On July 27, 2020, BRATS announced the departure of lead guitarist Hinako. According to the news posted on their official website, she was having unspecified creative issues. Yet with the band and staff trying to make things work, it ultimately resulted in her sudden leaving. While she has already contributed to the tracks for the next album Karma, she will not be participating in the related promotion of it.

Comment from Hinako

While performing as a member of BRATS, I’ve been learning many things and feel like I’ve reached a point where I want to try something new. That feeling has gradually surpassed my will to live my life through music.
I had a lot of troubles but after the production on our second album was complete, I spoke with the other members and our staff, and it was decided that we would announce it after seeing through the release of the album.
I don’t believe I can continue as a member of BRATS with this half-hearted attitude so I’ve decided to focus on a path I have chosen for myself.
To all of those who have been supporting us, I’m sure this is a disappointing announcement and for that I am truly sorry.
I truly loved music, bands, and above all else BRATS.
That feeling hasn’t changed, even now.

Hinako has been their lead guitarist for six years and her style powered up BRATS’ hard punk rock and her leaving places some uncertainty about the future sound of the band. Despite this unsettling development, the Kuromiya sisters will continue making music.

Comment from Aya

A lot has happened but we were able to play a lot of shows, go overseas to perform, and release albums. It’s amazing that the three of us managed to do this together. It’s just the two of us from here on, but we’ll do our best for Hinako’s sake too, so please continue to support us. Please support Hinako on her new journey, too.

Comment from Rei

Hinako’s delicate, fragile playing style has you feeling like you’ll never know when a note is going to stop, and I really loved every note of it. We were always looking at things from a different point of view, in a good sense, and while our line of sight never crossed, they were always aiming in the same direction. I don’t think I’ll be able to join Hinako on the road that lies ahead for her which makes me sad but it’s a very Hina-esque decision to make, and I’m envious. Until the very end, Hinako has been herself, who I like very much.

Unfortunately, her departure is effective immediately and so, she will not be participating in the live stream concert on August 1 or the live stream on August 29. Both events will continue as scheduled with a support guitarist who will be replacing her spot.

Although with this unexpected news, fans can still look forward to the Karma album set for release on September 30. Meanwhile, see Hinako make her last appearance along with the fans of BRATS in their latest music video for Ms. Downer.

BRATS - Ms. Downer (Fan Version)

Watch this video on YouTube

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Karma

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Forget me not
Forget me not
Toge
棘
No more No more
No more No more
Excuser
エクスキューザー
Fate
Fate
Ms. Downer
Ms. Downer
Jigyakusei Loop
自虐性Loop
Kimarigoto (Version 2020)
決まりごと-Version 2020-
Lost Place (Version 2020) [2018 album track Re-Mix]
Lost Place -Version 2020-(1stAL収録曲Re-Mix)
Doudatte Yokatta (Live Version 2020) [2018 album track]
どうだってよかった -Live Version 2020-(1stAL収録曲LIVE)
Kimarigoto (Live Version 2020) [2018 album track]
決まりごと -Live Version 2020-(1stAL収録曲LIVE)