Uchoten (有頂天) were a Japanese experimental new wave band, active in the 1980s and early 1990s. They formed in 1982 and disbanded in 1991, after releasing eight studio albums and two live albums.

History [link]

Uchoten formed in Tokyo, Japan from the ruins of a band called Densenbyou. Densenbyou's last concert was 6 April 1982 and Uchoten's first concert the same day. They were led by vocalist Keralino Sandorovich, called Kera.

Uchoten released their first album and singles on Kera's own independent record label, Nagomu. In 1985, they released Kokoro no tabi on a bigger indie label, Captain. It is a cover of a popular Japanese song from 1973, performed by Tulip. In those days, Uchoten, The Willard and Laughin' Nose were called the Indies Big Three.

In September 1986 they released their major debut album, Peace. Peace has a theme of ending and death, and some worried that Uchoten were going to break up. But they lasted five more years, although with several member changes.

Uchoten played their last concert 15 September 1991, a recording of which was later released on CD, Search For 1/3 Fin.

Throughout their career, Uchoten did a number of covers, of artists including King Crimson, Gilbert O'Sullivan, Lizard, P-Model and Takuro Yoshida.

Lineups [link]

1. April 1982 - September 1982
   • Kera - Vocals
   • Toshi - Guitar
   • Tabo - Guitar
   • Chachamaru - Bass
   • Mika - Bass
   • Eriko - Keyboard
   • Zin - Percussion
   • Minosuke - Drums
2. September 1982 - May 1984
   • Kera - Vocals
   • Toshi - Guitar
   • Tabo - Guitar
   • Chachamaru - Bass
   • Eriko - Keyboard
   • Zin - Drums
3. July 1984 - May 1985
   • Kera - Vocals
   • Toshi - Guitar
   • Tabo - Guitar
   • Kubobryu - Bass
   • Eriko - Keyboards
   • Zin - Drums
4. June 1985 - February 1986
   • Kera - Vocals
   • Huckai - Guitar
   • Cou - Guitar
   • Kubobryu - Bass
   • Charity - Keyboard
   • Zin - Drums
5. February 1986 - February 1988
   • Kera - Vocals
   • Huckai - Guitar
   • Cou - Guitar
   • Kubobryu - Bass
   • Myue - Keyboard
   • Zin - Drums
6. March 1988 - May 1989
   • Kera - Vocals
   • Huckai - Guitar
   • Cou - Guitar
   • Kubobryu - Bass
   • Shiu - Keyboard
   • Zin - Drums
7. May 1989 - September 1991
   • Kera - Vocals
   • Cou - Guitar
   • Kubobryu - Bass
   • Shiu - Keyboard
   • Zin - Drums

Discography [link]

• Dohyou ouji (1983)
• Because (1986)
• Peace (1986)
• Aissle (1987)
• Search For 1/3 Boil (1988) Live album
• Gan (1988)
• Search For 1/3 Stop! Hand In Hand (1989)
• Colorful Merry ga futta machi (1990)
• Dekkachi (1990)
• Search For 1/3 Fin (1991) Live album
• 1984-1987 Vegetable (1992) Best-of

External links [link]

• Japanese fansite