The Predators

The Predators are probably exactly what you would expect to hear from a band influenced by Nirvana and fronted by the singer for The Pillows, Sawao Yamanaka. Namely, rough edged songs, played simply, but with the same good natured happy glow that seems to surround just about every track from the Pillows.

The big name band members don't stop at Yamanaka though. In fact the trio is a sort of indie super-group, with Shinpei Nakayama of Straightener on drums and Jiro from Glay on bass. While any one of these guys brings plenty of experience and hard earned credibility to the fore, together they manage to sort of cancel each other out, at least to the point that they can actually get some songs written. Perhaps it's because they stick to the simplistic song structures and straight ahead songwriting, or maybe they all just want to take a break from their more serious bands. Whatever the case, they do manage to produce some nice little grunge tinted indie pop sings.

Their first album Hunting!!!! is the more Nirvana-esque of their two short releases. Each track has the signature three chord rock sound of just about any early grunge band. The requisite out-of-tune singing is missing though, replaced by Yamanaka's easy-going voice. Basically, it's like typical material from The Pillows with more aggressive guitars and louder production. Their second album Kiba wo Misero is like the progression from Nirvana to the Foo Fighters. While still stripped down and rockin' the production is a bit tighter and richer, with the songs being just a bit poppier and bold.

While The Predators are a natural fit for any fan of The Pillows, they also offer up a bit more muscle for those wishing that The Pillows would rock out a bit more. The don't offer up any surprising twists or flashy guitar tricks, instead focusing in very catchy songs and the sort of epic positive vibes we've come to expect from the various bands the individual members usually inhabit.

BUY THE PREDATORS RELEASES HERE

Rock 'n' Roll Lay Down



Official Site

Members:
Sawao Yamanaka - Vocals, Guitar
Shinpei Nakayama - Drums
Jiro - Bass

Releases:
Hunting!!!! (2005)
Kiba wo Misero (2008)

Bakuon Drop


Live Drive


Live


CRS