Straightener are a critically acclaimed alternative/indie rock band from Japan. Formed in 1998, the group released their first mini-album, "Straighten It Up", to huge success. Straightener would go on to dominate the indies scene for three more years, and in 2003, signed to EMI. Although the group had lukeworm commercial success in the beginning, by 2007, Straightener exploded onto the mainstream scene, with their 2007 album "Linear" reaching number 7 on the Oricon charts. Straightener's 2009 album, "Nexus", became their biggest commercial hit to date, as it reached number 5 on the Oricon, and stayed in the charts for six weeks. To date, Straightener regularly break the Oricon top 20, and are widely regarded as indie rock legends in their home country.
