Sparta Locals

A Japanese post-punk band with a dancey slant, Sparta Locals were an active feature of the country's alternative rock scene through the 2000s, winning praise from members of Quruli and Number Girl, with whom they shared the stage. The group was created in late 1998; its driving force was the high-schooler Abe Kousei (vocals and guitar), who joined with Ito Shinnichi (guitars), Abe Mitsuhiro (bass), and Akihito Nakayama (drums). They started slowly, but gradually built a reputation for their devastating live performances, and in 2002 they debuted with Kanashii Miminari, followe...