I saw them three days ago in Cologne. It was Atarashii Gakko's very first gig in Germany. There was no support band, no pre show warm up to speak of, except the smoke machine kicking in ten minutes before. And yet, the 1300+ venue was not only sold out, but erupted once Atarashii Gakko took to the stage. The crowd recognised each song after something less than five seconds of intro and some sang along to the Japanese lyrics. AG tried to engage with the crowd whenever their performance made it possible, establishing eye contact etc.Occasionally, Suzuka would climb onto the rails of the barricade and perform there, grabbing one hand from the audience for support. Once she stood on the bar counter and could walk pretty far to the back on it. Their level of energy and stage presence was amazing, and how they kept it up in a show with very little breaks (f.ex. Suzuka practising different ways to say Arigato! with the audience while the others got a breather) is beyond me. The crowd responded in kind, waving hands, dancing, cheering and showing heart signs. One hour later, I was slightly exhausted, but very happy. Their European tour kicked off about a week ago and there is already a lot of good fancam material out there.
Atarashii Gakko are a nice find :) Some things about Atarashii Gakko. 1. Suzuka, the tallest one, has some world class levels of charisma. We are talking like reincarnation of Groucho Marx rare levels of stage presence and energy. They are all genuinely funny, but Suzuka, holy hell. 2. As you noticed Suzuka also has a great voice. 3. They have really interesting unique choreo in all performances. Most music videos have the music video version and the choreo version, though choreo is always in all videos. 4. They tend to do electronic or kinda jazz inspired stuff for the most part. 5. Some of the songs have lyrics which are about quite serious topics, but still approached in a fun kind of way. They have a first take performance of their song OtonaBlue which is great and really fun. For my personal taste, the video "Night Before the Exam (Single-take performance)" has the most fun energetic choreo, and is a banger. Their biggest hit internationally, I think, so far is Tokyo Calling which has a very fun official MV.
This is one of my favorite songs by this group. The combination of their dance and music is truly infectious! They have a lot of different styles of songs, but generally all Pop adjacent, except their earlier stuff which is quite jazz influenced. I'm going to see them for the second time this October in Chicago.
I'm so happy you got to Atarashii Gakko! Their music and choreography are all over the place, and their lyrics are often quite serious -- cutting social critiques at times -- all while being the most fun ever. Nainainai (train car choreo version) Koi Geba Otonablue (First Take version) SEISHUN WO KIRISAKU HADO (official choreography version) Tokyo Calling Pineapple Kryptonite (more EDM)
As a 56 year old rock guy, I'm happy to say that my daughter is taking me to Chicago in October to see this group. After being exposed to Japanese music through Band Maid and other rock groups, I watched their "First Take" episode singing Otonablue. Then "Pineapple Kryptonite", very unique.... come to find out they have worked with Beastie Boys producer, Mark Ramos Nishita aka Money Mark. Their songs are fun, musically different and the cool choreography (which they come up with themselves). Suzuka (glasses), Kanon (long hair), Rin (shaved w/ponytail) and Mizyu (pigtails) are the members. Maybe for a later reaction, Suzuka's older sister was in a band called Girlfriend, where she plays guitar and sings.... there are a few videos of theirs on YT.
60 year old metal head here, these ladies are fun and unique and appeal to a wide audience. I usually describe Kanon as “boneless” from the way she moves.
56 year old metalhead have hated almost every pop thing since the 80’s. But damn I just love AG, the whole thing, choreography, vocals, lyrics, music and the charisma. I wanted to go to Chicago but could not make that date work, have fun.
Welcome to AG! Definitely check out their First Take performance of “Otonablue”…most reactors start with that one. My fave and the song that got me hooked on AG! is “Seishun Wo Kirisaku Hado”…a perfect blend of rock, rap and chaos! And their current tour brings them to Dallas this October🎉
Atarashii Gakko is an amazing group. Described as an organic idol group, they came together when they were in high school together and started the group. They do their own choreo and have a lot of control. The main singer Suzuka has what I like to call an impossible voice. When you break it down she's so deep and smokey but can also do light and airy and contains just beautiful highs and lows. She carries on a vocal tradition really seen through out 80 Japanese city pop music which is filled with these young female singers have amazingly strong voices. Otona Blue is their song that is a huge homage to the city pop sound, but they literally have songs in all genres and some of my favorites are from their early days with more of a jazz vocal style.
The choreography these girls do is so fun to watch. Mizyu and Kanon sound great singing together and seem to do most of the higher pitched parts. Even so, I don't think I would enjoy listening to their music without also seeing the choreography. This song and Suki Lie are my two favorite songs of theirs. They are so fun to watch and a slight bit crazy if you watch the videos of them in various public places being silly. I think a person could follow them into a Walmart store and have a good time if you didn't get thrown out. (LOL)
AG is on a world tour right now. U need to watch one of their full live performances. These ladies are Superstars! Best live show ive seen in many years! Watch out for AG!
