Phew is the enigmatic moniker of Japanese avant-garde vocalist and musician Hiromi Moritani, known for her unique and experimental approach to music. Emerging on the scene in the late 1970s, Phew's genesis came after her time as the frontwoman for the seminal Osaka punk band Aunt Sally. Following the disbandment of Aunt Sally, Phew embarked on a solo career and collaborated with pioneering figures in experimental and electronic music, such as Ryuichi Sakamoto, members of Can, and DAF, solidifying her reputation as a boundary-pushing artist.

Phew's body of work is characterized by a blend of post-punk attitude, minimalist electronic soundscapes, and abstract vocal expressions, resulting in an aural experience that defies easy categorization. Her recent releases continue to showcase her enduring fascination with sonic exploration. "Vertical Jamming" and "The Very Ears Of Morning," for example, push the envelope with their unconventional textures and structures. "Vertigo KO," a collection reflecting on decades of unreleased material, displays Phew's ability to capture the zeitgeist while remaining untethered to any single period or genre. Her introspective and hauntingly evocative style is also evident in tracks like "Days Nights" and "The Void," which deliver a sense of compelling urgency and sophistication. Through decades of creative output, Phew has maintained a revered status among aficionados of avant-garde music, earning her an indisputable place in the pantheon of artists who have truly reshaped the landscape of contemporary music.

Genres

Experimental Electronic

Japanese Experimental

Japanese Post-punk

Latest Release

Netra ken (feat. Emily Chappell) [Phew Remix]

Gareth Jones•

Phew

Single - Released July 15, 2022