Plastic Tree

Plastic Tree
Origin Chiba Prefecture, Japan
Genres Alternative rock, shoegaze, garage rock, noise rock, ambient rock
Years active 1993–present
Labels Gio Records (1995–1997)
Warner Music Japan (1997–2001)
Entrance (1997–1998)
Sweet Heart Records (2001 and 2003)
Atmark Corporation (2002)
Universal Music Japan (2003–2004 and 2006–2010)
Sick Room Records (2003–2005)
J-Rock (2005)
Akatsuki label (2007–present)
Tokuma Japan Communications (2010-2012)
Flying Star (2012-2015)
CJ Victor (2015-present)
Associated acts Tatsuya Nishiwaki (1998)
Shinobu Narita (1999-2002)
Seiji Kameda (2003-2004)
Masataka Kitaura (2007)
Masao Akashi (2007-current)
Members Ryutaro Arimura
Akira Nakayama
Tadashi Hasegawa
Kenken Sato
Past members Shin (Drums) (left 1996)
Takashi (Drums) (left 2001)
Hiroshi "Bucchi" Sasabuchi (Drums) (left 2009)

Plastic Tree is a Japanese visual kei alternative rock band, formed in December 1993 in Chiba Prefecture.[1] They released their first mini-album in December 1995, and in 1997, they released their first single on a major label.[2]

History

Biography

Plastic Tree, also known as PuraTuri (プラトゥリ) or Pura (プラ) to fans, was formed in December 1993 originally under the name of CAM-FLAGE. The band was renamed to NTT FUCKS then later decided on Plastic Tree, aiming for "something abstract and natural at the same time", as Ryutaro puts it. [3] [4]

In 1995, they released their first mini-album Kimyou na Kajitsu: Strange Fruits after changing drummers twice.[5] Two years later, they released their first single, "Wareta Mado", with Warner Music Japan, their first release on a major label.[6]

Plastic Tree made their first overseas tour in 2006, named the Chandelier Tour, and performed concerts in France, Germany and Finland.[7]

On February 23, 2009, Hiroshi Sasabuchi announced his resignation as the band's drummer after having been with the band for seven years. On July 3, 2009, Kenken Sato was announced as the band's new drummer. Since forming, the band has had four drummers.

Sound and style

Early in their career, their music had heavy visual kei influences. As time went on, their sound seemed to change and evolve with every album. Plastic Tree combine alternative rock with art rock, electronic, and heavy metal. Their sound is a blend of raw melody, with the occasional orchestral backing track. However, the band does not think that they should be placed into any specific genre.[8] Plastic Tree claim that their sound has been considerably influenced by British bands such as Radiohead and The Cure.[8]

The most easily recognizable signature of Plastic Tree's music is the melodic, childlike voice of Ryūtarō Arimura. Their sound is also aided by Arimura's abstract lyrics. All four band members collaborate to write songs and lyrics, with Arimura writing most of the lyrics.

Band members

Arimura at an autograph session at Japan Expo 2007

Current members

Member Instrument
Ryūtarō Arimura (有村 竜太朗) Vocals, backup guitar
Akira Nakayama (ナカヤマ アキラ) Lead guitar
Tadashi Hasegawa (長谷川 正) Bass guitar
Kenken Sato (佐藤 ケンケン) Drums

Former members

Member Instrument Start year End year
Hiroshi Sasabuchi (ササブチ ヒロシ) Drums 2001 2009
Takashi Ōshōdani (大正谷 隆) Drums 1996 2001
Shin Drums 1993 1996

Discography

Albums

Singles

DVDs

References

  1. ↑ "Interview With Plastic Tree". JaME (jame-world.com). Retrieved 2008-07-13.
  2. ↑ "Zy 38: Ryutaro Arimura (Interview)". JaME (jame-world.com). Retrieved 2008-07-13.
  3. ↑ "History". Schwarzes Zelt. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  4. ↑ "Band Biography". SickRoom. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  5. ↑ "Plastic Tree". Kiraku.tv (kiraku.tv). Retrieved 13 July 2008.
  6. ↑ "Plastic Tree Discography". Warner Music Japan. Retrieved 13 July 2008.
  7. ↑ "Plastic Tree World Tour". JaME (jame-world.com). Retrieved 13 July 2008.
  8. 1 2 "Interview with Plastic Tree". JaME (jame-world.com). Retrieved 13 July 2008.
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