So into J-pop: Perfume

Perfume is made up of three members: Yuka Kashino, Ayaka Nishiwaki, & Ayano Omoto.

Getting Into Perfume

Now, I must admit, I am not much of a Techno-J-pop listener. But the first album I ever heard from Perfume was Future Pop (released in 2018) in August, and I loved it. Yes, they do not sound like every j-pop singer/songwriter out there, but they are one heck of performers. There is no need to listen to AKB48+-, and all those other candy-coated costumed girl groups out there. When it comes to Techno-J-Pop music, Perfume is all you need (no pun intended). But I must also admit, that’s why it took so long for me to reach Perfume.

Because of their sound, I thought Perfume was like AKB48. Heck, I thought they were part of AKB3 or something like that. But I was wrong. They are different, and having three adult females sing in techno can be fun! The band name “Perfume” is made up of all the original members (former member Yuka Kawashima) having the same kanji in their names. The kanji is KA (香) for kaori (fragrance).

It was only when I watched the video below that I cared to give Perfume a listen. And also because my iTunes library was running dry and I needed something new to listen to that I finally tried Perfume out. Appearances may be deceiving, but sounds never fail. When I watched the video, Perfume seemed like a genuine j-pop group, in love with the work that they do, and not all in it for the money like some idol groups out in Japan. I fell in love with them.

Listening to The Sound of Perfume

Perfume’s sound is very, how can I put it…anime-ish. But since that’s the sound Perfume is going for, after a few listens, you get used to it. The sound doesn’t become monotonous or annoying since each song has a different beat to them. Getting into Perfume, when I first saw and heard them the thought that immediately came to mind was Daft Punk+TLC.

Musically, their beats and synths sound like something Daft Punk would release, and their appearance could pass for a Japanese TLC. Maybe it has to due with TLC’s MV for No Scrubs. Their vibe is futuristic and ahead of their time. When I listen to Perfume, I feel as if I’m transported to some futuristic place, or another dimension. Taking this into account, it’s a great experience even though I cannot interpret what they are singing about without lyrics.

Song Glitter, released from their third album, JPN.

Glitter, one of my favorite songs from Perfume has a performance in the UK that is out of this world. The flashing lights in the video excite me all the time when I watch the above video. But one thing I have to point out though is that when it comes to listening to Perfume, you have to listen to them without distraction. If you listen to them with other noise going on in your life, you will lose touch with their music.

Perfume intends to be uplifting and fun, and their music while it does sound as if it’s meant for the club, should be enjoyed in silence if you are listening to it alone. Above all, Perfume is great at performing the music they create. In my opinion, to really enjoy Perfume without a performance or MV, they should be listened to with deep deep contemplation.

Best P Cubed

Perfume’s most recent release Perfume The Best: P Cubed (stylized P³) is Perfume’s 3rd compilation best-album. It is a 3-disc set, with 52 tracks in total (compiling all their singles together). After listening to J-pop for practically 15 years I can tell you one thing: Japan loves releasing compilation albums. They L-O-V-E LOVE love it. My words cannot emphasize how much Japan loves releasing compilation albums for everything that has music to its name. But Perfume has six albums with their debut album, Game released in 2008. That being said, is a third compilation release justified? I’m not sure, but I know that it’s the only one I need so far and the only one that is necessary unless you want to collect their full discography for no reason but to give Perfume more money. The only single not on this album is Glitter, which surprises me because it is a really good song from them.

I’ve never listened to Game, but just with the album cover, you can see how far Perfume has come with Future Pop. With Future Pop, their artwork is clear and precise (more defined and high budget), and their sound is evidently the sound of the future. My favorite song from Future Pop (also in P³) is FUSION.

If Perfume is your first foray into J-pop, let Future Pop and Perfume The Best: P Cubed be the start. It is all you need when it comes to Perfume. Nevertheless, they are now one of my favorite J-pop groups. I’m lucky I got a sound of perfume because following them is really, really interesting.