fra-foa Mikami Chisako Takahashi Seiji Hiratsuka Manabu Sasaki Kouji Vocals Guitar Bass Drums Profile fra-froa's lifetime may have been ephemeral, but they burned white-hot during their years of activity. The group's poignant live shows and recordings have touched fans and built a loyal following across Japan. Formed in Sendai in 1998, frontwoman Mikami Chisako coined the band's moniker, an onomatopoeia for a floating sensation. During the early years of the band's career, fra-foa's sound was literally a deluge of grungy emotion. As the backbone of the band's style, the drums and bass lay down simple, plodding rhythms, with Takahashi Seiji's loud guitar awash in distortion. As a whole the instrumentals were comparable to a slower-paced In Utero-era Nirvana. Of course, the main draw was Mikami Chisako's explosive vocals. Often compared to singer-songwriter Cocco, her voice covers considerable range, with tender cooing often followed by piercing cries or growls matching Takahashi's agitated licks. Unsurprisingly the band's live performances quickly became a spectacle, with the band increasingly empowered by the audience's energy. Mikami would regularly write messages on surveys passed out to concertgoers (a common practice in Japan) as "I am only as strong as the power you give me." Major label Toys Factory took notice and singed fra-foa in 2000, releasing their meandering "Tsuki to Sabaku" as the band's debut single. The full album Chuu no Fuchi followed in February 2001. Fittingly, fra-foa was paired with producer Steve Albini (of In Utero fame, among many others), and the album's raw and unrelenting sound showcased their style at its best. Chuu no Fuchi proved to be a difficult listen, and while it continued to grow the band's fanbase, fra-foa had a whole new set of tricks up their sleeve, surfacing in their September 2002 album 13 leaves, which shocked their fans all over again. fra-foa had turned their style upside down. Gone were the raw stylings and heavy songs of their debut, replaced with a shimmery production and a quicker pace. Mikami's vocals also lacked the edginess of her earlier material. The characteristic wailing from "Aojiroi Tsuki" was out, the vibrato and upper register of "blind star" in. The result was an intense pop album that was just as engaging, if slightly less breathtaking, than Chuu no Fuchi. Shortly after 13 leaves, Mikami put fra-foa on hold to give birth, but in the meantime the band's record contract with Toys Factory expired, leaving their releases out-of-print. Mikami later released her solo album Watashi ha Anata no Uchuu in 2004, and landed an acting role in an independent film. fra-foa briefly resumed live activities in 2004 and debuted one new song, "Tobenai Tori." In spite of vague plans to start performing again in 2005, fra-foa finally met its end. On May 14, 2005, their final performance was held at Shibuya's Club Quattro. However, the members' musical careers still continue. Mikami has her solo work, Takahashi joined N.E.S. in 2002, Hiratsuka plays with Wreep and Sasaki with Uragaese Orewo. [Mikami Chisako Interview 2005.02.10] - James Route (published 2005.02.14, updated 2006.07.16) Links Artist homepage Samples Discography list Albums TFCC-88171 Chuu no Fuchi TFCC-86115 13 leaves Singles TFCC-87055 Tsuki to Sabaku TFCC-87065 Aojiroi Tsuki TFCC-87074 Sumiwataru Sora, Sono Mukou ni Boku ga Mita Mono TFCC-87087 Chiisana Hikari. TFCC-89013 Kirameyuku Mono TFCC-87055 Kienai Yoru ni DVDs Unknown fra-foa DVD LIVE & CLIPS		Tsuki to Sabaku (Single) Released: 2000.05.24 (TFCC-87055) Label: Toys Factory Tracklist 1. Tsuki to Sabaku 2. Mikazuki no Kodoku 3. Tsuki to Sabaku (Dub Mix) « 1 2 Organise Select type All Album Single EP Compilation Demo DVD Order by release date title type back to profiles
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