- Ogre You Asshole
-
Ogre You Asshole Origin Nagano, Japan Genres Indie rock
Alternative rock
Post punkYears active 2001–present Labels VAP 2009-Present
OYA 2001-PresentWebsite Official Website Members Manabu Deto
Kei Mabuchi
Takashi KatsuuraPast members Norihito Hiraide
Arata NishiOgre You Asshole is a Japanese rock band formed in Nagano, Japan taking influences from Modest Mouse, Fugazi and Talking Heads.
They were signed to major label VAP in 2009 and have been praised by the notable guitarist Johnny Marr.[1]Contents
History
Manabu and his elder brother covered Nirvana and Beck songs with original drummer Arata Nishi in the nineties under the name "Joy Division".[2] Manabu's brother left, but he was joined by childhood friend Norihito Hiraide and highschool classmate Kei Mabuchi.[3] Nishi then left due to health reasons and was replaced by Takashi Katsuura. They produced their first demo in 2004 and went on to support many notable domestic and international bands including Asian Kung-Fu Generation, Foo Fighters, Art School, The Dresden Dolls and their biggest influence Modest Mouse.[4]
When asked what he attributes their success to, Manabu answered, "I'm not sure. I guess it is because of our name". However, notable fan Johnny Marr said in an interview "I would love to play with Ogre You Asshole. I love 'em. They're not afraid to be poppy. Some guitar bands just don't have the nerve to be poppy and second-guess themselves, you know".[5]
The band was signed to major label VAP in 2009 after releasing their previous work on their independent label OYA. Their major debut single 'Pinhole' was also featured on Nano-Mugen Compilation 2009 and as an ending theme to the anime Sōten Kōro. Their first album on the label 'Foglamp' also included a dvd with the music videos of 'Pinhole' and 'Headlight'.In July of 2011, bassist Norihito Hiraide announced that he would be leaving the band, with their performance at the 2011 Rock in Japan festival on August 5 as his last show. Following this show, Ogre You Asshole will continue their tour with a support bassist.[6]
Origin of name
The name originated when original drummer Arata Nishi saw Modest Mouse bassist Eric Judy on the street near the Hot Lab live house after a gig in Matsumoto during their Japan tour in May 2001. He asked Judy, who was drunk, to name their band. He replied 'I can't' before writing 'Ogre You Asshole' on Nishi's arm.
They were unaware of the exact meaning until American Analog Set told them that the name is actually from a line in the movie Revenge of the Nerds. This resulted in the group setting out to watch the 1984 American comedy and its three sequels, who then paid homage to it with their second album 'AlphaBeta vs. Lambda'.
They shared the tale with Judy in April 2008 when they opened Modest Mouse's show at Tokyo's Duo Music Exchange, but he had no recollection of the encounter.
Current Members
- Manabu Deto (出戸 学 Deto Manabu) – vocals, guitar
- Kei Mabuchi (馬渕 啓 Mabuchi Kei) – guitar
- Takashi Katsuura (勝浦 隆嗣 Katsuura Takashi) – drums
Former Members
- Arata Nishi (西 新太 Nishi Arata) – drums
- The original drummer of the group, who left for medical reasons, now provides artwork for their CD covers.
- Norihito Hiraide (平出 規人 Hiraide Norohito) – bass
Discography
Albums
- OGRE YOU ASSHOLE
- Alphabeta vs. Lambda
- Foglamp
- homely
Mini Albums
- 1st Demo
- Heiken wa Sayuu Gyaku no Kitai
- Shiranai Aizu Shiraseru Ko
- Ukarete iru hito
Singles
- Tanishi
- Pinhole
References
- ^ http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fm20091016a1.html
- ^ http://www.ogreyouasshole.com/html/modules/tinyd0/index.php?id=4
- ^ http://keikaku.net/features/74
- ^ http://www.vap.co.jp/oya/profile.html
- ^ Johnny Marr interview by Daniel Robson, The Japan Times, 25 Sept 2009 - http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fm20090925r1.html
- ^ http://www.vap.co.jp/oya/info.html
External links
Categories:- Japanese alternative rock groups
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
