Review: Tokyo's Genre-Bending Rebels ATARASHII GAKKO! Conquer Coachella
GET READY FOR A BLAST OF REBELLION AND INFECTIOUS ENERGY AT COACHELLA THIS YEAR. Tokyo's genre-bending girl group, ATARASHII GAKKO! (literally meaning "New School" in Japanese), took Weekend 1 by storm and will return this weekend for round two.
ATARASHII GAKKO! is more than just your typical girl group. While many J-Pop groups rely on synchronized dance moves, cutesy personas, and high-pitched vocals, AG! throws all those expectations out the window. Dressed in a rebellious twist on traditional sailor suits, they redefine what it means to be a female idol. Their choreography, self-created and fiercely energetic, blends elements of Japanese butoh dance, headbanging metal, and hip-hop street style. Musically, AG! is a sonic playground, seamlessly weaving together modern J-Pop, Showa-era kayokyoku, rap, punk, and dance music.
This year alone, ATARASHII GAKKO! has been on a roll. They dropped the catchy "Toryanse" and even soundtracked a major motion picture with "HELLO (FROM THE TIGER'S APPRENTICE)." But it was their October release, "Tokyo Calling," that truly skyrocketed them to international fame. This critically-acclaimed single, featuring a jarring, doomsday-like intro, delves into the frustrations and monotony of daily life in Tokyo. Their performance of "Tokyo Calling" on Jimmy Kimmel Live! further solidified their status as a rising force.
Coachella is just the beginning of a whirlwind year for ATARASHII GAKKO!. Following their festival domination, they'll be hitting the road for 88rising's Head In The Clouds New York festival. Next stop? Barcelona's Primavera Festival, followed by a headlining international tour encompassing Paris, Berlin, London, Seoul, and more.
So, if you're looking for a performance that shatters stereotypes, explodes with energy, and delivers a sound unlike any other, don't miss ATARASHII GAKKO! at Coachella. These talented young women are ready to redefine what it means to be a pop star on a global stage.
