DOPING PANDA

Doping Panda originated in indie rock before seeking to unite Japan's optimistic alternative rock wing with its glossy dance-pop counterpart, all without abandoning their rock core. Yutaka Furukawa (vocals, guitars, and programming), Taro Houjou (bass), and Hayato (drums) formed the trio that has circulated through the Japanese indie circuit since the start of the 2000s. Their first release, the album Performation, appeared in 2001 and was followed by the EP PINK PaNK in 2002 and the album We in Music in 2004. The band then signed with gr8 records!, a Sony Music subdivision that also housed UVERworld and Orange Range. Two EPs, High Fidelity and High Pressure, both issued in 2005, launched their major-label phase; heavy touring ensued, establishing the group as a prominent live attraction at major Japanese rock festivals such as Rock in Japan and Summer Sonic, where they shared bills with Sparta Locals, Polysics, and Base Ball Bear. Dandyism arrived in 2006, the same year Doping Panda contributed to m-flo's album Cosmicolor. Their 2007 EP High Brid earned a spot on the television program Music Station, while Furukawa joined Korean/Japanese superstar BoA on the single "Lose Your Mind" that year. The fourth album, Dopamaniacs, followed in 2008; soon afterward Verbal from m-flo appeared on the single "Majestic Trancer," which was later included on the 2009 album Decadence alongside a contribution from Toru Hidaka of Beat Crusaders.