I'm of the mind that nothing bad can come from Japanese Pixies fans, and Number Girl is a perfect case in point.

As far as I can gather, they've been around since 1995, performingly regularly and releasing EPs and an album ([School Girl Bye Bye]) before being signed by Toshiba-EMI in 1999.

I picked up Number Girl's first two major label releases in 2000, and was immediately struck by the relentless yet harmonious intensity of [School Girl Distortional Addict] and their live album, [Shibuya Rock Transformed Jyoutai]. Musically and vocally, they remind me of early Pixies meets Boyracer, with a dash of sandpapered Nirvana and Blankey Jet City for good measure.

Shutoku Mukai, the lead vocalist and main songwriter, sings just short of a yell, and even though my Japanese lyrical comprehension is little to nil, there's simply no way I can't enjoy the charged rock-punk that he and crew spew forth.

They've played SXSW (Austin, TX) in both 1999 and 2000, had some songs produced by David Fridmann, and basically have kicked up an attractive ruckus, which evolved with their 4th album, [Sappukei].

Since then, they've graced the world with their amazing 5th album, [Num-Heavymetalic], which is one of my favorite recordings, period. They've also had a number of live albums and DVDs, culminating with the resplendant, 123 song set [Omoide In My Head 2 - Kioku Series], which is something to behold, monolith style.

In short, Number Girl are the kind of band which slaps your ears around in the most loving way possible. They are truly worth of fandom, no matter what language you speak. By all means, rock fans should definitely check them out.

I'm not sure if they're still active these days, but all four members are in new bands and projects - check out the links to the right.

Please note that the always impressive Hisako Tabuchi is now in Bloodthirsty Butchers, another of my favorite bands from back in the day. She also worked with Sheena Ringo in Hatsuiku Status a few years ago, and has a new solo project called Toddle with an album coming out on 9.22.2005. She's definitely someone to watch.

I'll have to check out Shutoku Mukai and the Zazen Boys, another band which are bound to be good.