LIP CREAM, formed in 1984, quickly rose to become one of Japan's most legendary hardcore/punk bands. In a mere six years until their dissolution in 1990, they profoundly influenced Japanese punk with three EPs, one cassette, and four albums. Their prolific output also included contributions to 13 compilation albums and two live videos, an extraordinary volume of work for such a brief career - none of which has ever been released in the West...until now.

Given their pre-digital era dissolution, much of the information about LIP CREAM has been based on hearsay. To rectify this, Relapse Records initiated the first ever fully authorized catalog reissue project, which included extensive research and interviews with original member Minoru, culminating in this official biography.

Phase One: AA HARDCORE UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY

The band's genesis in 1984 was sparked by the omnibus album "Hardcore Unlawful Assembly" by AA Records. Minoru, who had left the band COMES, was urged by LAUGHIN’ NOSE label manager Charmy, to contribute to the album. Minoru casually formed LIP CREAM with childhood friend and guitarist Naoki, and drummer Maru (ABURADAKO and COMES). The name “LIP CREAM” was casually decided on the spot. “There was no deep meaning or background to the band name at all,” says Minoru. Vocalist Baki joined on a whim on the day of recording, though his credit was omitted as he was still with THE EXECUTE. The band recorded three songs -"RENTAL," "DAZED AND CONFUSED," and "AKABANE LINE VIOLENCE PART 1" (the latter was cut and remains lost). This initial session was a temporary halt for LIP CREAM, as Minoru stated, "As long as we could make music as a band, that was enough." This period marked a turning point in Japan's hardcore punk scene, with many bands experiencing shifts, and LIP CREAM emerged from this dynamic environment.

Phase Two: LONELY ROCK ~ NIGHTRIDER MORE THAN FIGHT

A few months after "Hardcore Unlawful Assembly," Minoru was persuaded by Bear Bomb (bass player of LAST BOMB) to resume LIP CREAM activities for a live gig. The lineup remained Minoru, Maru, and Naoki, though Naoki briefly joined GASTUNK before rejoining LIP CREAM. JhaJha (bassist of DEAD COPS) became the new vocalist. Their first live show with this lineup was in June 1984 at Shibuya Yaneura. This momentum led to their debut EP, "LONELY ROCK," released through HOLD UP Records, a proposal initiated by Max (GHOUL).

Following several Tokyo gigs, Charmy of AA Records offered a solo EP release. In September, they embarked on a Kansai tour and recorded "NIGHTRIDER MORE THAN FIGHT" in Osaka. However, Maru left the band after the tour to focus on LAUGHIN’ NOSE. This departure, surprisingly, became a catalyst for LIP CREAM's advancement. Pill, drummer for CLEOPATRA, BODIES, AXE BOMBER, G-ZET, and BRADBURY, and a devoted LIP CREAM fan, swiftly joined the band. Minoru noted, "Perhaps Pill was searching for the band he truly wanted to be in while juggling multiple projects." Interestingly, an earlier session between Minoru, Naoki, and Pill, though not an official formation, was a crucial precursor to LIP CREAM.

Phase Three - Part 1: CHAOS U.K. Japan Tour ~ Dawn of the SELFISH Records era

With Pill's arrival, LIP CREAM's lineup solidified, leading to intensified activities. In 1985, they contributed to the omnibus cassette "THE PUNX - Street Movement," their first release with the new lineup. Later that year, they released "BIG FOOT Cassette", also known as "KILL THE IBM", the inaugural release on their independent label, DYNAMITE Records, named by Naoki after the film "Dynamite Dondon."

A significant turning point was LIP CREAM’s support for CHAOS U.K.'s Japan tour in 1985, alongside GAUZE. This successful national tour, the first for Japanese hardcore/punk bands, profoundly impacted LIP CREAM. Pill was particularly inspired by CHAOS U.K.'s intense Bristol-style drumming, evolving his own style to be more powerful and ferocious. The tour also led to their encounter with SELFISH Records, an independent label founded by the Okamoto brothers, which became indispensable to the Japanese hardcore/punk scene.

