Midori (band)
| Company type | Music band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2003 in Osaka, Japan |
| Defunct | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Osaka , Japan |
Key people | Mariko Gotō, Yoshitaka Kozeni, Keigo Iwami, Hajime |
| Products | Studio albums, EPs, demos, DVDs, singles |
was a Japanese punk jazz ensemble established in Osaka in 2003 by former members of the noise and punk rock group , including Mariko Gotō and Yoshitaka Kozeni. The band's final roster featured Gotō (vocals, guitar), Kozeni (drums), Keigo Iwami (bass), and Hajime (keyboard).
Gotō gained recognition for performing in school uniforms and actively engaging with audiences. Originally created to perform kayōkyoku covers, the group quickly transitioned to creating original tracks, drawing inspiration from Italian progressive rock, the taiko ensemble Kodō, the J-rock band Judy & Mary, and singer Janis Joplin.
On December 25, 2010, Gotō announced Midori's breakup, culminating in their farewell concert titled "Sayonara, Gotō-san" on December 28.
Midori’s catalog consists of three studio albums, three EPs, and two demo recordings.
Style and songwriting
The defining characteristic of Midori’s music lies in Mariko Gotō’s adaptable vocal delivery, which spans from smooth melodies to powerful screams. Following 2008, her vocal approach became increasingly melodic as her confidence grew.[1] The inclusion of Hajime in 2004 replaced the second guitar with piano, significantly modifying the band’s instrumental landscape.[2] Their sound is a fusion of art punk, post-hardcore, and jazz rock, reflecting the varied musical backgrounds of its members.[1]
As the principal lyricist, Gotō wrote lyrics spontaneously without adhering to a set structure. She later expressed some regret about this method during the creation of Shinsekai, feeling it catered more to fan expectations than her personal artistic goals.[3]
Collaborators
Midori’s last two albums were issued through Sony Entertainment after conflicts arose with their former record label.
Live performances
Known for their high-energy concerts, Midori’s live shows were marked by lead vocalist Mariko Gotō’s provocative costumes and direct interaction with audiences, including shouting profanities and occasionally tossing items of clothing into the crowd.
Keyboard player Hajime credited the “explosive power” of their music as the driving force behind these intense performances. Drummer Kozeni highlighted the band’s preference for analog recording techniques, believing this raw approach better captured Midori’s authentic sound. Gotō described their live events as a dynamic exchange of energy between performers and fans, embodying an unfiltered concert experience.
Official line-up
- 後藤まりこ (Mariko Gotō) — lead vocals, guitar (2003–2010)
- ハジメ (Hajime) or ハジメタル (Hajimetal) — keyboards (2004–2010)
- 小銭喜剛 (Yoshitaka Kozeni) — drums (2003–2010)
- 岩見継吾 (Keigo Iwami) or 岩見のとっつぁん (Iwami no Tottsan) — stand-up bass (2008–2010)
Former members
- 桑野嘉文 (Kuwano Yoshifumi) – bass (2003)
- 井尾良太 (Io Ryota) – guitar (2003–2004)
- 劔樹人 (Tsurugi Jujin) – bass (2003–2004)
- 矢野雅俊 (Yano Masatoshi) – vocals (2004)
- 博智 (Hirochi) – samples (2003–2005)
Albums
| Year | Album details |
|---|---|
| 2007 | セカンド♥ (Second ♥)
|
| 2008 | あらためまして、はじめまして、ミドリです (Aratamemashite, Hajimemashite, Midori Desu)
|
| 2010 | Shinsekai
|
Extended plays
| Year | EP Information |
|---|---|
| 2005 | ファースト♥ (First ♥)
|
| 2007 | 清水 (Shimizu)
|
| 2008 | ライブ!! (Live!!)
|
Demos
| Year | Demo Information |
|---|---|
| 2003 | ファースト (First)
|
| 2005 | セカンド (Second)
|
DVDs
- 初体験 (Initial Experience) (Released October 7, 2009; recorded on June 6, 2009)
- さよなら、後藤さん。 (Goodbye, Gotō-san) (Released April 6, 2011; recorded December 30, 2010)
Singles
- "Swing" (Released March 18, 2009)