Vocal/Guitar: Horie Atsushi
Bass: Hinata Hidekazu
Drums: Nakayama Shinpei

Already mentioned these guys a few times in reviews for other bands. Straightener is another major band from what I see since it’s signed with a well-known record label, but they seem to be the least mentioned among other majors bands like Asian Kung-Fu Generation, Art School, Beat Crusaders, and etc. All of the band members apparently have previous experience in bands. Most recognized in the band is Hinata Hidekazu who formerly played for bands like Art-School and Zazen Boys. In terms of their music, it used to be pop-punk like the American ones you hear, but lately they’ve been experimenting to the point where I can’t even call some of their songs, rock.

If you decide to give them further listen after hearing the samples, do try to get the album Title as that is the best one. You can say that one album alone is enough to get them on my top current five list. Dear Deadman is fine too even though that’s one of the recent experimental ones. It’s actually the first album I heard and got into them. Make sure not to get the latest album Linear and pass judgment on the band though. I seriously don’t know what they were thinking on that album. There’s just way too much urban influence mixed into it (probably intended to market for newer fans) and the only good song in it was their single released song, Six Day Wonder, which wasn’t even really rock, but more along the line of power pop. Then again, this might be the equivalent of the argument between people complaining about Blood Stain Child having too much trance and barely any metal, and people who think it’s fine as they have their own sound. I did read comments from people who found Linear to be a decent album even though not the best. Straightener is a favorite band all right (not to mention all the more impressive for a three-man band), just that I’m still somewhat shocked by the huge drop in the recent release. Less English lyrics for future releases would be preferable too.

Play the Star Guitar

Killer Tune [Natural Born Killer Tune Mix]

Six Day Wonder