I also thought I wouldn't like them since I play bass in a rock band, and had this bias against "non-real" instrumentation. But dude, these girls are just so charismatic and infectious that it doesn't really matter. Coupled with the plain fact that they are loads super talented when it comes to singing, dancing, and wriitng songs. The first song which got me hooked to them is "Tokyo Calling" which you most definitely should check out. Btw, awesome reaction . I dig how you analyze every bit and part. ☺️
There are so many fun and ironic things about this group that it's almost painful to spoil them. when you find out about each member, each one has a, oh, I didn't know that fact.
The Atarashii Gakko! girls met in school and enjoyed gymnastics (no surprise) - kumitaisou, a form of coordinated gymnastics commonly practiced in Japan’s PE classes that’s known for its complex human pyramids. Them and their label are committed to promoting Japanese traditions and culture around the world. "Giri Giri" - an onomatopoeia of sorts loosely translated to mean “just barely” or “at the last moment”. They have a huge following and have toured everywhere you can think of including the US and are still blowing up - recently performing at Coachella. Their dance practice vids are also very entertaining and make a humble connection to the girls. If you really want to see them live you will probably have an opportunity to do that if you follow them. They have a new song only a couple days old ... "Fly High" which is packed full of Rin's rap. You would like it ... I don't really think there is another group like AG.
Yes good music is just good music in the end. No matter if it is real insruments or electronic. For me the most important thing with music is, that it needs to be entertaining. Attrashii Gakko check the box for fun not just once but at least 4 times. Their confidence and their moves alone make them worth watching, and then you add in the banger of songs they have, and it's a full package that very few bands can compete with
You also need to check out their Seishun Academy, a series of videos that introduce various aspects of Japanese culture. My favorite is 104. Asking Gods for Help. But they're all great. Not only are Atarashii Gakko original and extremely talented singers and dancers, they are hilarious comic actors.
AG are unique among J-Pop idol groups. They do 100% of their own choreography, even having designed routines for other groups. They just have such a huge amount of charisma, positivity, and, exude such a sense of fun, it's impossible not to love them!
The only thing I can think of that you missed, and it's easy to in the age of music video, is that this is a single take. Hugely talented and hugely entertaining
AG is another fun rabbit hole to dive into. Their musical style has changed a lot in the last five or so years and the album that dropped on Friday is very diverse. The First Take video is a good intro into their earlier sounding music and also very funny like a lot of their videos.
They have a huge amount of videos online from live videos, music videos and dance practice videos. They do all their own choreography and are, principally, a performance group. 'Giri giri' has several meanings depending on context: 'at the last moment' or 'just about'.
Giri Giri is about the frustrations of a student who is working hard but is lost and unsure of themselves. This sort of teenage angst is a common theme for AG!'s early songs when they were teenagers themselves. They now emphasize the "spirit of youth" (seishun in Japanese) and enjoying every moment to the utmost whatever your age. AG formed back in 2015 and are managed by Asobisystem. Mizyu (two hair bunches) had already worked with Asobisystem as a backup dancer with Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and Suzuka, Kanon and Rin joined her; Rin is the one with the shaved hair doing the rapping. Mizyu is three years older than the others and so was sometimes called the leader by journalists, and the others still look to her in some circumstances, but Suzuka's extrovert personality and strong voice make her the obvious front woman. AG! are always quick to say that they have no leader. They are all trained dancers and do all of the choreography themselves and work with various producers on the songs including H ZettM, Money Mark and Yonkey. This artistic control sets them apart from most J-pop groups and their stage shows are performed with a unique joy and flair. They just released a new album called "AG! Calling" and they get song writing credits with various producers. They were a big hit at Coachella 2024 and they are now on a world tour performing in venues with capacities of a few thousand. I recommend you react to some live performances and also their performance on The Fisrt Take, "Atarashii Gakko- Otona Blue - The First Take"
When you see them live in concert the place goes crazy. I was fortunate to see them live before they got signed with 88^. The venue was only 500 and they had tears in their eyes when they found out people here actually knew about them enough to sell out tickets.
I love AG!! I really recommend Suki Lie and Maningen. I am also a BIG rin fan (girl with undercut) so I also would recommend live version of Toumei Boy she is really cool in that song!
I don't remember exactly when I discovered this group, between 6 months and 1 year I would say, but I devoured the clips they have on their channels as well as their dance videos like this one. They are so fun to watch and listen to, each with their own flavor, Suzuka (the tall one with the glasses) is generally the wild card, Rin (your favorite who does the rap part) is more there for the urban side generally, Kanon ( the one with long hair) looks more like a princess (she loves cooking too) and Mizyu (with the pigtails) is the surprise of the group (when you see the Mizyucopter, you'll understand). I'm sure some people have already talked about the fact that they write their lyrics and do their own choreography, but just a little funfact, Mizyu is the oldest of the four. Mizyu is from 1998, Rin and Suzuka from 2001, and Kanon from 2002. I find it funny since she is also, the smallest of them lol. Also to finish, I could recommend several to you, but I think that Suki Lie would be a good second experience.
