XTP formed in Tokyo in 1979 around vocalist Takeshi Ueda, guitarist Nobuyuki Sakurai, and keyboardist Masahiko Kawakatsu. Their 1981 single "Kashikoi" became a hit, which helped establish them in the Japanese pop-rock scene of the early 1980s.
Their music pulled from rock, pop, and new wave, with Ueda's lyrics often leaning toward introspective themes. Songs like "Super Saiyajin" show the band's blend of catchy melodies and a willingness to experiment with different sounds.
XTP released several albums through the 1980s, including Blue Blood in 1982 and Labyrinth in 1988. The band's lineup saw some changes over time, with bassist Satoshi Miyagawa joining in 1981 and drummer Hiroshi Yamaguchi coming aboard in 1984.
They disbanded in 1991. Their work from that period continues to find listeners who appreciate its particular mix of accessibility and slight experimentation.
Keep it compact: a lyric you come back to, a live memory, or the part of the catalog you would point someone toward first.
Sign in to post the first listener note. Reporting stays open to everyone.