NPDisc-BEST- is the obvious-titled “best of” release from Natural Punch Drunker, and the “best” is no understatement.

Originally a trio, Natural Punch Drunker formed while attending university in Kobe in 1999. In 2002, they performed in front of 20,000 people at RUSH BALL, a yearly rock festival in Kansai. With only a couple independent releases under their belts, they played in the company of bands like MONGOL800, BUMP OF CHICKEN, HUSKING BEE, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, and more.

(L to R) Murakami Masayuki, Imura Hiroshi, Ono Akihiro, & Iida Yasuhiro

Natural Punch Drunker signed a deal with IMPERIAL RECORDS in 2003 and a guitarist joined the line up in ‘05. Since then, the band of vocalist/guitarist Imura Hiroshi (井村洋), guitarist Ono Akihiro (小野晃裕), bassist Murakami Masayuki (村上雅之), and drummer Iida Yasuhiro (飯田康博) has released eight singles and three albums. There is enough good material to pack into NPDisc-BEST-.

With 17 solid tracks, NPDisc-BEST- is plenty. On top of that, the special edition release includes a DVD with nine videos. This best-of release boasts every single to date, including an “Alternative Take” on Natural Punch Drunker’s latest, “君を忘れたら” (Kimi wo wasure tara, If I forget about you), which was just released a month prior.

“Kimi wo wasure tara” flows wonderfully. The pulse of the bass drum and effected guitar carry throughout most of the song. A driving bassline, drum rolls, and refined vocals layer atop the perpetual rhythm.

While of course the entire album is a musical highlight reel, songs like “スワロウ” (Swallow), “未来のライナーノーツ” (Mirai no Liner Notes, Liner Notes for the Future), “涙のカケラ” (Namida no KAKERA, Fragment of a Tear), and “スタンドバイミー” (Stand by Me) are some current favorites.

Natural Punch Drunker’s music is often bass heavy and incorporates a multitude of guitar pedal effects. Their ability shows in the musical diversity their work displays while staying in the lines without genre bending. The fullness and “punch” (no pun intended) of their music is certainly enveloping.

NPDisc-BEST- is great for any Natural Punch Drunker fan’s collection but the CD also makes for a good launching point for new listeners. So, plug into that banana and get rocking.

Tracklisting:
01. 未来のライナーノーツ
02. 夏のレイル
03. 君を忘れたら(Alternative Take)
04. 少年ヴェートーベン
05. the beat;howl
06. 春のあしおと
07. プラトー
08. トラベラー
09. スワロウ
10. サーフスライダー
11. ソラトブフタリ
12. スタンドバイミー
13. 涙のカケラ
14. 夜汽車
15. シンクロナイズ
16. Summer Day(Studio Live Take)
17. 茜色の場所(Studio Live Take)

Watch the PV for “Kimi wo wasure tara”:

Buy NPDisc-BEST- by Natural Punch Drunker