The Electric Ballroom originally began life as an Irish music hall in the 1930s before adopting its current name in 1978. Since then, it has seen some of the most iconic names in music history pass through its hallowed halls, one of the latest of whom are Phantom Siita. Although they only formed recently, the buzz surrounding this five-person unit suggests they have the potential to take their rightful place amongst the other great bands who have played this most iconic of venues.
Phantom Siita, Electric Ballroom, London on 19/02/2025
Despite having roots which only stretch back to November 2023, Phantom Siita have made quite an impact since their formation with countless music streams and videos that have been viewed millions of times on YouTube. With their cute looks and heavy sound, the five-piece has quite a buzz surrounding them, but with that comes a weight of expectation. However, it’s the live environment where reputations are made, so it will be interesting to see how the band will cope with the pressure.
And there is a certain amount of pressure, especially from the rabid fans at the front of the stage who, with glow sticks primed for action, eagerly await the band’s appearance. It means that when Phantom Siita arrive they are welcomed with a huge cheer and opening song Kimi to xxxx Shitai dake sends the crowd suitably wild. Three more songs follow from their debut album Shoujo no Hi no Omoide before they take their first MC break where they expressed their happiness to be in London and their joy at meeting everyone and even those of us with limited Japanese language skills understood their command to make lots of noise (especially during the Phantom Siita chant).
From here the five-piece moved into cover version territory with a full group version of Suki Suki Daisuki (originally by Jun Togawa), before they each returned to the stage for an individual performance. Mona took on Aoi Sangoshou, Rinka covered FANTASY (which you’ll probably recognise from its past resurgence on social media), Miu covered Kenshi Yonez’s KICK BACK, Hisui performed One Last Kiss whilst Moka took on Yasuha’s Fly-Day Chinatown. Then it was back to the group action for another cover, this time a lively version of 4:00am (first recorded by Taeko Onuki).
After another, more sombre, MC section, the girl group returned to their debut album with HANAGATAMI before pulling another city pop ace out the bag with Miki Matsubara’s Mayonaka no Door~Stay With Me and seeing this performed live was definitely a bucket list item ticked off. The gig concluded with latest single Otomodachi that found them departing the stage to rapturous applause. Of course, the band come back for some well-earned encores, but first they began with a third MC, during which the gave tearful gratitude to everyone who came tonight. With no dip in energy levels, the band perform a three-song encore, concluding with personal favourite Zoku Zoku.
Tonight’s show was a fitting way to conclude their Moth To A Flame tour, but judging by the crowd’s reaction, they’ll be welcome back anytime.
Photography: JJ Grant (Wonderlens)
