The emergence and popularity of acoustic vocal groups in Japan has been on the rise since TAKE6 received a Grammy for their work in 1988. Many musicians immediately took to this style, and young Japanese began forming their bands all over the country. Phew Phew L!ve is one that is slowly but surely breaking out of their Indie shell and trying to make it into the majors.

Formed in Kobe in 1995, this seven-member voice group is an a cappella group that can also sing and dance, adding another dimension to this popular form of entertainment. Mostly performing live in the Kansai area, their many followers are spreading the word about their music. Their first single "Take Me to the Stadium" did well and was the theme song for the Koshien baseball stadium in 1998. That was followed by their first album Sing a Song, which was released by the Warner Indies Network label in Dec 1998. The album did extremely well for the local Kobe boys and shot them to the number one position for a cappella groups in the Kansai area. They are now spreading their music outside of Kansai and have made numerous live appearances in Tokyo. Although the road ahead looks far from smooth, the group's talent is sure to lead them to new levels and give their music even wider appeal.

Phew Phew L!ve play Ginza Hakuhinkan for a three-day concert from Apr 6-8 and at Tribute to the Love Generation in Odaiba on May 28.