By now you may have heard of the international hit sensation Perfume. Their music has been featured in Pixar's Cars 2 movie and they recently made a cameo appearance in American alternative rock group OK Go's music video, "I Won't Let You Down." On November 9, 2014, after two “World Tours” oddly both skipping North America, I am composing this article as Perfume is performing live on stage at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles. Check out our report!

As some of you may be aware, I tend to dread writing music or concert impressions. Critiquing music can be difficult, as in most cases as listeners, you either like it or you don't. With Perfume; it was something that I leaped at the opportunity as I have listened to their music for a number of years. Identity wise, it has been repeated over and over again through various media that it’s difficult to describe or categorize Perfume. At its core, Perfume would be best categorized as a techno pop idol group consisting of three members Nocchi, Achan, and Kashiyuka. Almost 11 years ago, the trio started as an idol group competing against countless others. Over the years, they had their ups and downs struggling to find their own identity until in 2007 their release of the addicting and now iconic "Chocolate Disco" caught the attention of the general public. For those unfamiliar with some of Perfume's songs, I will do my best to include samples throughout the article as they are mentioned.

In 2008, the group also received their own television show, "Happy!" The show aired over the span of a year and was a hilarious "high-tension girl's variety" show where each member was able to show more of their personalities. 2008 also marked Perfume's first appearance on Japan's most watched and prestigious Kohaku New Year music show. In 2010, Perfume made their first performance outside of Japan in Macau at the Mnet Asian Music Awards (MAMA). This proved to be a significant turning point for Perfume putting them in front of an international audience and the first time I heard about the group. They also took home with them the Best Asian Pop Artist Award. Perfume's rise in global acceptance is partially thanks to electronic dance music's popularity growing out of Europe. At the same time, Korean pop music which featured female groups dancing in high heels and hot pants were beginning to emerge. The timing couldn't be better blending the two genres transforming Perfume from cute school girl idols to electronic dance goddesses in Christian Louboutin heels.

Perfume's performances are a sight to behold. Combining the latest visual effects with giant LEDs, incredible laser, and light shows, the trio truly shine on stage. Before the concert, we walked up and down the line which wrapped around the Hollywood Palladium and spoke with several fans. Surprisingly, there were a large number of fans who flew in from Japan who waited in line as early as 3AM.

Upon entering the lobby, merchandising could be purchased from the left including T-shirts and exclusive member only items such as photobooks. We also couldn't help but noticed the gorgeous flower bouquet, oiwai no hana (?????), congratulating Perfume on their first performance in the USA...

As the room filled, I was surprised at how many were present. Initially the show was not sold out, but the sheer number of at the door attendees grew. Max capacity for the venue is listed as 4,000 people but it certainly felt more than that as every level of the venue was packed with people shoulder to shoulder all the way to the back. Even before the show started, the crowd was absolutely pumped and ready to go with clapping and synchronized chants.

Turning my eyes toward the stage, was decorated with stacked cubes that changed colors on the floor and hanging from the ceiling. 

Although we were told at the start of the concert that there would be no video or photography allowed, I couldn't help but notice the sea of lit up screens around the hall, many which are already up on Youtube. The screen dropped and a deafening cheer from the audience as Perfume starts their show with "Spring of Life." 

Next was one of their most recent songs, the hypnotizing "Cling Cling."

Part way through the performance was the MC portion. This was an absolutely adorable moment as Achan was speaking openly as if she was talking to a friend over the phone. Since the girls knew a limited amount of English, they asked the audience who could translate for them. Surprisingly, they handed the mic to our very own resident The-O Network host and translator Alysa McWilliams.

To start, Noochi said she was extremely surprised to see so many people at their performance and Kashiyuka mentioned she really likes the smoothie chain Jamba Juice. Seeing all the fans in LA was unbelievable for Achan, almost like a dream. Achan continued with a hilarious discussion on her bewilderment of the difference between American and Japanese showers with the latter generally having detachable shower head handles. To the delight of the audience, she then began to cutely mimic the sound when you detach a shower head. She wondered if it was difficult to use and started to mime attempting to shower, confused on how to position herself properly to rinse off to the amusement of the audience. She also wanted to take a bath but American bathtubs were so shallow compared to the ones in Japan. Achan noted they were staying at the same hotel they were at previously for the premiere for Cars 2. She also thought it was very cold in LA. Achan really wanted to eat a real American cheeseburger when they arrived, In-N-Out specifically, and it was really delicious. Next time she goes she wants to wait in line at the drive through. The topic of cheeseburger ended up into a spur of the moment into a chant for the audience to shout "CHEESE! BURGER!" 

I think one of the highlights of the show for me was the bass heavy "Party Maker" and "GAME" both with go-go style influenced dancing. The bass was turned up so high, even from the second floor I could feel the vibrations. As part of the encore set, the final song played was "MY COLOR" where the entire audience was involved waving their hands, and counting down with the girls. Having been to a fair share of Japanese concerts locally and overseas, one of the most striking thing to me was the lack of glow sticks in the audience. This might be partially explained by the fact that most of Perfume's performances involve a lot of interactive hand motions for the audience making glow sticks unnecessary and allowing everyone to participate. 

My only complaints were the echoes in the venue that occasionally made the girls sound like chipmunks. While a couple of the songs were subtitled on screen, it would have been nice if they were all subtitled. My biggest disappointment was the omission of the dress pattern projections during their performance which has been so iconic on their more recent performances. I also wished their management was more receptive to media attention. Unfortunately, their popularity and status as idols does lead to strict controls over their talent's image and what would profit the most.

At the very end, Achan left with some parting words, although people from all around the world may speak different languages or have different culture, “Same music, same passion.” After two hours of nonstop head thumping music, it was definitely an unforgettable performance and I look forward to the next time seeing them again. 

Overall, most of the fan favorites were played that night. Most of the slower songs were omitted opting for the more high energy dance music. You can check out the full set list provided by management below:

1. Enter the Sphere
2. Spring of Life
3. Cling Cling
4. One Room Disco
5. Nee
6. SEVENTH HEAVEN
7. Hold Your Hand
8. Spending all my time (DV&LM remix)
9. GAME
10. Dream Fighter
11. Party Maker
12. GLITTER
13. Chocolate Disco
14. Polyrhythm

Encore?
1. FAKE IT
2. MY COLOR

Note: Set list from each performance varied slightly from each venue and list above appears to may have been from the New York performance.