Formed in Tokyo during the COVID era, Straight Back Forward brings together two distinct musical journeys. Vocalist Joshua, raised in London, and guitarist Masasucks (Fullscratch, the HIATUS, Radiots, Puffy, Team Sachi, J Band, and more), who grew up on the west side of Osaka, crossed paths in Tokyo, united by their shared passion for melodic punk rock.
The band released its first demo in April 2024, quickly drawing attention from both labels and media. Their early buzz led to a partnership with the UK’s JPU Records, and on October 3, they dropped the double single “Don’t Back Down / Haunted Home.” The tracks are fast, catchy, and emotional, blending the raw energy of punk with the melodic hooks of pop. Fans of The Get Up Kids, Blink-182, Hi-STANDARD, or The Starting Line will feel right at home here. Expect loud guitars, driving drums, and heartfelt vocals that channel themes of youth, rebellion, and perseverance.
“We came up with the idea for Straight Back Forward during Covid,” They explain. “Two guys from opposite sides of the world with a shared love of punk rock. ‘Don’t Back Down’ is kind of just about that, getting on stage, raising fists, and playing anthems for the people who love the same music we do. Doesn’t matter if you’re Japanese, British, or anything else, the music makes us who we are.”
Written in May and recorded just two months later on the road back from a show in Gifu, the songs reflect the spontaneity and DIY spirit of the ’90s punk scene the band grew up on. With little planning and a lot of heart, Straight Back Forward proves that honest energy and connection still matter most in punk rock, and you can check them out here:
Written by Joshua Cotrim
