Japanese Motors

Japanese Motors emerged in 2004 as a Costa Mesa, California surf punk outfit drawing equal influence from Richard Hell and the Beach Boys. Their deep ties to surf culture and high-energy stage presence quickly set them apart. Frontman Alex Knost doubles as a professional surfer with a role in the documentary Step into Liquid; he also represents the surf, art, and lifestyle label RVCA and contributed to its art department. He first connected with guitarist Nolan Hall through shared family surf outings, while bassist Chris Vail and drummer Andrew Atkinson, previously a designer at Hurley, formed the group’s rhythm section. Steady, often unrestrained performances helped the band move beyond early Iggy Pop covers toward the release of “Single Fins & Safety Pins” on Black Lips’ Die Slaughterhouse imprint. After signing with Vice Records, they issued a newly recorded take of that single during summer 2008, followed by their self-titled debut album that autumn.