Since their emergence in the early 2000s, Sid came close to the J-rock top tier of the decade, largely by moving from their visual kei roots to a diversified sound that incorporated plenty of influences from power pop and disco to hints of heavy metal, blues, and even a Mediterranean folk influence. The band was started in 2003 by vocalist Mao and bassist Aki, who soon added guitarist Shinji and drummer Yuuya to the lineup (although the new members were officially promoted from session musicians only in 2004). All members had previous music experience (in particular, Mao and Y...