Polysics
Thurs. Sept. 22, 2005 @ El Mocambo, Toronto

It’s always a rare treat when Japanese bands make the trek all the way across the Pacific for a North American tour. After the release of their recent greatest hits album, “Polysics or Die!”, I had my fingers crossed that the Polysics might turn up stateside sometime this year. Luckily, fortune was smiling on all of Toronto because we were indeed treated to the high energy antics and Devo-inspired stage show that this crazy band is known for.

Arriving to the show a little late, there was no sign of any opening bands. Only a Devo CD playing on repeat and a sparse merch table showed any indication that we were in the right place. After a bit of waiting, the band was out on stage already decked out in their bright orange jump suits, setting up their gear. A lone banner draped across the back of the stage was the extent of their stage set, which was a little disappointing considering some of the extravagant visuals I’ve seen in their music videos. But disappointment was the farthest thing from my mind when they finally began their set.

Lead by the hyperactive frontman Hayashi, they bounded onto stage as he grabbed the microphone and exclaimed in the most excitable high-pitched Japanese voice possible, “We are Polysics, from Tokyo, Ja-pannn!” which was met with an uproar from the crowd. Little did I know he would utter that phrase at least 500 more times before the night was through (as if we’d forget). I’m not sure if this was due to his limited English vocabulary, or simply the fact that he was a really good on-stage salesman. The band then launched into what is quite possibly one of the best opening songs on this planet or any other, “Buggie Technica”: an overload of synth, guitars and vocoder that set the tempo for everything that would follow.

Indeed, from start to finish, the manic energy that radiated from the band dissipated only once during a brief technical delay. While the other band members and sound man scrambled to fix the problem, bassist Fumi was left to smile sheepishly and utter a single English word… “Broken!” — again, met with overwhelming applause from the crowd. But once the technical issue had been resolved, it was quickly forgotten and the band never let up for the remainder of the night.

Polysics played songs spanning all of their albums, and not necessarily just the ones that have been released in North America. From classics like “New Wave Jacket” and “XCT”, to their warped cover of “My Sharona”, the crowd was even treated to a few brand new songs from a yet to be released album. Songs like “Kaja Kaja Goo”, which on a recording can almost seem a little too rambunctious, make their live show what it is.

All throughout the performance, keyboardist Kayo maintained her trademark robotic movements, holding her body completely rigid while her arms rhythmically pecked at her keyboard, and occasionally cocking her head towards the audience to sing. The other band members were the polar opposite however, bouncing off the walls to deliver a sweaty rock show in true Polysics fashion. When Hayashi wasn’t leaning out into the crowd playing wild guitar solos behind his back or balancing his guitar on his head, he was pumping his fist and letting out high-pitched yelps, or doing anything to get the audience excited.

Polysics are easily one of the best live bands I’ve had the pleasure of seeing, and the reception that the small crowd gave them at the El Mocambo made it a real night to remember. There’s just something so unique, vibrant and good-natured about Japan, and Polysics seem to embody all of that. They were so excited to be playing their music, and that energy was just infectious. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll do whatever it takes catch these guys on their next North American tour. Polysics or die!!! — Sean

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