A darkened room, smoke filling the stage as 6 girls sing and dance their way through a well-rehearsed routine, their fans cheering and shouting encouragement from the floor in front of the stage. High energy from all parties involved, it was mesmerising.
This was my first encounter with the idol unit known as AdFicTioN.
First coming together in 2016 and making their debut in July 2017, this group of girls is still at the start of their journey into the world of idol music. Yet, in the year that has passed since their debut, they have already achieved a lot.
Bringing together highly energetic performances and dance routines on the stage and combining them with powerful, distinctive vocals and rocking music to create an experience that stays in the memory long after the music stops. It has carried them forwards through their development and will no doubt continue to carry them forward as they continue to learn, adapt and evolve.
It has been a productive year for them, releasing a couple of music videos and ultimately a CD, not just a single or an EP but a full 9 track album titled “The First Story”, the strength of the album shows the potential that the unit has to produce high-quality music and performances. It’s mixture of heavy rock beats and more melodic moments, paired with the individual and group harmonies, the listener is carried on a journey, it is easy to become lost in the story. Unfortunately, the CD is only available at the live shows for now, though I expect that will change. The two music videos they released, both in June this year, shows the music the girls are capable of producing. First up is 腐りきったこの世界は (This rotten world) – very much a song to get the feet tapping and people up dancing. It conveys energy to the listener from the first few bars.
This was followed by The answer is… which while still comprising a rocking backtrack, has the feel of a more melodic feel, a softer side of the group perhaps.
July was a transient month for them. They achieved a dream by having their first solo performance, a sell-out concert in Shibuya, swiftly followed by a visual transformation as the group changed their image and donned new, darker costumes that were designed by one of the members. Marina’s costume design marking the beginning of a change, the transition to the new AdFicTioN.
Unfortunately, July also saw the graduation of one of the members, with Sachi deciding it was time to move on. Graduations are not an uncommon thing in the idol world, they are in fact very common, but it is never an easy thing for any group, nor the fans, to deal with and Sachi’s departure definitely had an impact on everyone.
But the girls are undeterred, they are continuing to progress and learn. Becoming a new version of themselves. Marina, Orie, Mami, Sana and Yu-ka are starting on a new chapter of their story, with 5 members. They certainly have the potential to achieve great things and are worth checking out. Whether this potential is realised remains to be seen. But they will continue to work towards it and their loyal, dedicated following, known as “Fixxers” will be there with them every step of the way.
