Mitsuru Matsuoka EARNEST DRIVE is the new musical unit produced under the Heisei Kamen Rider Series to perform the songs for the new Kamen Rider Series – Kamen Rider Drive. Hit the jump to learn more about them!

Mitsuru Matsuoka (Vocals)

He is the leader of 90’s Rock Band SOPHIA (eternal). He is currently the leader of his new Rock Band called MICHAEL (manics). He is had previously played the Leader of NEVER – Katsumi Daido (Kamen Rider Eternal) in Kamen Rider W. He had also sung the ending theme “W” for Kamen Rider W FOREVER: A to Z / Gaia Memories of Fate and “cod-E ~E no Ango” along with SOPHIA. He had recently performed at Kamen Rider × Super Sentai: Chou Eiyu Sai 2014.

tatsuo (Guitarist)

He is the Producer, Arranger and Composer for many Bands such as GOLDEN BOMBER. He is also the member of a Rock Band called everset. He has arranged and composed Kamen Rider OOO’s OP “Anything Goes!” by GOLDEN BOMBER, Kamen Rider Fourze’s OP “Switch On!!” by Anna Tsuchiya, “Life is SHOW TIME” by Shou Kiryuuin from GOLDEN BOMBER, some of idol group KAMEN RIDER GIRLS’ Songs, and a few songs after Kamen Rider OOO.

Jun-ji (Drums)

He is the member of a Band called SIAM SHADE. He is also a supporting band member for T.M.Revolution, GACKT, Acid Black Cherry,and Sound Horizon.

IKUO (Bass)

He previously performed the Theme Song of Kamen Rider Delta called “DELTA STRIP～White Ring”. He is the support member for T.M.Revolution, abingdon boys school, tetsuya, JAM Project, and others. He is also the bassist in charge of the bands of Gackt, Acid Black Cherry, and BREAKERZ. He was also the bassist for KAMEN RIDER GIRLS’ Song “exploded” and “Warning! Burning!” which was released in their 2nd Album “exploded”.

 

Kamen Rider Drive’s Opening Song will be performed by Mitsuru Matsuoka EARNEST DRIVE, titled “SURPRISE-DRIVE”. tatsuo-san, who is in charge of Recording Kamen Rider Drive’s OP “SURPRISE-DRIVE,” had announced that they have finished recording the song on September 18.  He has also announced that there will be a Remix Arrange Version of”SURPRISE-DRIVE” which is currently under production. The release date of the single has not been announced yet.

CD Tracklisting

1. SURPRISE-DRIVE
   Lyrics – Shoko FujibayashiComposition – tatsuo
   Arrangement – tatsuo
   Artist – Mitsuru Matsuoka EARNEST DRIVE
2. SURPRISE-DRIVE Remix
3. SURPRISE -DRIVE (instrumental)

DVD

• SURPRISE-DRIVE (music video)

Kamen Rider Drive Original Sound Track

• SURPRISE-DRIVE (TV-Size)

Are you excited for this band after seeing the lineup? Are you a fan of any of their previous work? Let us know in the comments, and on the forums, and as always, keep it locked here for the latest Tokusatsu news.