Japanese girl group F5ve (pronounced “fi-vee”) has announced their debut album, “Sequence 01,” via LDH Records/Three Six Zero Recordings. The announcement comes alongside a new single and video for “Magic Clock,” plus the launch of the group’s first merchandise line and physical album pre-orders.
The 11-track album, executive produced by Grammy nominee BloodPop (Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber), features additional production from A.G. Cook (Charli XCX, Utada Hikaru) and Hudson Mohawke. “Sequence 01” blends dance, rock, funk and hyperpop elements with metallic snares and subcultural references to create what the label describes as “a high-energy collision of sonic worlds.”
The album includes previously released singles “UFO,” “Underground” and the group’s debut track “Lettuce.”
F5ve, comprising J-pop veterans Sayaka, Kaede, Miyuu, Ruri (previously in Happiness and E-Girls) and Rui (from iScream), has been gaining international attention, with co-signs from artists including Rosalía, A.G. Cook and Grimes. The group describes themselves as “inter-dimensional dream agents from Tokyo” whose mission is “to infiltrate the subconscious mind to eradicate self-doubt and bad vibes.” In contrast to J-pop’s traditionally sweet image, F5ve embraces darker and more mature themes of love and womanhood.
The video for “Magic Clock,” directed by Crystalline Structures Studio (IVE), features the quintet in a clock shop run by Tsurugi of Psychic Fever, with the members shifting between different ages in a surreal time loop.
“This song lets you time-travel through exciting memories of the past and future, or to precious moments spent with your loved ones,” member Rui explained about the new single.
The label promises “Sequence 01” delivers “authentic Japanese pop that gives you VIP access into the Japan you wish you knew.” The album arrives symbolically on the fifth day of the fifth month, with release set for May 5.
