The Cabs

** Bass & clean vocals: 首藤義勝 (Yoshikatsu Shutou; ex-member of KEYTALK)

** Guitar & shout vocals: 高橋國光 (Kunimitsu Takahashi; also known as österreich)

** Drums: 中村一太 (Itta Nakamura; member of plenty until their disbandment in 2017)

Ex members:

** Vocals: 梶間久未 (Kajima Kumi; from spring 2008 until October 2008)

History:

2006–2010: Formation and Early Years

The three members – Shutō, Takahashi and Nakamura – formed the band in Saitama in 2006, growing out of their school friendships (Shutō and Takahashi from middle school, Shutō and Nakamura from high school). In their early years they developed a sound based on tight interplay, abrupt tempo changes and an emotional intensity that would define their later work.

2011–2013: Releases and Dissolution

In April 2011 the band released their first mini-album 一番はじめの出来事 (Ichiban Hajime no Dekigoto), marking their indie debut. In December of the same year they followed up with 回帰する呼吸 (Kaiki suru Kokyū). Their first full-length album 再生の風景 (Saisei no Fūkei) came out in January 2013 through Zankyo Records.

On the 27th of February 2013, they announced their dissolution via their official website, citing personal and creative exhaustion following Takahashi’s temporary disappearance. As he was unable to participate in musical activities, and after discussions, the band decided to disband.

2025: Reunion

On January 9 2025, the cabs announced their reunion along with a national tour titled “the cabs tour 2025 ‘再生の風景’.” The tour visuals and band logo were newly designed by illustrator Ai Kono, who has also designed the cabs' CD jackets.

They played in Tokyo, Sendai, Aichi, Fukuoka, Osaka, Sapporo, Okayama and Tokyo (twice). The whole tour sold out.

The announcement also included plans for analog vinyl reissues of all three of their previous releases and a partnership with the management agency Perfect Music.

They announced two more tours for 2026 in November 2025. the cabs two-man tour "MORGEN” consists of three gigs: Aichi (with cinema staff), Osaka (with STRAIGHTENER) and Kanagawa (with indigo la end). Their one-man tour "the cabs one-man tour 2026" stops in Osaka, Aichi and Tokyo.

In May 2026 they toured the UK with five dates in London, Manchester, Eceter, Bristol and Brighton with some of them being sold out.

Musical style and influences:

the cabs are recognized for their technical and emotionally charged sound, combining the precision of math rock with the intensity of post-hardcore and the atmosphere of post-rock. Their music often features complex rhythms, dynamic shifts and expressive contrasts between soft melodic parts and harsh vocals. They emerged from the “Zankyo” (残響) label scene that also included bands like cinema staff and sleepy.ab. Their short but intense career left a mark on Japan’s independent scene and inspired many younger math-rock and emo bands in the 2010s.

About the members:

* Shutō Yoshikatsu (born 1989.02.19) is also the bassist and vocalist of KEYTALK and runs a solo project under the name 千也茶丸 (Senya Chamaru).

* Takahashi Kunimitsu (born 1988.12.19) continued his musical activity as österreich, contributing to anime soundtracks such as Tokyo Ghoul.

* Nakamura Itta (born 1988.11.20) later joined the band plenty. After the disbandment, he moved to Berlin where he joined several (session) bands, such as Bending Bodies, Street Fight, Novatron and Itta Nakamura & João Clemente. He moved back to Japan shortly before the cabs' reunion.

Discography:

Albums

2013.01.23 – 再生の風景 (Saisei no Fuukei)

Mini-Albums

2011.04.13 – 一番はじめの出来事 (Ichiban Hajime no Dekigoto)

2011.12.14 – 回帰する呼吸 (Kaiki suru Kokyuu)

https://lit.link/en/thecabs

https://music.apple.com/jp/artist/the-cabs/292317127

https://www.instagram.com/thecabs_japan/

https://x.com/thecabs_japan

https://x.com/itta1120

https://x.com/yoshikatsushuto

https://x.com/isadora_duncan_