The momentum from this carried on with the single "NEVER POP ENOUGH e.p." which quickly climbed up the independent CD charts of various shops in Japan. Around a month later, they released their first mini-album "HOWLING SYMPHONY OF..." which both rapidly climbed the charts and received critical acclaim from the music press. After this, the band started to tour more extensively, thanks to various offers from bands within the Japanese alternative music scene. They then released their second single "FIRESTARTER" which was released in 2000 and then followed it up with the full-length album "ALL YOU CAN EAT" along with involvement in various compilation albums and split mini-albums with various independent groups while still releasing their own albums and singles.
In August 2003, three of the four original members of BEAT CRUSADERS left the band, leaving behind only Hidaka. He quickly recruited four new members, who form the current line-up of the group. The three members that left went on to form ANITA CHILI PEPPERS. The current line-up of the band is: ヒダカトオル (Hidaka Tooru) - Vocal & Guitar, クボタマサヒコ (Kubota Masahiko) - Bass, カトウタロウ (Kato Taro) - Guitar, マシータ (Mashiita, Maseeta) - Drums and ケイタイモ (Keitaimo) - Keyboard.
In 2004, the group was finally catapulted into the major-label music scene, thanks to the release of the song "HIT IN THE USA" which was used as the opening theme for the anime "BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad" and also allowed a number of their songs to be covered in the same anime. They have also had the song "TONIGHT,TONIGHT,TONIGHT" used in the anime "BLEACH" and in 2006 they made their first American appearance, thanks to the song "Hey×2 Look×2" which was used as the opening theme song to the Nicktoons animated series "Kappa Mikey".
Confirmation from Toru Hidaka that Beat Crusaders Broke-up 4th September, 2010.
～NAMPLA～
BEAT CRUSADERS Lyrics
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Bang!
Bangkok spice!
Nampla!
The song "～NAMPLA～" by BEAT CRUSADERS starts with the repetitive lines "Bang! Bang! Bangkok spice!" which sets the energetic and upbeat tone of the song. The title of the song "Nampla" refers to a popular Thai condiment called "nam pla" which translates to "fish sauce" in English. The lyrics of the song then shift to a more introspective mode, as the singer reflects on the idea of "freedom" and the difficulty of getting a hold of it. The song's mood is further elevated by its driving punk rock style and catchy guitar riffs.
The song's lyrics are a reflection of the band's interest in exploring different cultures and experimenting with various musical influences. The use of the word "Nampla" as a metaphor for freedom is a clever way of blending music and cuisine, two universes that are traditionally not associated with each other. The song's upbeat tempo and catchy guitar riffs are typical of the punk rock style that BEAT CRUSADERS is known for, giving the song a memorable and recognizable sound.
Line by Line Meaning
Bang!
Explosive sound effect!
Bang!
Another explosive sound effect!
Bangkok spice!
The energetic, flavorful vibe of Bangkok!
Nampla!
A reference to Nam Pla, a common Thai ingredient which is a type of fish sauce - this serves to further emphasize the Bangkok theme of the song!
Contributed by Vivian H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.