BEAT CRUSADERS was a Japanese rock/punk/pop group who were first formed in late 1997 by ヒダカトオル (Hidaka Tooru), primarily as an experimental lo-fi indie pop group. The first line-up of the group was originally a result of constant experimental shows performed in various locations around Tokyo. Their use of both old and new technology, combined with influences from various bands such as Weezer and Rentals, had transformed them into a melodic guitar-driven band. By late 1998, the group had started to settle into things and were rapidly gaining a reputation for being an energetic live band with catchy and fun songs that weren't to be missed within the independent music scene.