstone of the Japanese alternative rock scene, formed in 1998 as a duo consisting of Atsushi Horie and Shinpei Nakayama. Their trajectory changed significantly in 2003 with the addition of bassist Hidekazu Hinata (also of Nothing's Carved in Stone and ZAZEN BOYS), whose aggressive, melodic style became a signature element of their sound.
Later expanding to a quartet with guitarist Jun Oyama, the band moved from a raw, post-punk influenced sound toward a more expansive, 'art-rock' aesthetic that incorporates synthesizers and piano. They are often associated with the '00s J-Rock boom alongside peers like Asian Kung-Fu Generation, yet they maintain a more technical, rhythmically complex edge. Critical consensus highlights their longevity and consistent ability to modernize their sound without losing their core identity. They are highly regarded for their live performances and have been staples of major Japanese festivals like Rock in Japan and Fuji Rock for over two decades. Their influence is felt in the way they bridged the gap between indie-rock technicality and mainstream pop-rock appeal.
Shares alternative rock, art rock, indie rock (subgenres); energetic, restless, triumphant (moods)
Shares alternative rock, indie rock, art rock (subgenres); melancholic, triumphant, restless (moods)
Shares alternative rock, indie rock, art rock (subgenres); hi_fi, studio_polished, layered_dense (production style)
Shares alternative rock, indie rock, art rock (subgenres); energetic, melancholic, restless (moods)
Shares hi_fi, studio_polished, layered_dense (production style); art rock, indie rock, math rock (subgenres)
Shares alternative rock, indie rock, art rock (subgenres); studio_polished, dynamic_range (production style)
Shares alternative rock, indie rock, art rock (subgenres); energetic, melancholic, restless (moods)
Shares alternative rock, indie rock, art rock (subgenres); studio_polished, layered_dense, dynamic_range (production style)
Shares bass, dynamic_range, art rock, indie rock (signature)
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