ROACH

ROACH, a five member band from Okinawa, has a unique sound that mixes heavy rock with traditional Japanese vocal melodies. Even with the unique vocal technique, their lyrics are a mix of Japanese and English and when the English lyrics are sung, they are actually usually growled, making the sound more aggressive. With two guitarists, they're able to create original sounds alongside regular chords.

This band doesn't have a certain theme as far as fashion is concerned; they're laid-back and showing their true colors through their music. Despite their youth, they've already performed alongside many well-known bands and have begun to build quite a reputation not only in Japan for being an amazing group, but overseas as well.

In 2003, ROACH formed in Okinawa and started out as an opening act for various artists. At the end of their first year together, their song Kirabi was included on the compilation album, Ryukyu Mabui. In the following years, they held multiple performances and continued to have a few of their songs released on compilation albums such as TOTAL STEEL OKINAWA 2005 and KOZA MUSIC FESTIVAL Vol. 7.

Things really started to take off for ROACH, however, in 2006 when they were the opening act for MUCC during their Okinawa and Osaka concerts; they were also signed to the same label, Danger Crue, currently known as Maverick. At the end of the year, they performed at the Danger Crue Tenka V Christmas event alongside bands such as Creature Creature, La Vie En Rose, and SID to name a few.

The year 2007 seemed very promising for this young band. That spring, they performed as part of the Metal/Shock Rock Day at the Independence-D convention, where other bands such as Plastic Tree and Merry also performed. Unlike most bands, ROACH began their career by releasing a full-length album in mid-April, MIND OF THE SUN, and began promoting it with a nationwide tour BEGINNING OF THE SUN. In November, they released their first single, scarlet, which basically had the same fast tempo and heavy music as their previous release, but surprisingly, the title track had a pop-like and happy sound.

Unfortunately, 2008 was not a very active year for the band with very few performances and no releases. On December 16, MISAKI wrote in his blog that he would be leaving ROACH after the band's December 23rd performance due to musical differences. Fans were shocked, on December 26th, when Masashi suddenly announced that he, too, was leaving the band, though those reasons are currently unknown.

In January 2009, fans were greeted with not only ROACH's official site being revamped, but the announcement of a new drummer, Dai-chan. Along with good news that this still relatively young band wasn't disbanding, they announced dates for an upcoming spring tour! In October, the band went through another major change. ROACH cancelled their contract with their label, Maverick. Despite ending their contract, they have given fans much reassurance that the band doesn't plan on breaking up with a winter tour. At this time, it is unsure when they will sign to another label.

Even though ROACH hasn't had many releases yet, they've already made an impact with their unique sound, not only in Japan, but abroad as well. They are definitely worth keeping an eye out for.

Line up:

Vocal: Ta-ma♪ (たぁま♪)
Guitar: kubocchi (くぼっち)
Bass: Katsuya (かつや)
Drums: Dai-chan

Former Members:
Guitar: Masashi (まさし)
Drums: MISAKI