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Fujifabric |
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Shimura Masahiko
Katou Shinichi 2003
Yamauchi Souichirou 2004
Kanazawa Daisuke 2003
Adachi Fusafumi 2004 |
Vocals, Guitar
Bass
Guitar
Keyboard
Drums |
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Profile |
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From jazz to rock and everything in between Fujifabric manages to amaze the listener with their musical styling, while still maintaining a sound that is purely their own. From the jazz sound of "Kieru Na Taiyou" to the disco beat of "Sakura Namiki, Futatsu No Kasa" you find yourself wondering if there isn't a style that can't be incorporated in a Fujifabric song, that Masahiko's voice can't interpret, or that these talented musicians can't play. Combine that with Masahiko's incredible writing skills and Fujifabric will keep you coming back for more.
As with most bands there is a story behind the band's name. Fujifabric has the rare distinction of being named after a textile company [Fuji Fabric] based in Yamanashi Prefecture. They were founded by Masahiko Shimura and Takayuki Watanabe, the son of Fuji Fabric's owner. As students Watanabe and Shimura met in junior high school forming their first cover band. After high school and with the name of their band already chosen, they moved to Tokyo in 2000. Tadokoro Sachiko joined on keyboards and in October 2001, Fujifabric played for the first time on stage at Shibuya's Eggsite live house.
Fujifabric released their first mini album A La Carte in October 2002, under the CRUX label. Major labels took notice. In the meantime the band continued to perform and released the mini album A La Mode in June 2003 [CRUX]. Within the year Fujifabric was signed to Toshiba-EMI. The band entered the studio late in 2003, to work on 4 new maxi singles themed on the four seasons and a full album, the band's first. Each single was to be released at specific times over the coming year, with the album Fuji Fabric being released on November 10, 2004. The mini album A La Molto appeared as a limited pre-release in February 2004. The pre-promotional schedule could have been dictated by a change in the band line up.
In January, one of the two founding members, Takayuki Watanabe, quit the group citing creative differences. He refused to comment on the band's future or past, except to state that they [the band] will be continuing on with the name.
Originally this profile ended with "It will be interesting to hear what direction Shimura Masahiko takes Fujifabric in the future without Takayuki Watanabe."
On hearing the album Fuji Fabric for the first time, I was not impressed with the band's leadership nor the band's direction. What had once been an innovative and vital sound had been reduced to a dim echo of the original. Literally the heart had been ripped from the music, or the band as the case may be. Will they recover?
With a more polished return to their indie roots, Fujifabric's single Ginga is infused with a maturity that brings together the styles that had divided indie and single Fujifabric fans into different camps. I am happy to report that Fujifabric is back and better than ever. (updated 2004-03-26)
- Denise Smith (published 2004.12.13, updated 2006.03.30) |
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Artist homepage
Toshiba-Emi
Samples |
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Keikaku Content |
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Review - Fuji Fabric
Review - Ginga
Review - Niji |
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Discography list |
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| Albums |
| RTSC-002 |
A La Carte |
| RTSC-005 |
A La Mode |
| TOCT-25291 |
A La Molto |
| TOCT-25519 |
Fuji Fabric |
| TOCT-25847 |
Fab Fox |
Singles |
| RTSC - 001 |
SONG-CRUX Split Series Kyouen |
| TOCT-4709 |
Sakura No Kisetsu / Sakuranamiki, Futatsu No Kasa |
| TOCT-4737 |
Kagerou |
| TOCT-4781 |
Akakiiro No Kinmokusei |
| TOCT-4835 |
Ginga |
| TOCT-4873 |
Niji |
| TOCT-4911 |
Akaneiro no Yuuhi |
Compilations |
| Unknown |
Midnight Charm 04 |
| RTLC-001 |
LIVE-CRUX Vol.1 |
| TIBE-0002 |
Shinjuku Meeting02 |
| SVWC-7140 |
I'll / CKBC Image Album Sentimental Lilac |
| Unknown |
ラスケスペシャル1 |
| SELD-004 |
D★SELDOM 4 |
| TOCT-25889 |
Happy Birthday, John |
DVDs |
| PTBH-1003 |
DVD ROCK魂!~怒涛ロック~ |
| TOBF-5444 |
Fab Clips |
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Kagerou (Single)
Released: 2004.07.14 (TOCT-4737)
Label: Toshiba EMI
Tracklist
1. Kagerou
2. Nagisa Ni Te
3. Live-han "Kagerou" Kanzen Shuuroku |
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DVD ROCK魂!~怒涛ロック~ (DVD)
Released: 2004.06.23 (PTBH-1003)
Label: Project-T
Tracklist
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Sakura No Kisetsu / Sakuranamiki, Futatsu No Kasa (Single)
Released: 2004.04.14 (TOCT-4709)
Label: Toshiba EMI
Tracklist
1. Sakura No Kisetsu
2. Sakuranamiki, Futatsu No Kasa
3. Sakura No Kisetsu |
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A La Molto (Album)
Released: 2004.02.18 (TOCT-25291)
Label: Toshiba EMI
Tracklist
1. Akaneiro No Yuuhi
2. Hanaya No Musume
3. Senkou Hanabi
4. Dansu2000
5. Kanjou Nana Gousen
6. Ukigumo
7. Waratte Sayonara |
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A La Mode (Album)
Released: 2003.06.21 (RTSC-005)
Label: CRUX
Tracklist
1. Hanaya No Musume
2. Otteke Otteke
3. O Tsuki Sama Nopperabou
4. Kieru Na Taiyou
5. Kanjou Nanagousen
6. Waratte Sayonara |
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D★SELDOM 4 (Compilation)
Released: 2003.03.25 (SELD-004)
Tracklist
16. Kanjou Shich Gousen |
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ラスケスペシャル1 (Compilation)
Released: 2002.12.11
Tracklist
06. 線香花火 [新宿LOFT] |
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I'll / CKBC Image Album Sentimental Lilac (Compilation)
Released: 2002.11.20 (SVWC-7140)
Tracklist
6. Senkou Hanabi |
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