Go-Bang's
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1983 |
| Defunct | 1994 |
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Punk-inspired bubblegum pop music |
The Go-Bang's was a Japanese all-female trio active during the late 1980s through the early 1990s, disbanding in 1994. Following the group's dissolution, Kaori Moriwaka, who served as the lead vocalist and songwriter, embarked on a solo path encompassing singing, songwriting, producing, and acting. In contrast, Mitsuko Saito (drummer) and Misa Tanishima (bassist) mostly stepped away from public view. Occasionally, Saito has appeared with other musical groups, modeled, and featured as a drummer in the music video for J-pop artist Namie Amuro's Please Smile Again.
Initially formed as a quartet, Go-Bang's gained recognition after parting ways with their guitarist early in their career. Their album Greatest Venus achieved the number one position on Japan's Oricon album chart for two straight weeks at the height of their success. The band’s unique style fused punk-inspired bubblegum pop, frequently omitting a lead guitar role. For instance, on the Samantha album, they collaborated with the King Gangs—a male trio—that contributed electric guitar and keyboard elements.
The mixing of Samantha was handled by Michael Haas, known for engineering British techno/house group 808 State, at Revolution Studios located in Manchester, England. Additionally, the title song "Samansa" was remixed into English by John Waddel of Rhythm King Productions, recognized for working with British pop/rap artist Betty Boo. This remix was included on their mini-album titled "Darrin."
Delivering energetic tunes with a punk flair, Go-Bang's made a significant mark on Japanese music charts before gradually fading following their breakup. Their legacy continues to influence bands such as the Titan Go-Kings.
Albums
- ゴーバニックランド (Gobanic Land) (Pony Canyon, May 21, 1988)
- ピグミ→・ピンキ→ (Pygmy Pinky) (Pony Canyon, November 21, 1988)
- スペシャル アイ・ラブ・ユー (Special 'I Love You') (Pony Canyon, May 5, 1989)
- グレイテスト・ビーナス (Greatest Venus) (Pony Canyon, March 3, 1990)
- SAMANTHA (Pony Canyon, March 3, 1991)
- DARRIN (Pony Canyon, June 6, 1991)
- ワンダーフルーツ (Wonder Fruits) (BMG Victor, July 22, 1992)
- DANGEROUS CHARMS (BMG Victor, June 23, 1993)
- THE RECYCLE HITS (BMG Victor, November 21, 1993)
- バイオニックロック (Bionic Rock) (BMG Victor, April 21, 1994)
Compilations
- 7DAY'S GO! GO! BOX (No label, February 14, 1986)
- ハッスルはお好き? (Would You Like 'Hustle'?) (Switch, May 21, 1988)
- THE TV ショー (The TV Show) (Pony Canyon, September 21, 1989)
E.P.'s
- HUSTLE BANG! BANG! (Switch, May 21, 1987)
- プリマドンナはお好き? (Would You Like Prima Donna?) (Switch, October 21, 1987)
Singles
- ざまぁ カンカン 娘(ガール) (That'll Show You Girl) (Pony Canyon, April 21, 1988)
- かっこイイ(E)、ダーリン。 (Cool Darlin') (Pony Canyon, November 21, 1988)
- スペシャル・ボーイフレンド (Special Boyfriend) (Pony Canyon, April 21, 1989)
- あいにきて I・NEED・YOU! (Come to See Me, I Need You!) (Pony Canyon, December 27, 1989)
- 無敵のビーナス (Invincible Venus) (Pony Canyon, April 21, 1990)
- ロックンロールサンタクロース (Rock 'n' Roll Santa Claus) (Pony Canyon, November 21, 1990)
- BYE・BYE・BYE (Pony Canyon, February 21, 1991)
- ちょっとだけハイカラ (A Little Bit of Plush) (BMG Victor, July 8, 1992)
- 恋のフリフリ (Amorous Sway) (BMG Victor, December 16, 1992)
- ダイナマイトガイ (Dynamite Guy) (BMG Victor, June 23, 1993)
- キスしたい (I Wanna Kiss) (BMG Victor, April 21, 1994)
Anime Opening Themes
The song CREAM SODA・MELON SODA, featured on the album SAMANTHA, was used as the opening theme for the 1991 anime adaptation of Dororonpa!, which aired on TV Asahi.
External links
- Official website of Kaori Morikawa
- English-language overview of the Japanese band
- Interview with the Titan Go-Kings on Keikaku
- Fansite in Japanese
- Additional Japanese fansite