Artists

the brilliant green

Biography

Formed in 1995, the brilliant green perform a brand of jangle pop reminiscent of the Byrds and early-R.E.M. Most of the band's songs are sung in English, even though singer Kawase Tomoko is not a native speaker. Her accent detracts nothing from the group's solid hooks.

Kawase was recruited for the band when fellow members Okuda Shunsaku and Matsui Ryoo saw her perform in a club.

The trio signed to Sony Music in 1997 and released a number of singles that were modest successes.

In 1998, "There Will Be Love There" was used as the theme for a television drama, Love Again, propelling the brilliant green to fame. When the band's self-titled debut was finally released, it sold a million copies in two days.

That success even led Kawase to model for Italian designer Fiorucci.

The band's second album, Terra 2001, was released the following year, and on New Year's Day 2001, the trio released Los Angeles, the brilliant green's first album to be sung entirely in Japanese.

In 2001, Kawase embarked on a solo project under the name Tommy February6. Unlike the jangle rock of the brilliant green, Tommy February6 harkens back to a vintage early 80s, drawing comparrisons to Duran Duran.

After releasing an eponymous album as Tommy february6, Kawase returned to the brilliant green and released a series of singles leading to the band's fourth album, The Winter Album.

In 2003, the band went on hiatus again to pursue more solo projects. Kawase divides her time between two personas -- the 80s pop idol Tommy february6, and her rock 'n' roll alter ego, Tommy heavenly6.

Matsui, on the other hand, spent a good portion of 2004 in London, recording with a number of British musicians for his project meister, which releases its debut single in September 2004.

Members

Okuda Shunsaku: Bass
Matsui Ryou: Guitar
Kawase Tomoko: Vocals