Review Summary: Oreskaband is an all-female ska rock group from Sakai, Japan. Surly a band worth to hear AND see.
Just so you know, I did this review only because it didn't have one. I don't have high hopes for it.. I simply do not want you to waste your time.
Ikasu - Guitar, Vocals
Tae-san - Drums
Leader - Pink Trombone
Saki - Trumpet
Moriko - Saxophone
Tomi - Fender Bass, Vocals
Oreskaband is a ska rock group composed of 6 young women, recently graduated from high school. They were signed with Sony Music while still attending classes. In August 2006, they performed at the Fuji Rock Festival, attracting over 1000 fans, a record for a new artist. These girls have talent.
Their music consists of powerful horns, and fast, feminine vocals. While the guitar plays a large role, it seems to be slightly hidden, along with most of the drum playing, compared to the powerful bass. Tomi seems to have mastered the art of the electric bass. She can play many styles fluently, such as plucking, fingering, strumming, and slap; although, the below average production quality of this album doesn’t allow you to hear her full potential. The only track that the bass actually sounds good is Goodbye Deja Vu. Tomi pretty much leads the song. Other than that, the quality of this album makes this band seem like more of a dense group than it truly is.
Some bands do great as a CD band, and others do better as a live band. Oreskaband is definitely a strong live band. While playing terrifically, the band is extremely in touch with the audience. They will tend to interact with the audience, as a whole, between almost every song. Saki will shout, almost scream, to the audience to get the crowd hype, and in the mood to dance.
They are even one of those rare bands that will change up some songs just to keep you on your heals, and remind you that Oreskaband live is far different from sitting on your love sofa with tiny ear buds in your bored ears. When seeing them live, you will realize that their music is not intended for your iPod, but for a small stage, with a large crowd. Their music is meant for you to get up and move.
Don’t worry, I’m not trying to convince people that this band is worth flying to Japan to see. If you want to experience Oreskaband for yourself, then follow the ’08 Vans Warped Tour schedule. They will be touring with them all year.
Recommended Tracks:
Cooler Society
Yeah! Ska Dance
Goodbye Deja Vu
The Boy-S
