September 15, 2009
The Captains
The Captains
Kizuhiko – Guitar, Vocal
Hizashi – Guitar
Ted – Bass
Yosuke – Drums
In 1966, the Beatles visited Japan and performed a series of concerts. The excitement around this visit sparked the imagination of young musicians, influencing not only their music, but the band’s style of dress. These new ’60s Japanese rock groups were called “GS” or Group Sounds. The music of these groups was characterized by heartfelt vocals, quick changes from beat-pop to psychedelic distortion, and all blended with the unique Japanese pop of the day. Inspired by such GS bands as The Spiders and The Dynamites, The Captains‘ GS style, complete with cheesy organ and retro wardrobe, is an original take on this unique and energetic form of rock n’ roll.
Deriving their name from the fact that each member was the leader in their former bands, The Captains formed in Sendai, Japan, in October 2001. Originally a five-member band, in 2002, The Captains released both their first album Shojosaku and second album Seishun Hanafubuki through independent Autobahn Records. In typical GS style both albums contained songs that ranged from wild rave-ups to impassioned ballads. As a four-man group, The Captains released their third album Shinsekai [The New World], through Last G.S. Records. Though still GS, with songs like “Koi no Zero Han,” the album does take on a more pop-rock form of the genre in songs like “No No Memory” and “Tasogare Ryuuseigun.” The Captains signed to Toshibi-EMI releasing their first major single, “Shisshin-Tengoku -Koi Wo Shiyou yo-,” on July 21, 2005.
The Captains aren’t a GS revue, remaking old songs or imitating their idols. The band’s choice of genre is delivered with an authentic retro look, solid choreography, and original music written by band members Kizuhiko and Hizashi. Always musically fun, the band’s live performances are a trip back in time you should experience at least once.
- Denise Smith (updated 2009.09.15)
