I thought I’d write a blog about another group which I really like called Scandal. They’re a pop punk group consisting of 4 schoolgirls from Osaka and they’re awesome. I first noticed this group in 2007 due to the buzz that was on the internet from some Western fans who’d heard about them.
Haruna, Tomomi, Mami and Rina make up Scandal who first performed on Osaka’s streets in 2006. Due to the positive reaction by the crowds who grew steadily in size they moved on to perform in various halls in Osaka and Kyoto. It was during a performance at Shibuya’s Club Asia that they finally hit the jackpot with record label Tower Records snapping them up. In March this year they released their first indie single “Space Ranger” and then another 2 singles in April and May. A mini-album was also released in August.
Scandal took an opportunity to perform abroad for the first time during March which might be seen as a bit risky for such an unknown group outside their native Japan. It was those lucky people in the US that got a taste of Scandal on the Japan Nite US Tour 2008 and during the Sakura-Con anime convention. Naturally they bought the house down in each location they performed and won over a legion of new fans.
I believe it is only a matter of time before Scandal hit the big time. They deserve it as they’ve put the time and effort from the very beginning when they were also studying at school (not easy having to juggle everything in their hectic lifestyle). What I like most about them is they write their own music and play their own instruments – their songs are catchy and infectious and they bring a youthful enthusiasm when they play live. I’d really like to see them live in the future.
Below you’ll find a PV to the first single they released and my favorite song of theirs – Space Ranger
