February 15, 2010
Shachi
members:
TAKE (Vocal & Guitar)
HIDETA (Vocal & Bass)
Hankn (Chorus & Drums)
Post-punk, melocore, self-described punk, no matter what label you use to describe them, Shachi delivers straightforward punk with award winning talent and in-your-face instrumentals. From the ska-punk of “Angry Day”, to the pop-punk of “Never Mind”, they hold nothing back, bringing each song alive with their infectious energy. Though lacking a deep vocal range Hideta’s vocals have a strangely persuasive power. In describing the instrumentals and poetic lyrics of Shachi an interviewer once described them as, “charming in appearance, but when it bares it’s fangs…”. Driven to never compromise, Shachi’s strong instrumentals and spirited style continue to convert punk and non-punk fans alike into Shachi fans.
Hideta and Take formed Shachi soon after graduating from high school in 1994. Joining on drums in October of that year was Ikeya (ex-Holstein). In 1995, they performed at the Teens Music Festival, a band contest sponsored by Yamaha. They won first place for their district and in the nationwide finals they were awarded audience favorite and finished second overall. Soon after they moved to Tokyo and began to perform live venues. Still in school Sube joined on drums at this time.
Shachi produced and released five demo cassettes through Dustbox Records over the next few years. Through Infinite-Records Shachi produced and released their first mini album Power of Life on October 12, 2000. Infinite-Records produced their next two mini albums Keep My Mind and Base Running. Over the next year they signed with un-do Label and released on August 5, 2003, the mini album Wolfist. On June 2, 2004, Shachi released their first full album Eagle Fly.
It was announced towards the end of 2005 that Sube had decided to leave Shachi after being with the band for nearly ten years. He played his last live show March 25, 2006, the same month a DVD was released documenting their tour with the band Good 4 Nothing. In June Hankn, the band’s current drummer, filled in for Sube.
“…Our aim is that everybody finds happiness through music not destruction. Therefore we do not stop doing shows. Thank you. ” ~Shachi.
On July 2, 2008, Shachi released their 2nd studio album Starland Express. Followed by their 3rd album, Fine Field in September 2009. Of which, I am of the opinion is the band’s best album to date.
Compelled in the studio and in performance to produce music that is as intense as it is entertaining. Shachi makes punk fun again.
- Denise Smith (updated 2010.01.30)
