JAPAN BEAT
Phew Phew L!ve
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. |