From the M Gazette magazine vol.25 7/1999
<INTERVIEW>
⎯⎯⎯How did Fatima come together?
Lay: From our previous band, we
decided "Let's work together!" and formed (Fatima) in June of last year.
⎯⎯⎯What's the origin of the band name "Fatima"?
Lay: I took the
name after the blue-bearded guy in one of Grimm's stories.
⎯⎯⎯What's a highlight of your live?
Mizuha: Maybe our movements
are the strange part
Daisuke: Our vocalist, Hitomi-kun (currently
in the hospital), might die during a live!
⎯⎯⎯The first single "Downer" doesn't seem to have Hitomi-san's moaning voice
well known from your live performances....?
Daisuke: Ah,
that's.... because it's too noisy (lol)
Lay: Please come to our
live to hear it.
⎯⎯⎯You're really into the design of CD jackets and such, huh.
Lay:
That's something I'm really particular about. I don't want to compromise on
anything when it comes to anything related to the band, not only the design of
the flyers and such. But because of that, it takes a lot of money.. (bitter
smile)
⎯⎯⎯Who takes the lead on making decisions?
Lay: Everyone decides.
This is a very democratic band.
⎯⎯⎯Well then, let's have a few words for the readers please.
Mizuha: No matter what changes, come see Fatima.
Lay: Don't forget to
wait for us! (lol)
Daisuke: Soon it will be summer, but you might
be surprised before summer.
⎯⎯⎯Did something happen? Now that you mention it, there's nothing on the
schedule after 6/12. Are there any plans after that?
Lay: The
truth is that on 6/12, our drummer Daisuke will be leaving us. Because of that
our future activity is undecided, but we won't be disbanding. I don't know
when we'll be returning to activity, but we absolutely will revive, so please
wait for us.
Daisuke: I'd also like to join a new band by the end
of summer.. and play a tai-ban with Fatima.
Lay: No way!
Everyone: (burst of laughter)
<PROFILE>
Fatima formed in April of 1998. Starting with Ikebukuro CYBER in June of that
same year, they also performed at venues like Urawa Narciss and Meguro
Rockmaykan. Their concept is "cyber punk." On December of last year, they
released their 1st single, "Downer", which was limited to 2000 copies. The
"COLD SHOOTING TOUR~Addiction Doctor and BLUEBERRY~" held in March this year
was also a great success.
<LIVE REPORT>
As the lights went down, I could hear Hitomi's low, emotional a cappella voice
filling the room, coming from behind the curtain on the stage. The live
started with the slow-tempo "Fortune" and then continued to the "feeling
sticky" of "Sticky Flower". Hitomi's whispering voice and sexy movements were
honestly very fascinating. "Blind" had a unique and cute chorus with effects
from bassist Lay, who was looking quite nice with his pink hair and two
antennae.
With the cool driven noise that pierces your ears, that
bewitching aura of Hitomi's low singing voice, and the kind of MC that tickles
your stomach, if you ever go to one of Fatima's live shows, you'll be able to
get rid of all kinds of frustrations.
(4/30 at Urawa Narcissus)
<CD CHECK>
Downer 98.12.9 Release
This release has 2 songs, the striking "Downer"
with its noise-like vocals, and the bewitching "Love Me" with its sense of
speed. The lyrics are sexy, but there seems to be something more hidden in
them. I certainly hope you'll give it a listen! (Minowa Kayoko)