Following this tour, LIP CREAM organized the "DYNAMITE TOUR," a nationwide double headlining tour with WAR PAINTED CITY INDIAN, achieving record attendance and solidifying their status as a touring band. In 1986, amidst a nationwide indie band movement, LIP CREAM released their debut full-length album, "KILL UGLY POP" via CAPTAIN Records, who played a significant role in the indie music scene at the time. This was a groundbreaking work as a solo LP by a Japanese hardcore/punk band, released at an exceptionally early stage.

Around this time, LIP CREAM accelerated their music production, notably contributing to compilation albums. They participated in HOLD UP Records' "DEVIL MUST BE DRIVEN OUT DEVIL" in February and made their debut with SELFISH Records in April by contributing to "A FAREWELL TO ARMS." Subsequently, all their works were released through SELFISH Records. In September, they released "THRASH TIL DEATH" and embarked on the "THRASH TIL DEATH TOUR" with OUTO. That winter, they conducted their second "DYNAMITE TOUR" with WAR PAINTED CITY INDIAN. The success of these tours inspired numerous young bands, revitalizing Japan's hardcore scene. Video label ROCK'N PA also released a live video of LIP CREAM, further showcasing their live appeal.

In 1987, they released the mini album "9 SHOCKS TERROR" in May. LIP CREAM then spearheaded the "BLOODY SUMMER TOUR" with OUTO and DEATH SIDE, an annual tradition until their dissolution in 1990.

Phase Three - Part 2: Member Accident ~ Last Album ~ and Breakup

By 1988, tensions within the band emerged around the release of their third full-length album, "CLOSE TO THE EDGE" in April. This tension paradoxically led to a heavier sound and the creation of many iconic tracks. On May 21st, they held a solo gig, "LIP CREAM ONLY," at Shinjuku Antiknock, a performance later released as a VHS video. However, during the "BLOODY SUMMER TOUR '88," Minoru was seriously injured in a traffic accident, forcing a temporary withdrawal. Despite this, the tour continued without cancellations, with Chelsea (DEATH SIDE) and Famous filling in as bassists. In 1989, LIP CREAM released their final album, "—SIN—" an untitled work with a serious concept, intertwining audio dramas and songs. This album, a historical achievement, was created amidst escalating internal tensions that ultimately led to the band's breakup. Interestingly, SELFISH Records had planned a U.S. tour for LIP CREAM, almost finalizing the schedule, but the band's dissolution prevented it.

In 1990, LIP CREAM remained active, supporting EXTREME NOISE TERROR's Japan tour in March and carrying out the "BLOODY SUMMER TOUR '90" with OUTO. Their final performances included the GUDON final live gigs in Hiroshima in August and the "D.D.D.9.24" event at Kyoto University's Western Hall on September 24th.

Epilogue

After the disbandment, members continued in separate projects. Minoru went through BUTTERFLY, EXTINCT GOVERNMENT, and COLORED RICEMEN, now currently forming EIEFITS. He continues his active career not only in Japan but also planning Southeast Asia tours. Naoki joined L.O.X. and NO! before retiring from the band scene. JhaJha, after backpacking through Asia, became the vocalist for JUDGEMENT and now performs solo as "JhaJha Iwaki" or "Kuwana Rokudo." Pill launched his own band projects, playing with artists like Keiji Haino and Yuji Katsui in bands like ASYLUM and OGREISH ORGANISM, and DELTA PUREE. Additionally, Pill released four CDs of LIP CREAM's past recordings under his own label ONI in 2008 (however, these CD recordings were not remastered and were incomplete as reissues). In 2009, he released a 9-disc DVD compiling scattered LIP CREAM footage.

Twenty years after their dissolution, LIP CREAM reunited in 2010 for three limited live performances in Tokyo, Anjo City, and Osaka. Tickets sold out instantly, but no further activities followed. In 2021, Naoki passed away, followed by Pill in 2024.

In 2025, 35 years after their dissolution and 15 years after their reunion, Relapse Records initiated the LIP CREAM remastered reissue project, bringing their complete, official music to fans worldwide. This is nothing short of an event. And we are both witnesses and participants in this event.

“We're all sinners. Pay for your own sins.” from “—SIN—” (Lyrics by JhaJha)

Taken from - “LIP CREAM - A Band History”

Text: Takeshi Uechi
Translator: George Bodman
Special Thanks: Sakamoto Gishicho