Japanese girl group, f5ve (pronounced “fi-vee”), has been stealing the hearts of online netizens with their unabashed underground aesthetic since their rebrand in April 2024. Formerly SG5, the five women originally debuted with a Sailor Moon inspired concept. However, those origins are long gone as they’ve reinvented themselves with an edgier, wild party-girl aesthetic. On the surface, Sayaka, Kaede, Ruri, Miyuu, and Rui seem like rookies, but they’re well-trained idols under one of Japan’s biggest entertainment companies, LDH.
The combination of hyper pop sound and paradoxically clean-yet-messy style drew in the online views from K-pop fans and general music fans in queer spaces. Making their formal U.S. debut at LA’s Catch One venue in partnership with Subculture, f5ve delivered an unforgettable sold-out performance to an enthusiastic crowd (likely past the capacity limit). The group’s 1 a.m. stage time didn’t deter fans, as they spent hours waiting at the venue. Many sported Sayaka’s iconic “FLOP ERA” shirt as they waited for the “magic clock” to start.
Outdoors, the merch table had long sold out of any items and f5ve later lamented how they didn’t bring enough. Their team was genuinely surprised at how many people showed up to a Central LA night club to see their performance. Despite their reputation as “unserious queens,” the quintet hit the aptly named Underground room stage right on time with “UFO.” Strutting nostalgic 2000s era black, white, and red themed outfits—reminiscent of off-the-rack Forever 21 and H&M—f5ve were ready to give the audience a night to remember.
Evoking images of Lady Gaga during her “Just Dance” era, the members performed simply for the love of the stage. Their fans, known as hi-5, were right there singing every word to every track in their debut album, Sequence 01, with them. Their executive producer, BloodPop, knew how to lead listeners into connecting to f5ve’s bold energy. Debuting live versions of “Real Girl” and “Bow Chika Wow Wow,” the members got to see the “whole club drippin” for them.
Closing out the night with a remix of “UFO” alongside a surprise appearance by Dorian Electra and Count Baldor, the fans’ fervor hit a fever pitch. Every aspect of the night was perfect and fitting for f5ve: from the sardine packed room to the tightly packed stage. Their next U.S. appearance will be at the LadyLand festival on June 27 in Brooklyn, NY and hi-5 can’t wait for them to come back again soon.
Click on the photo below to view our photos from the concert:
