Forming in early 2004, Akiakane hails from Chiba, Japan. Spearheaded by ex-Softball lead singer and guitarist Moe, the all-girl street punk quartet is rounded out by bassist/vocalist Shima, guitarist/vocalist Saki, and drummer Suzuna (later replaced by Liku). Like the Clash and Dead Kennedys before them, Akiakane uses aggressive music as a platform to spread politically aware messages. From domestic concerns to protesting China's nuclear missile program to supporting an independent Taiwan separate from China, the base of the band's music is always pushing for freedom and peace. Their full-length Kasumisou appeared in mid-2005. Einstein Records released the Japanese version of the album, while Asian Man issued a mostly English-language version in the United States. ~ Corey Apar