Number Girl Members, Gear & Sound

Number Girl is a seminal Japanese rock band that emerged from Fukuoka in the mid-1990s, playing a pivotal role in the alt-rock and punk scene of the era. The band consists of Shutoku Mukai (vocals, guitar), whose distinctive vocal style and lyrical approach make him a unique presence in Japanese rock, Hisako Tabuchi (guitar), known for her melodic and intricate guitar work, Kentarou Nakao (bass), providing a solid and dynamic bass foundation, and Ahito Inazawa (drums), whose energetic drumming drives the band's rhythmic intensity. Their sound is a fusion of post-hardcore, noise rock, and indie rock, drawing comparisons to influential U.S. bands like Hüsker Dü and Sonic Youth, yet they have carved out their own niche with a distinctly Japanese twist.

Number Girl's sound is characterized by its raw, aggressive energy and intricate guitar interplay, which combines both melodic and dissonant elements. The band often employs fuzzy, overdriven tones that are a hallmark of their style, achieved through the use of pedals like the Crowther Audio Prunes & Custard Harmonic Generator Intermodulator and the Vox AC30 Guitar Combo Amp, which contribute to their cutting, yet warm sonic palette. Hisako Tabuchi's use of a Fender Jazzmaster further enriches their sound with its unique timbre and versatility, allowing for both jangly clean tones and thick, saturated leads. The rhythm section adds to the band's intensity, with Nakao's bass often driving the music forward and Inazawa's drumming providing a frenetic, yet precise backbone. This combination creates a dynamic and textured sonic landscape that is both chaotic and meticulously crafted, making Number Girl a standout act in the world of Japanese alternative rock.