Japanese Girl Group F5ve to Drop Debut Album ‘Sequence 01’ in May

Japanese girl group F5ve (pronounced “fi-vee”) has exciting news to share: their debut album, titled “Sequence 01,” is set to drop on May 5 through LDH Records/Three Six Zero Recordings. In addition to this thrilling announcement, the group has unveiled a fresh single and music video for “Magic Clock,” along with their very first merchandise line and the option to pre-order physical copies of the album.

This 11-track album is executive produced by the Grammy-nominated BloodPop, renowned for his collaborations with artists like Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber. It also features contributions from A.G. Cook (known for his work with Charli XCX and Utada Hikaru) and Hudson Mohawke. “Sequence 01” promises a genre-blending experience, combining elements of dance, rock, funk, and hyperpop, characterized by metallic snares, underground vibes, and innovative production.

Listeners can look forward to fan-favorite tracks such as “UFO,” “Underground,” and their debut single “Lettuce.”

A Daring New Chapter in J-Pop

F5ve unites seasoned J-pop artists from some of the most prominent groups in the industry—Sayaka, Kaede, Miyuu, Ruri (formerly of Happiness and E-Girls), and Rui (from iScream). The collective has already captured international attention, receiving accolades from global stars like Rosalía, A.G. Cook, and Grimes.

Breaking away from the typical bright and cheerful J-pop vibe, F5ve opts for a darker, more edgy style, delving into themes of love, empowerment, and self-exploration. They describe themselves as “inter-dimensional dream agents from Tokyo,” dedicated to eliminating self-doubt and negativity from the mind.

“Magic Clock” Video: A Timeless Adventure

The recently unveiled music video for “Magic Clock,” directed by Crystalline Structures Studio (IVE), transports the group to an enchanting clock shop managed by Tsurugi of Psychic Fever. The visuals play with the concept of time, as the members transition through various ages in a surreal time loop.

“This song allows you to revisit treasured memories from both the past and future, reconnecting you with special moments shared with loved ones,” Rui explained about the song’s significance.

With “Sequence 01,” F5ve seeks to present a novel perspective on Japanese pop music, inviting listeners into a Japan that feels both recognizable and fantastical.