f5ve Announces Debut Album ‘SEQUENCE 01’ and Releases New Single ‘Magic Clock’

Japanese girl group f5ve has officially announced their debut album SEQUENCE 01, set for release on May 5, 2025, under LDH Records and Three Six Zero Recordings. The announcement arrives alongside the release of their latest single, Magic Clock, which is now available on all major streaming platforms. The group has also launched a new merchandise line and opened pre-orders for physical copies of the album.

A Genre-Bending Introduction to f5ve

SEQUENCE 01 serves as a bold introduction to f5ve, an inter-dimensional J-pop group redefining the genre with a unique fusion of dance, rock, funk, and hyperpop. The album consists of 11 tracks that seamlessly blend infectious melodies, multilingual lyrics, and experimental production styles.

The album features previous fan-favorite singles, including the futuristic UFO, the high-energy dance anthem Underground, and their whimsical debut track Lettuce. The group’s innovative sound is further amplified by the expertise of Grammy-winning executive producer BloodPop®, known for his work with Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber. Additional contributions come from renowned producers such as A. G. Cook, who has worked with Charli XCX and Utada Hikaru, and Hudson Mohawke.

Speaking about the album’s creation, f5ve expressed their excitement:

“This album is filled with songs we love and cherish—we listen to them on repeat! Creating these songs together with BloodPop was an unforgettable experience that we’ll treasure forever. We’ve broken free from genres, freely mixing diverse elements to bring infinite possibilities—it’s our dream sequence! We hope this album transcends language and borders and touches hi-5s all over the world.”

With SEQUENCE 01, f5ve aims to push J-pop into the international spotlight, offering a fresh and authentic perspective on the genre while making it accessible to a global audience.

The Release of ‘Magic Clock’ and Its Surreal Music Video

To celebrate the album announcement, f5ve has released their latest single, Magic Clock. This track marks their second collaboration with BloodPop® and A. G. Cook, following the success of their previous single UFO.

The Magic Clock music video, directed by Crystalline Structures Studio (IVE), takes viewers on a visually striking and surreal journey. The storyline follows f5ve as they enter a peculiar clock shop run by Tsurugi from the Japanese boy group Psychic Fever. As the group explores the shop, time begins to warp, causing them to transition between childhood, adulthood, and old age in a bizarre loop.

The video blends immersive storytelling with traditional J-pop elements, showcasing f5ve’s ability to create a vivid and engaging world for their fans. The choreography is equally compelling, incorporating movements that mimic the “cou-cou” sound of a cuckoo clock, reinforcing the song’s whimsical theme.

RUI, a member of f5ve, shared her thoughts on the track:

“This song lets you time-travel through exciting memories of the past and future, or to precious moments spent with your loved ones. It’s a track that will warm hi-5’s hearts and fill you with happiness. The catchy melody and cute lyrics will get stuck in your head… let us f5ve and the Magic Clock Shop’s staff Tsurugi from Psychic Fever, cast a time-traveling spell on you!”

Merchandise and Physical Album Pre-Orders Now Available

In addition to the album announcement and single release, f5ve has launched their first-ever official merchandise line, offering fans a variety of exclusive apparel and accessories. The collection includes t-shirts, hoodies, and yoga pants featuring lyrics and references to the group’s music.

A standout item from the collection is the UFO snapback, made famous by the group in the UFO remix video. Fans can also purchase a f5ve logo sticker pack, a limited-edition USB drive, and a stylish Chika tote bag.

Physical pre-orders for SEQUENCE 01 are now open. The album is available in both CD and vinyl formats, with each purchase including exclusive photocards, stickers, and a foldout poster. Fans can visit the official store to explore the full range of merchandise and album bundles.

f5ve’s Growing Global Influence

SEQUENCE 01 marks f5ve’s first full-length project, following their widely acclaimed UFO remix featuring alt-pop innovator Dorian Electra and producer Count Baldor. The group has amassed millions of streams worldwide and has received endorsements from global icons such as Rosalía, A. G. Cook, and Grimes.

With continuous editorial support from major publications like DAZED, i-D, NME, PAPER, and more, f5ve is rapidly emerging as one of the most exciting acts in contemporary pop music. Their rising influence was further solidified when Harper’s Bazaar named them among Japan’s Most Powerful People of 2025, while NME and Capital Buzz listed them as one of the top artists to watch this year.

Where to Listen and Watch

Fans eager to experience f5ve’s latest release can find Magic Clock on all major streaming platforms. The music video is now available on YouTube.

With their debut album on the horizon and a growing global fanbase, f5ve is positioning themselves as one of the most innovative and influential J-pop acts of the decade. As they continue to push creative boundaries, SEQUENCE 01 promises to be a defining moment in their career, marking the beginning of what could be a groundbreaking journey in the international music scene.