Half Japanese

American art-punk/indie rock band formed by brothers Jad and David Fair in 1974 in Uniontown, Maryland. Known for lo-fi home recordings, noise experiments and a DIY aesthetic that influenced indie and alternative scenes.

Early landmark triple album 1/2 Gentlemen Not Beasts (1980) is frequently cited in the reviews. Jad Fair is noted as primary songwriter and visual artist for the band's artwork. Reviews mention collaborations and associations with artists such as Yo La Tengo, Moe Tucker, Daniel Johnston, J. Mascis, Teenage Fanclub, Thurston Moore, Steve Shelley, John Zorn, Fred Frith, Don Fleming and Kramer.

DeBaser reviews present Half Japanese as a seminal lo-fi/art-punk force led by Jad Fair, praised for naïve genius and DIY spirit. The early triple album 1/2 Gentlemen Not Beasts is treated as a landmark. Later records balance melody and experimentation while keeping an eccentric, subversive voice. Overall the coverage is celebratory and affectionate.

For:Fans of experimental, lo-fi, noise, indie and alternative rock; listeners interested in DIY and outsider art-punk.