BUGY CRAXONE

During their nine years of existence, the cryptically named Bugy Craxone has been one of the busiest and most prolific bands in Japan's underground. Originally forming in Sapporo in 1997, the band uprooted to Tokyo in 1998 and scored a contract with major label Victor Entertainment, their debut album blanket following in December of 1999.

Bugy Craxone's early sound was through and through (but well-executed) alt-rock: Suzuki Yukiko's delicate and occasionally blustery vocals, comparable with the lighter side of soon-to-be contemporary Mikami Chisako (of fra-foa), juxtaposed with beefy power chords. Their slightly dark sound, occasional quiet passages and array of sound effects harken back to mid-90s Britpop, The Bends lending a clear influence. The band's sound continued in a similar but slightly more tortured direction through their sophomore album, 2000's Yuganda Ao to Hakenai Kanjou no Soko. After the tour in support of Yuganda Ao, bassist Kudou Shinya departed, the first of many changes in store for the band.

After a year of decreased activity in 2001, Bugy Craxone sprung into action early in 2002, releasing their third album This is NEW SUNRISE, featuring guest musicians including audio active and Thee Michelle Gun Elephant's Chiba Yusuke. They also started a series of live shows under the name "COUNTERBLOW" that now numbers 16 and has included bands such as Acidman and Lost in Time. In July, Bugy Craxone released yet another album, their final with Victor, NORTHERN HYMNS. A shocking departure into stripped-down, harshly produced garage rock, the band had jumped head first into a new style that stood in stark contrast to their previous melodic leanings.

2003 was a transition year, starting with the addition of Asahi Tsukasa in March as support bassist for the band's "Kaisen Zenya 001" tour. He would become a full member in April, the same month that Bugy Craxone, now separated from Victor, formed their own label, ZubRockA. Meanwhile, more personnel changes were in store, as drummer Miki Hiroshi departed in October, to be replaced by Monchi shortly thereafter.

2004 saw a string of limited production, Tower Records-only releases, including two live DVDs and the band's fifth album, sorry, I will scream here, which showcased an improved rhythmic section and guitar interplay to advance the band's garage rock agenda. After continued touring, Bugy Craxone returned in late 2005 with their self-titled album which further improved on the formula advanced on sorry. Bugy Craxone is currently in the middle of the second leg of their "Watch Your Step" tour in support of their latest album.