Hamada Akiko Bass, Vocals	Nakashima Yumi Guitar, Vocals	Taakii Drums

I discovered GO!GO!7188 a short while ago. I never doubted there were countless other amazing artists in the sea of Japanese music. I only missed their debut by a couple of years, though. Having started in late 2000,  Yuu (Nakashima Yumi), Akko (Hamada Akiko) and Taakii, which stands for "Turkey" (I don't know, either), represent the new generation of talented Japanese author/composer/performers. If this is a taste of things to come, I'm staying until dessert.

It is hard not to get instantly gripped by this band's style from the get go. They are so playful, energetic, cute, retro, edgy... just to name a few. Regardless what branch of the enormous "rock" tree you swear by, GO!GO! has what you are looking for. Even if they still need to get over the foreign lyrics, J-Music uninitiated are more than likely to appreciate this band for its true worth.

Music composition is mostly handled by Yuu. Her favourite artists and sources of inspiration include THE BOOM, Shiina Ringo, Cocco, Brahman, Judy and Mary and Thee Michelle Gun Elephant. You can find hints of influence from each of these great names, which is why I am always ecstatic when listening to GO!GO!7188. Don't expect plagiarism, however, Yuu still has her own unique composition style. She looks extremely focused during live performances, as if it was hard for her to do both the singing and guitar playing. Even if that is the case, she handles the bands most complex and flexible aspects perfectly.

Akko not only enhances every song with her loosely tightened bass strings but takes care of the backup vocals and lyric writing, as well. Her lyrics can be very touching and personal but sometimes downright bizarre.  Regardless, Yuu is such a talented and powerful vocalist, the songs burst of emotion no matter what is being said. In fact, the apogee of most songs comes when she goes all out with her voice and shouts using one of the highest key I've heard. Don't worry, it is not in an annoying matter but in a Isoya Yuki way, which is perfect for those who, like me, are diagnosed with Judy and Mary nostalgia.

Another reason I like them so much is the quantity of different beats and lines every given individual song contains and the original transitions used to smooth all those variations out. Forget about the "one for the verses, one for the chorus" concept some use; here we have four-in-one songs that never get old because of how eclectic their rhythm is. This is mainly thanks to Taakii. He understands a repetitive song is a boring one and always makes sure his beats follow with the attention span of even the most stereotypical teenager.

The two gals spent most of their Kagoshima high school days together. Both girls, and especially Akko, never envisioned to one day play on a professional level and simply played  Judy and Mary covers and had fun in karaoke bars when time permitted. However, the more Yuu started to compose her own songs, the more interest it spawned from themselves and the general public. Taaki joined one year later, bringing his experience of the music scene to this greenhorn band. 

It sometimes takes a while for a group to get the chemistry going and their first albums only show hints of potential. In the strange world of GO!GO!7188, however, Dasoku Hokou, their first album had a lot more than potential to offer. It was preceded by four maxi-singles in five months acting as a warning that this band was about to take over Japan. With such quality works, the small Kagoshima trio gathered a little cult following until proper marketing propelled their latest work, Tategami, up the charts, reaching number five and beating their personal record (previously established with Tora no Ana) by ten spots.

The threesome is still promoting the amazing Tategami album across Japan. Their impressive tour, which started in March, comprises of concerts, festivals and television appearances, and will keep the band busy until late September. However, they somehow found time to produce a new single called Ruriiro and released August 6th, promoted by an intriguing (to say the least) music video. 

Favourite Album:

Gyotaku

So many great songs on a single album; might as well call it a best-of. Of course, few GO!GO! songs are not great so their first and latest albums are also must-haves, but this is the one you should get first. Even their cover album is amazing whether you know of the original songs or not. 

Favourite Songs:

1. Aa Seishun

2. Dotanba de Kyanseru

3. Honne Fusen

4. Hito Natsu no Keiken

5. Ukifune

6. Tokage Sango

7. Seibu

8. Cutey Honey

9. Poraroido

10. Nukarumi

Why Aa Seishun?

Official Site: http://www.breast.co.jp/gogo7188/

(Tip: use AltaVista's Babel Fish translator)

English Fan Site:

Rock of Japan: http://www.rockofjapan.com/gogo7188.html

Rock Rabbit: http://www.tuesdayhigh.org/gogo7188/index.php