Pow!/L.C.S.

In early December 2015, FEMM confirmed in a press release through Avex Group Inc. that they would release their debut physical album, which was revealed to be entitled Pow!/L.C.S..[1] The announcement comes after FEMM's appearance at Japan's YouTube FanFest concert in November 2015.[2][3] FEMM confirmed the EP would include two new tracks; "Pow!" and "L.C.S." and old remixes of their previous singles; they commented that they would add new re-edited versions of different tracks that did not appear on their debut studio, Femm-Isation (2014).[1] In late January 2016, FEMM announced through a press release with Avex Group Inc. that they would release a double album in late February 2016 that included a physical copy of Femm-Isation.[4] Regarding the material, FEMM agent Honey-B stated "The original order of the songs was already carefully mapped out, but this time round we got to put in segues in between songs which made a big difference. The songs flow so smoothly, it will seem like it all happens in a split second and like you have travelled in time."[5]

The recording of the new material took place during late 2015, at Prime Sound Studios with Hideaki Junbu.[6] FEMM worked with a few producers and writers for the new material such as Harry Sommerdahl, Alex Ridha, members of Invaderous & Sfpr, and additional production by Stace James.[6] The re-edited and remixed material had been recorded from 2013 (with "UFO" being the first recorded track), up until September 2014 with the remix of "Whiplash".[6] The Japanese version of "Astroboy" had been recorded at Maximum 10 Studio's with 70-Ki Ksow, FEMM's first recording outside of Prime Sound Studio's.[6] Final mastering of the album was handled by Tom Coyle at Sterling Sound Studios in New York City.[6]

Pow/L.C.S. is an electronic dance album with numerous musical elements including rap, R&B, and remix material.[5] The first track "Pow!" is a dance-pop song "packed with aggressive lyrics",[7] and has been described as "one of the two brand new tracks incorporates a unique style that FEMM calls 'Twist and Twerk', combining the twosome’s futuristic take on the twerk dance phenomena with that of classic 60’s dance craze The Twist."[5][8]

"L.C.S." is an abbreviation of the words" Lights, Camera, Satisfaction";[6] the song has been described as a "funky and hard floor tune...".[5] FEMM's 2014 single "Astroboy" was recorded in Japanese language, marking the first time FEMM recorded in Japanese language; both FEMM's agents Honey-B and W-Trouble wrote partial parts of the lyrics because of it being sung in Japanese.[6]

The rest of the tracks from the physical release include remixes of "Party All Night", "Kill the DJ", "Kiss the Rain", and "Whiplash".[6] The EP features two new mixes: a remix of "Fxxk Boyz Get Money" and the video version of "UFO".[6] "UFO" samples Japanese female duo Pink Lady's 1977 single of the same name.[6]

The second disc features tracks from Femm-Isation; this album is primarily an electronic dance album with numerous elements of rap, synthpop, and J-pop.[9][10][11][12]

Pow!/L.C.S. was released in four different formats on February 3 and February 23, 2016 by Avex Music Creative Inc. and JPU Records. The standalone CD features the ten tracks in a jewel case; first press editions features an obi strip.[6] The double album packaging, which features Femm-Isation, features the ten tracks on a first disc, and thirteen tracks on the second disc.[13] First press editions features an obi strip, front cover stickers showing accolades of the track "Pow!" and a bonus lyrical booklet in Japanese language.[13][14] A second double album package features ten tracks on one disc, and the second disc includes a blank CD-R disc; the second disc is where people have the option to burn the digital release of Femm-Isation from its original October 2014 release.[15][16] First press editions features an obi strip, front cover stickers showing accolades of the track "Pow!" and a bonus lyrical booklet in Japanese language.[13] Both double album packages were released in singular jewel cases.[13][15] The final format is the digital release, that includes only "Pow!", "L.C.S.", the Japanese version to "Astroboy", the remix to "Fxxk Boyz Get Money", and the video version of "UFO".[17]

One artwork was issued for Pow!/L.C.S.; The cover sleeve features FEMM in front of enlarged mushrooms, superimposed on a pink backdrop.[6][13][15][17] The artwork was shot whilst recording the music video to their single "Pow!", which features prominent themes of comic book–style and the pop art movement.[6][13][15][17] The cover sleeve and photo shoot was photographed by Japanese photographer and designer Hideyuki Hashimoto, whilst the design production and art direction was handled by Japanese designer Midori Kawano.[6][13][15][17] FEMM's outfit's, inspired by cosplay and its corresponding culture Otaku, were designed by GM Atelier designer Shoichiro Matsuoka; GM Atelier are responsible in designing several outfits for FEMM's music videos and photo shoots.[18]

Credits adapted from the liner notes of PoW!/LCS + Femm-Isation.[6]

• Femm-Isation – FEMM's official website.
• Femm-Isation (Instrumental) – FEMM's official website.