Idol music has been in a state of flux for the last few years. As the idol boom started to slow down and idols began to take on more diverse careers, new styles and sounds emerged that pushed against what had come before. Atarashii Gakko’s approach is a breath of fresh air in comparison with their unique sound and lyrics which are not afraid to push boundaries or be critical. They have rapidly garnered an international following for their refreshing take on the genre.
Who is Atarashii Gakko?
Atarashii Gakko are an idol group formed in 2015 who have made a huge impact on the Japanese music scene with their unique approach to lyrics and sound. It is composed of four members: Mizyu, Rin, Suzuka, and Kanun. Their sound is hard to define due to its diverse nature, but it often uses elements of rock, pop, rap and gothic themes which gives it a dark feel, complimented by their punkish vocals.
Their lyrics are equally bold, often touching on taboo subjects such as suicide, feminism and sexual assault. Their music videos also push boundaries with a dark style which doesn’t shy away from things such as violence against women. The group has been accused of being shocking for the sake of being shocking, but it is their willingness to tackle such subjects that makes them such an interesting group.
Atarashii Gakko’s Music
Atarashii Gakko’s sound is very hard to define due to the sheer number of genres they use. Some examples include punk, rap, rock and pop. This makes them difficult to compare with other groups as their music doesn’t fit neatly into one category or another. Indeed, there is a strong DIY ethic in their music which gives it an unpolished feel.
Atarashii Gakko’s voice is also something of interest, often described as ‘punkish’. This isn’t the most accurate description but is a good starting point. They often sing in either high or low-voiced tones which give them an unusual sound when compared to other idol groups.
Atarashii Gakko’s Songs
One of Atarashii Gakko’s most popular songs is ‘Nainainai” which roughly translates to “I have nothing” or “Nothingness”. This reflects on the subject matter of the lyrics which are about teenage insecurities. The song has a very simple sound, with only two chords being used throughout. It tells an emotional story of someone who feels they have no meaning in life and can’t bring themselves to tell anyone how they feel, and ends on a wistful note as the protagonist comes to terms with their problems.
In comparison with other idols, Atarashii Gakko do not shy away from controversy. They have released songs with lyrics about underage drinking, sexual assault and suicide. This gives them the potential to become a voice for those who don’t always feel heard or understood. However, since these are themes that most people would rather not discuss it will be interesting to see how far they can push their music before it begins to impact their fan base.
Atarashii Gakko’s Future
Although Atarashii Gakko have only been around for a short time, they have already found success in Japan with their unique approach to idol music. They are unafraid to tackle serious or taboo subjects which has drawn praise from international fans, but also drawn criticism for being too shocking. It remains to be seen whether Atarashii Gakko will continue their approach to lyrics and sound, but they are certainly a group worth keeping an eye on.
In Conclusion
Atarashii Gakko have taken a unique approach to their music by not being afraid to address taboo subjects which other idol groups avoid. Their music is hard to define but has elements of punk, rock, rap and pop, making them difficult to compare with others. Their lyrics are their biggest asset, tackling issues that are ignored in Japan such as sexual assault or suicide.
Their willingness to challenge norms using their dark style has led to widespread critical acclaim as well as awards. They have also been accused of being shocking just to get views but this is part of their charm and what makes them such an interesting group.
