Number Girl
With their 1999 release, "School Girl Distortional Addict", Number Girl moved towards a much heavier sound somewhat reminiscent of post-hardcore. Their 2000 album "Sappukei" built on its predecessor, but incorporated a more ethereal quality characteristic of producer Dave Fridmann. Traditional Japanese music influence was also found in songs such as "Urban Guitar Sayonara". Number Girl's final album, "Num-Heavymetallic" continued the fusion of post-hardcore and traditional Japanese music, showing Mukai's evolving musical sensibilities fully expressed in Zazen Boys.