Ato No Matsuri

Ato No Matsuri

Rock trio back number established itself in the 21st century as master of the love song. That reputation emerged from its 2010 debut album, Ato No Matsuri, where vocalist and guitarist Iyori Shimizu, bassist Kazuya Kojima, and drummer Hisashi Kurihara introduced the group’s guitar-powered sound to Japan. Shimizu formed the band in 2004, and thanks to festival appearances across the country, its reputation grew. Ato No Matsuri, with its soaring ballads topped off by Shimizu’s dynamic voice, brought the trio even more attention. As is often the case with a debut album, Ato No Matsuri found back number experimenting with various tempos and themes as it sought an identity. The band leaned into its rock origins, growing out of the ‘90s J-rock boom, which saw bands such as Mr.Children and Spitz capture the nation's attention with a mix of speedy shout-along rock numbers and lyrical slow burners. back number frequently let loose here in a way that would make the live-house community it came up in proud—starting with the chugging guitar and uptempo drums on “Tender” and the pop-punk-freckled “Life.” “March” and “Sono Dress Chotto Matta” contain emotionally complicated reflections on relationships gone sour and the longing that follows. Shimizu fills his lovelorn songs with haunting memories of past relationships: a bakery a couple used to frequent or quotes from ex-lovers. The band primarily explores hurt here, with numbers such as “Ato No Uta” and “Kaze No Tsuyoi Hi” zooming in on the lingering pain of a relationship ending. back number turns tender on the ballad “Stay With Me” and puts itself in the shoes of a lovesick teenager on “Highschool Girl.” The trio's guitar-powered debut demonstrates the band’s ability to strike a chord with anyone who’s loved, lost, and learned to love again.

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