Garlic Boys is a punk band from Osaka, Japan. The current lineup is Peta (Lead Vocals), Larry(Guitar, Vocals), Pessin (Bass Guitar, Vocals), and Sexer (Drums, Vocals). They are currently known in Japan’s “trendy” underground music scene as the “godfathers of new school Japanese hardcore.

History

Garlic Boys formed in 1985, and after releasing thrash demos such as Garlic Bomber and Garlic Boys, they released their first EP Ninniku Night in 1988 and their thrash metal debut albumPsycho Thrash in 1991. The release of Psycho Thrash brought them great success. They released Poem next, which brought a heavier sound to the Garlic Boys. They band toured with acts such as D.R.I. and Exodus. The band also performed in the United States with acts such as NOFX, Sick Of It All, All You Can Eat, H2O, Madball, Youth Brigade ^{[disambiguation needed]},Propagandhi, Hi-Standard, Lagwagon, Face to Face, Strung Out, Gas Huffer, and the Offspring. Their next debut album was Love which this time gave a faster, hardcore punk sound and introduced new melodic songs to the Garlic Boy’s repertoire. The Garlic Boys also toured with German band Die Ärzte on their European tour. In 2000, the Garlic Boys then released Mushroom Cut and Duffle Coat, a ‘pop punk‘ song from their album of the same name. Their most recent release is Ten, released in 2004, which showcases their ability to play melodic punk rock with obvious influence from speed metal.

Sound

The Garlic Boys have a sound that has evolved over the years and crossed many genres. In the beginning, they had a thrash punk sound which stayed consistent until they released Declaration of Narcissism. Their sound became more of ahardcore punk sound. During their years with Love and Mushroom Cut and Duffle Coat they had obvious pop influences on their extremely melodic music. Some of their songs have a joking tone, while others are very heavy and dark. Peta’s singing ranges from yelling to high pitch screaming over shredding guitar or grunge style music. On some songs, harmonious singing accompanies the pop-influenced music.

Discography

1. GARLIC BOMBER
2. GARLIC BOYS
3. NINNIKU NIGHT
4. KING OF SMELL
5. SMEGMANIA
6. Garlic Boys EP (Also known rarely as ‘Public Bath’)
7. Psycho Thrash
8. Alchemy Best
9. Garlicholic
10. Declaration of Narcissism
11. Hustle (????)
12. Bin Bin Jiro (???????)
13. Poem
14. Love
15. Mushroom Cut to Duffle Coat (??????????????????)
16. Golden Hits
17. Death Match
18. Roman
19. Recycle
20. Ten