FRICTION Photo Book With Rare Live Recordings Set for March Release

Tokyo punk pioneers FRICTION are getting the deluxe treatment with a new photo book titled "JIBIKI YUICHI FRICTION 1978-1985," set to release March 25th. The collection comes with a bonus CD featuring previously unreleased live recordings from the band's legendary performances.

For those unfamiliar with FRICTION, they were one of the most influential bands in Japan's underground rock scene during the late 70s and early 80s. Led by Reck (vocals) and featuring members like Chico Hige on guitar, the band helped define Tokyo's punk and new wave movement alongside groups like The Stalin and Lizard.

The photo book captures seven crucial years of the band's career, from their formation in 1978 through 1985, documenting their evolution from scrappy punk upstarts to respected veterans of the Japanese underground. This period saw them release classic albums like "Atsureki" and establish themselves as one of Tokyo's most uncompromising rock acts.

The accompanying CD of unreleased live material is particularly exciting for fans who've been waiting decades for more FRICTION recordings. The band's raw, aggressive sound was often best captured in their intense live performances, making these recordings a valuable addition to their catalog.

This release continues the recent trend of Japanese music publishers giving proper archival treatment to the country's influential underground rock bands from the 70s and 80s, ensuring these important musical documents reach both longtime fans and new generations discovering Japan's rich rock history.