Live Review: ATARASHII GAKKO! - Indigo at The O2, London 10/06/2024
“We want to say hello to the world!” - ATARASHII GAKKO hold their first ever UK show in London on their AG! Calling world tour.
Rising stars ATARASHII GAKKO! (affectionately referred to by fans as AG) have spent the previous 7 years releasing increasingly popular tracks, including their viral song ‘Tokyo Calling’, the final track on AG! Calling. Their latest album primes them for a bright future as a revolutionary global girl group. Whilst their discography is complete with guaranteed bops and occasional headbangers, their live performance is unmatched.
AG took a page from Storm Eunice’s book and blew the roof off of The O2 Indigo (although, fortunately, not literally). Boisterous, thrumming backing tracks paired with hypnotic digital visuals framed AG as they traversed the small indigo stage in flourishing dance and performance, choreographed by the members themselves. Their more adventurous songs such as ‘Pineapple Kryptonite’ and ‘Toryanse’ delve into genres of rock and hyperpop and provided the most dynamic visuals of acidcore colours and surreal illustrations.
Leader Kanazawa Suzuka brought a commanding stage presence that simultaneously helped bring confidence and life to the other group members. Rapper Nagasawa Rin showed expert skill and energy, whilst singers Kimura Kanon and Ishii Mizuki (Mizyu) provided beautiful harmonies and bridges, and some unexpected freestyle dance and excitable antics. The strong connection and chemistry between each member is empowering and serves to bolster an astounding stage presence.
Along with impressive dance skills, AG hit the London stage with a beautiful wardrobe of kimonos and their staple sailor-fuku uniforms. The members’ contagious giddiness materialised in comedic and charming performance, particularly during ‘Arigato’, where they each used a prop broom to mimic an air guitar. They also paused their performance to ask fans what their favourite track on AG Calling! is, then playfully sang a snippet of each song mentioned. The group’s unique sound blends J-Pop, rap, Showa-era kayokyoku, and more. This unique fusion combined with their highly impressive choreography makes for a fresh experience of live music.
AG transported us to a Tokyo karaoke bar to quash linguistic and cultural barriers for the purpose of pure and ultimate fun. The experience of AG live is incomparable and provides a fresh (and improved) experience of their own music. The members shared our own eagerness for their UK debut in frantically performing ‘NAINAINAI’ and changing the original lyrics to “I don’t want to go. I want to stay.”.
It’s undeniable that AG bring something new and unique to the modern music scene and are revolutionising the live music experience. Through empowering and fun lyricism and explosive dance, AG inspires people around the world to be resilient and kind. Their live shows across Europe, Asia, and North America are proving incessantly popular and indescribably impressive. It’s only a matter of time before we see their numbers grow and their faces on billboards and magazines. AGs deserve bigger and greater opportunities to perform live and transform their songs into experiences.
Words by Erin Hill
Photography by Charis Lydia Bagioki // @photosby_focus
