Orange Range is a 5-member Japanese rock band, based in Okinawa, Japan that formed in 2001. (Naoto Hiroyama on guitar, Ryo Miyamori on low vocals, MC, Yamato Ganeko on high vocals, MC, Hiroki Hokama on mid-range vocals, MC Yoh Miyamori on bass guitar and former member Kitao Kazuhito “Katchan” was on drums.
They originally started out as a cover band before they signed to Spice Music and then later signed with Sony Music Japan’s gr8! records division in 2003. They left gr8! In 2010 to start their own label, Super Echo. The band is a mix of genres but mainly is influenced and incorporates pop and rock styles in their vocals and instruments.
Their sound is also a cross-section of many different cultures and music styles from around the world. One of the reasons being that their hometown Okinawa, which is a well-known station for American military bases and an epicenter of a diverse range of cultures and different styles often blend.
Amazing Featured Songs in Anime & Movies
They composed and arranged the theme song for Naruto. In 2005 The band released the single “Asterisk”, and it was used as the first opening theme to the anime Bleach. It was automatically the No. 1 on the charts and was able to stay in the top 20 for 22 weeks. In 2006 their track “Sayonara” was used as the theme song for the Tokyo Broadcasting Systems drama Teppan Shōjo Akane!! In 2008 they performed the opening and ending themes to the Sunrise anime series, Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2.
They were titled “O2” and “Shiawase Neiro.”In 2009 their song “Oni Goroshi” which translates to demon slayer was the ending song to the film The Good, the Bad, the Weird. In 2018 they composed and performed the theme song for the anime show Family. In 2018 they composed and performed the theme song for the anime show ReLIFE: Kanketsu-hen.
The Studio Albums of OrangeRange
1st Contact (2003)
This is the first major-label album released by ORANGE RANGE. It features remade versions of two songs from their indie mini-album, Orange Ball: Kirikirimai and Velocity. This album reached #2 on Oricon charts and charted for 92 weeks. They have a strong rock sound here and they bring in an almost punk energy with the intensity of yelling their lyrics especially in “Mission in Poppible”. Other tracks like “Party Night” have a lighter and playful feel with the relaxed baseline.
Their fast-paced lyrics feel like a nuanced rapping style that works for them well. Immediately we can get a sense of their broad cultural influences and can picture Okinawa perfectly.
MusiQ (2004)
This 19 track album features four hit singles which landed at the top of the Japanese Oricon charts. “Michishirube: A Road Home”, “Locolotion”, “Chest”, and their most successful song “Hana”. The entire album stayed number one on the charts for two weeks straight.
They bring a new funky tide and energy in this album that really frames them as a group of punk rockers with a silly side you can hear through every track. Easy, danceable and fun!
Natural (2005)
This album has most recognition for the song Asterik The song Asterisk, which was used as the first theme for the Japanese and American versions of the anime show Bleach.
We are immediately met with a new complexity in their songs, they aren’t just yelling, they are slowing down the melody and it glides in a fun and dynamic way. Especially here in this album, you can hear an influence from ska music.
Orange Range (2006)
This 18 track album is brighter and fuller with a new usage of electronic beats that take on a video game playfulness like on the track “Miracle.”
Panic Fancy (2008)
This 15 track album is popular for having both opening and ending themes to the Sunrise anime Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2, “O2” and “Shiawase Neiro.”In these two tracks, as well as the entire album as a whole body of work we can really begin to see the band grow and mature to diversify their sound.
On “Shiawase Neiro” the strings and saxophone really add a beautiful layer of successfully captured emotionality. They do a great job of exploring their range and making these slower rock songs.
World World World (2009)
This 13 track album is filled with the same punk rock energy we love with a broad diverse incorporation of new modes of sounds. Their use of techno is really fun in this album!
Neo Pop Standard (2012)
This 13 track album is an amazing collection of upbeat and fun electronic pop songs. From their formation in 2001 to this album, it is really impressive to see their musical evolution. Especially on “Anniversary Song” their layering of beats with joyful vocals really create a new kind of genre.
Spark (2013)
This 12 track album is an amazing homage and return to what they do best, punk and rock. It is a beautiful return to their classic sound. “Suck it!” has a daunt haunting blurry vortex of feeling from the hazy guitar and mellowed out vocals. They remind us of their nonchalant cool and their rocker mentality in this incredible album.