As other commentators have stated "giri giri" means doing just enough to get by. The song lists several indignities suffered by young people in Japanese society (upskirt perverts, teachers who don't know the subject, mentors who don't care...), so why try - doing just enough to get by is perfect. This is coming from the school LEADERS who are suppose to be encouraging their fellow students to do their best.
Greatness! AG are too good! Seeing how you like the choreo so much, you might want to watch their dance practice videos too. They have a tendency to get silly sometimes but, they are funny as heck. They literally could host a variety show if they wanted. They also host a series of videos on Japanese culture which is pretty cool too.
AG do not have a bad song. All of the videos are fun. Watch them all! "ATARASHII GAKKO! - OTONABLUE / THE FIRST TAKE" "ATARASHII GAKKO! - Night Before the Exam (Single-take performance)" or anything. All of them are different and fun.
You're gonna love them as much as Band-Maid, but for completely different reasons. I know I do. They can pull all of this off live too. It's like an Olympic event.
This is a tremendously interesting band. That combination between very elaborate choreographies and really good vocals is very striking. The song Tokyo Calling or their latest collaboration with Sheena Ringo, Runaway Number 1, are very worthwhile.
I had the same sense as youdid when you mistakenly thought they were harmonizing but not. I think it's because they've been performing together for a long time that they all sound very in sync with each other. For more unison singing goodness, please do listen to their performance of "Otonablue" on The First Take. It will blow you away. ☺️
Not everyone knows an interesting point, the girls create 3 versions of choreography for each song (for the small, medium and large stage), for all occasions where they have to perform
You're awesome NittPicc! I have two words for you. _dance practice_ You can't really love AG no Leaders without viewing the dance practice videos. The "Giri Giri" dance practice video is better than this one... imho. Thanks for the reaction!
Saludos desde México. Gracias por reaccionar a Band- Maid y ahora a atarashii Gakko, para mi las dos mejores agrupaciones del momento. Te recomiendo Otonablue en First Take.
Excellent comments here, so not much to add. However, I will subtract! A couple commenters mentioned the members met in school and decided to form a group. Well, that would be a cool, organic story if true. While they were in early high school level when they first met (except Mizyu, who is 3 years older), they weren't going to school together and didn't start the group on their own. They were brought together by the entertainment management company Asobisystem, which has managed many popular Japanese artists. Their growth as a group, however, was still very organic and natural, and wasn't manufactured. Their hard work, talent, and being allowed to be themselves is what got them where they are today.
I am sorry,I did not realise this was a lovebites reaction. It is not. Fair enough to mention other bands but at least have the decency to at least comment on the subject matter in the video. No wonder lovebites fans get a bad reputation..
I liked the reaction. I'm already a fan of your Band Maid ones, so I'm hoping you do more AG. What I like about AG is the choreography (different and well done) and that the music is all over the place with regard to style. Suki Lie would be a good one to react to. Edited to add: OTONABLUE / THE FIRST TAKE would also be a good one. Maybe better than Suki Lie. I listen mostly to punk rock and 80s/90s hip hop for music. BM has punk elements in some songs, and AG throws in some hip-hop feel, which is probably why I enjoy both groups.
If you think this was fun then you have to listen to the version of their song " Ottonablue " they did on the First Take - 65 MILLION views on RU-vid can't be wrong ! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9MNPt-zlz-8.html Their songs very often contain a strong social message ( usually but not always involving the angst of teenage girls ) . Worth a delve into their catalogue think you'd enjoy it and if you want more Electronica I'd recommend this version of " Pineapple Kryptonite " Yohji Igarashi Remix - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Ugl0TyvIOmY.html. ( and the original MV of " Pineapple Kryptonite " is truly mental ! ) ENJOY !
GIRI GIRI means taking something right to the limit. ATARASHII GAKKO NO LEADERS (Leaders of the New School) are a Dance Vocal group that have been blowing up in America. They headlined two weekends at COACHELLA this year. SUZKA-SAN is an old Vaudevillian man (think Groucho Marx) trapped in a girl’s body. Just watch AG’s SEISHUN GAKKOEN video series. Watch their OTONA BLUE (オトナブルー) Dance Practice video. And PINEAPPLE KRYPTONITE.
I think giri giri Means just in time or nearly, barely. As I got to school just in time. Have you checked out Ado? I would love to see you react to ursewa.
Um NittPicc remember when you said on MNN you might be interested in music collabs? Well i have something specific to ask you about an original song all connected with the BAND-MAID community but i can't leave my gmail address here for obvious reasons. Do you have a gmail address i can contact you on if you're interested?
So now simply posting the words "I got you" is blocked by RU-vid? Someone with some authority really needs to step in and make them actually fix this platform.
@@normanweaver7935 Lol. yeah thx Norman i know that but for some reason links on reactors about pages aren't visible on Tabs, well not on my tab at least :)
AG's a fairly recent discovery for me, too. Maybe late last year? RU-vid randomly recommended "Tokyo Calling" and I was struck in that "wtf is this? I love it!" way. Not my usual thing at all, musically, but they are just so damn fun!
