The Questions-Best Answer

I was first introduced to the Questions through the Mike Rogers Show on WFMU. The Koza, Okinawa, Japan trio started in 2019 and is led by bassist, singer, songwriter and artist Chelio along with Sayako on guitar and Aki on drums. This is their international vinyl debut after a handful of self-released digital singles and a 2023 digital album of the same title and many of the same songs. The rough edges of their sound stands in sharp contrast to their striking and detailed visual look. The punchy “45” is 46 seconds short and dates back to Chelio’s former Tokyo-based band Six and appeared on their Tokyo Boogaloo album. It channels the stripped down, but melodic rush of the Los Angeles punk sound-namely the Eyes and the Dickies. In contrast, “Honey Pye” offers a sweet ska beat somewhere the Deltones (UK) and the Drops (Japan). The catchy “I Want You” includes verses sung in Japanese, chorus in English along with bonus Mandarin Chinese (wǒ ài nǐ) and was previously titled “My Scooter Boy” as heard on their 2023 digital album.

They sound their best on record when they allow their melodies to merge with their momentum as heard on the aforementioned songs. While somewhat comparable to current bands like the Highmarts or many of the bands on the 5 volumes of Girls Sazanami Beat, they offer a distinctive Kyushu-Okinawa difference factor and years of playing experience as Chelio’s former band, Six, began all the way back in 2000. 

The island-based band has recently started to make waves in Tokyo with their undeniable stage presence and highly competent playing that commands attention. Last October, they shared a bill with Jenny Jenny in Tokyo for their record release. On the next night, they played the 2025 Back from the Grave Tokyo Halloween Ball and their entire 14-minute set was recorded and can be viewed here. They definitely made a strong impression with a joyous, fierce and ferocious live show that injected new life into old R&B standards like “Got My Mojo Working.” Excitiment is building for the trio as they left the Shinjuku LOFT stage as conquering heroes. Now the rest of the world can hear what all started in Okinawa. 

 

The Questions