Japanese girl group Phantom Siita performed in Anaheim on January 30th at the House of Blues. The show was the second stop of the U.S. leg of the group’s first world tour, titled “Moth to a Flame.”
With their unique retro-horror concept, anticipation was at a high as fans awaited the group’s appearance. At 7pm on the dot, the lights dimmed, and it was time to start. The show began with “Kimi to xxxx Shitai dake,” a song that suitably matched the group’s concept. Wanting to represent moths in an industry full of “cute butterflies,” the group continued on with songs that were intrinsically Phantom Siita-coded. Song such as “Hanabami” and “Devilish Girl.” Having only debuted in 2024, the five members spent the next several songs showing off their talents and charms with cover performances.
Phantom Siita Impress With Covers!
Mona, Miu, Rinka, Hisui, and Moka performed several covers at the concert. Songs such as “Suki Suki Daisuki” by Jun Togawa, “FANTASY” by Meiko Nakahara, “KICK BACK” by Kenshi Yonezu, and “One Last Kiss” by Hikaru Utada. Though most of these stages were solos, the members’ stage presence never wavered. Eventually, the group rejoined each other on stage with “HANAGATAMI,” and a cover of “Mayonaka no Door~Stay With Me.”
Announcing their last song, Phantom Siita got into formation for debut track “Otomodachi,” sparking a loud, passionate crowd reaction. The five girls performed with energy, and as the final note played, the group exited the stage with a farewell.
Encore
Obviously not the end of the actual show, Phantom Siita returned to stage once more for the encore. This last part of the show began with a song even more meaningful than their debut song — Ado’s “Tot Musica.” The group was formed through an audition program that saw about 4,000 applicants that was created by Ado and her company, Cloud Nine. For the audition, the hopefuls performed this very song. Closing their tour setlist with the song that earned each member their spot made it even more special, bringing the crowd and the group’s energy to a peak. The show ended after two encore songs: a cover of Dali’s “Moonlight Densetsu” and the lively “Zoku Zoku.”
“If modern idols are “butterflies,” then Phantom Siita is a “moth,” a heretical existence in the idol industry. It’s frightening and beautiful, making you want to reach out even though you know it’s scary.” Embodying their concept perfectly Phantom Siita’s show drew in their fans like moths drawn to a flame, and left them with memories to keep with them forever.
Written & Photography by: Ephney Tsai
