Kra

Nominally a part of the visual kei scene, the Japanese quartet Kra actually inhabit a lighter part of the country's musical spectrum, combining punk-tinged power pop à la blink-182 with a touch of light jazz and a general positive attitude. The band was created in 2001 by a bunch of musical newbies who included vocalist/guitarist Keiyuu, guitarist Mai, bassist Yura, and drummer Yasuno. A year of playing at small clubs and the issuance of two demos (Hard Lolita and Brise, both 2002) got them signed to popular indie label PS Company, which also hosted Miyavi, Kagrra, Alice Nine,...