ATARASHII GAKKO!, a four-girl progressive Japanese pop-group, blends punk energy with elements of pop, rock, jazz, and hip-hop presenting it via avant-garde, self-choreographed dance, and today they’ve released their newest song – “Pineapple Kryptonite”- via 88rising.   The track is the first single from ATARASHII GAKKO!’s forthcoming EP, which was created with legendary producer Money Mark (known for his collaboration with the Beastie Boys among many others) and will be out later this year.  The track is a high octane banger, perfect for soundtracking a car chase or running from an alien invasion, as seen in the song’s brilliant music video.

Directed by the legendary Phillip G. Atwell, responsible for game-changing videos by Eminem, Eve feat. Gwen Stefani, Tupac, and more, the music video for “Pineapple Kryptonite” is rich in texture, featuring the dynamic choreography for which the girls are known.  The video takes place in the California desert during an epic intergalactic confrontation as ATARASHII GAKKO! battles dog-abducting, evil pineapple-fearing aliens. Paying homage to the Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage,” ATARASHII GAKKO! tried out their acting skills by playing the distressed American family in the video.  They also did all their own stunts!

Translated to “New School” in Japanese, ATARASHII GAKKO! are clad in school uniforms, and self-proclaimed representatives of Seishun (Japanese youth). A resistance of tiny proportions, the group strives to live and create with individuality by finding freedom within society’s acceptable margins by pushing boundaries a little bit at a time. It’s music that shows restraint on its face but is bursting with passion.  Members Mizyu (the Sleeping Kitten), Suzuka (The Wildcard), Kanon (The Graceful One), and Rin (the nice and funky one) are all trained in Kumitaisou – an acrobatic formation that trains in strength, balance, concentration, teamwork, and coordination.