Decades of ska-rocking and definitely more than idols

Oreskaband is now in it’s 15th year and are known for being the very best all-female ska-rock band in Japan. Led by iCas on vocals and guitar and a host of other friends from Osaka, the band formed primarily as friends in junior high school. Their musical competence has earned them invites from Summer Sonic as well as international events including South By Southwest.

If anything, the band are as close to TV friendly as I have ever seen, with a special look and style well suited for overlit TV studios and enthusiastic announcers. The striking good looks of each band member also leads some to believe the band may be an “idol” group, with less emphasis on style rather than substance.

But if you watch for a few minutes, it is obvious that this band is more than in love with their looks and really want to rock out. The band name, Oreskaband,” literally means “we’re a ska band.” And that’s all they really aspire to when you see them bopping and dancing on stage. Lead singer and guitarist, ices anchors the whole show standing center stage and leading many of the band arrangements.

Like other ska bands, the group appeared in two-tone costumes, although they were primarily dress whites with just a hint of black striping. With a compilation, “Best (2003-2013),” already under their fashionable string belts, the band had a lot of material to call upon. Of course, their long term commitment to music has dispelled the preconception that the band may be a one-hit wonder or an idol group as they have definitely grown musically and showmanship.

Furthermore, with years of stage appearances the band has become more vocal in political and social issues. While there was little time to delve into this during their Gypsy Avalon performance, the band mostly stuck to script and breezed through a terrific set. The band will continue entertaining audiences and touring, with one of the upcoming stops being the Taiwan Ska Festival at the end of August. Such international appearances show that this band has no intention of slowing down at all.