Polysics – Polysics Or Die!
(Tofu)

I don’t know about you, but when I think of Japan I think of the future. From electronics to movies to video games, Japan remains on the cutting edge of just about everything that matters. But what about music? Is the extent of Japan’s musical talent the neverending line of prefabricated J-Pop superstars? No, my friend, not by a long shot. You just have to look a little harder to find the future of music in Japan, but it is definitely there, waiting to be discovered.

Tokyo’s Polysics have been around for at least 8 years now, but there are still virtually unknown in North America. It may seem a little strange considering the fact that they are signed to Sony in Japan, but in North America their albums have been released through Mike Park’s D.I.Y. label Asian Man Records. While U.S. releases of “Hey! Bob! My Friend!” and “Neu” both brought the band some acclaim, the main problem was that Asian Man Records is known for its punk and ska roster, without any experimental or weird electronic stuff in the mix. Although Polysics could be considered to have some punk rock elements in their music, they were most likely perceived as being a little too “ahead of their time” for the punk rock crowd.

This year these unabashed Devo worshippers have made a renewed attempt to infiltrate the North American scene, launching their second U.S. tour in as many years and a brand new greatest hits album: Polysics Or Die! Their message seems simple enough, but with the album being released through an even smaller label this time (Tofu Records), will the message have a hope of reaching its intended audience? Well, it will if I have anything to say about it!

Polysics Or Die! is easily the best CD this band has released to date, and they have made great strides over their first two Asian Man releases. Just look at the newly recorded versions of “Hot Stuff”, “Plus Chicker”, and some of the other songs previously heard on Hey! Bob! and Neu. Formerly abrasive synthesizer sounds and screechy vocals have been smoothed over with much fuller production, and hey, we can actually hear the guitars now! Take a listen to the all new “Black Out Fall Out”. Those cute poppy female vocals just jump out at you, and even more backup harmonies have been added. This is great stuff.

In addition to the new recordings of songs previously available in North America, we also get a great assortment of tunes from their other Japanese records “For Young Electric Pop”, “National P”, “A.D.S.R.M!” and “Eno”, plus selections from a couple of EPs. Included is their cover of The Knack’s “My Sharona”. Much like Devo’s take on “Satisfaction”, they borrowed a rock anthem and morphed it into a whole new level of coolness with vocoder singing and hyperactive beats.

Although Polysics have initially drawn their inspiration from Devo, they bring Mothersbaugh and Co. forward into a modern age of ritalin kids and information overload. Okay, so this band may be a bit much for some people, but Polysics Or Die! finds them at their most accessible and is the best way to hear them short of going over to Japan and buying their entire discography. I tell you this: I have heard the future, and it is the Polysics. Even if you’re not ready, your kids are gonna love ‘em. — Sean

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Recommended If You Like: Devo, Ex-Models, bis, Buffalo Daughter, The Causey Way