Akai Ko-en

Given that it's only two-and-a-half years since they first started playing together, Akai Ko-en seem to be doing rather well for themselves. The all-female rock quartet (one of whom, vocalist Chiaki Sato, is still in her teens) developed an impressive reputation on the live circuit before being signed to EMI, all the while maintaining a strict no-internet policy that they've only grudgingly begun to abandon now. So far this year, they've released a pair of mini albums that showcased their 'black' rock and 'white' pop sides, the latter of which will be celebrated at this gig, featuring support from former tour buddies Chiina.