Robyn Writes

J-Pop Sunday – POLYSICS

TOISU! We all remember our first band, don’t we? You know, that first band we went properly mental over. POLYSICS were mine, there was (and still is) something about a gaggle of boiler suit uniformed, straight-bar sunglass wearing, energetic, synth playing loons that I found bizarrely appealing. Almost heroic! I wanted those glasses – a part of me still does – but you’re not here to read about my mis-spent youth; instead let’s take a look at POLYSICS.

Yano, Hayashi and Fumi – the current POLYSICS line up.

Quick Guide:
Act Name: POLYSICS
Line-up:

  • Hiroyuki Hayashi (A.K.A. POLY-1): Inspired by American band DEVO, Hayashi founded the band in 1997 while in High School. A bundle of energy, he’s POLYSICS’ Lead Guitarist, and Vocalist.
  • Fumi: Joined in 2001 after working with the band for three years. Bass Guitarist, Vocalist & Synth Operator, Fumi replaced former Bass Synth operator and “Toast Thrower” Sako Eisuke (POLY-2).
  • Masashi Yano: Yano joined in 2004, replacing Junichi Sugai as Drummer & Vocalist.
  • Kayo: Until 2010 Kayo provided vocals, keyboard melodies and synth operations for the band. She is yet to be officially replaced; however, someone has to be playing those keyboards…

Years Active: 1997 – Present
Genre: New Wave/Synth Pop/Punk
Kaito’s Choice Tracks: “Electric Surfin’ Go Go” (2006), “Rocket” (2007) & “Everybody Say No” (2012)
Official greeting: Raising your arm and/or punching the air while shouting “Toisu!”

POLYSICS in their infamous orange suits with the members – including Kayo – organised alphabetically.

In an ideal world I would hand you a copy of the band’s entire 18 album back catalogue of “Technicolour Pop Punk” – as they call it – on blank discs, tell you to listen to everything, and claim every single one to be a “Choice Track”. However, someone out there would call that piracy, I would then be arrested, and POLYSICS would lose out on much deserved money. We don’t want that. So instead I just picked three tracks to share for now: My personal favourite, their newest release, and one chosen at random from their official Youtube page. Try to guess which is which!


POLYSICS turn to photography in the video for “Rocket”.

“Rocket” feels like a mash-up of POLYSICS’ two main styles: the verses feature the band’s melodic electronic side – featuring Kayo’s softer vocals – whereas the chorus features the high energy rock persona – where the main voice heard is Hayashi’s. On paper; it’s not a song that should work: The sharp contrasts between the two styles should make the song feel jarred and disjointed, but it’s just not the case with Rocket. Somehow POLYSICS make music that’s shouldn’t mix well work to their advantage.


Even after six years I still haven’t the foggiest about the video for “Electric Surfin’ Go Go”.

“Electric Surfin’ Go Go” was the song that turned me into a POLYSICS fan. It’s so optimistic, so energetic, so spirit lifting. It’s the kind of song that should play on a sunny day at the start of a trip or an adventure, or at the very least, it’s a song that makes you want to jump up and dance. Also, that funky bass solo.


Somebody make a .gif image of Hayashi’s headphone dancing. NOW.

“Everybody Say No” is the latest release from POLYSICS. (Crap! I’ve ruined that game, haven’t I?) It’s a real foot-tapper, proof that even though they’re a man down the band is still rocking on strong, which is good news, as I want to see more from the gang. However, the even better news is that the album “Weeeeeeeeee!!!” from which ”Everybody Say No” is taken will be available in the UK – on Compact Disc! – from the 10th of June. I’ve got my pre-order in. Have YOU?

More POLYSICS:
Official Site (English): http://www.polysics.com/en/
Facebook (Japanese & English): https://www.facebook.com/pages/POLYSICS/260419960659129
Twitter (99.9% Japanese): https://twitter.com/POLYSICS_TOISU
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/polysicsVEVO

Until next time!

J-Pop Sunday – SEXY-SYNTHESIZER

I’m often (never) asked “Kaito, you delicious slice of apple pie, how on Earth do you decide on which of the many top class Japanese music acts to write about each week?” Well, sometimes it’s an act I’ve had in mind for a while. Sometimes it’s what I’ve happened to be listening to that week. However, this week I was drawing a blank so I entrusted myself to fate: I set my “brand name portable media player which isn’t getting any free advertising” on shuffle and told myself “The next Japanese artist to appear in the playlist shall be the topic of this week’s column!” Fate chose SEXY-SYNTHESIZER: An upbeat mix of 80’s video game sounds and electronic vocals.

Takeshi Nagai: Founder and frontman of SEXY-SYNTHESIZER

Quick Guide:
Act Name: SEXY-SYTHNESIZER
Line-up: Takeshi Nagai (+ various collaborators.)
Years Active: 2006 – Present
Genre: Electronica/Chiptune Groove
Kaito’s Choice Tracks: “Calling Me” (2008), “Fly” (2009), “Superstar” (Feat. Chihiro) (2013)

I’m glad fate chose SEXY-SYNTHESIZER. They might not be the biggest name on the Japanese chiptune circuit – that title would go to the much mellower ensemble “YMCK” – but SEXY-SYNTHESIZER is definitely my favourite. Founded in 2006 by Takeshi Nagai and working with various collaborators over the years SEXY-SYNTHESIZER’s output consists of original compositions, remixes of classic hits – including “You Can’t Hurry Love” by The Supremes and Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing” – and producing and track-mixing for a number of hip-hop, R&B and electronic artists.

While SEXY-SYNTHESIZER’s remixes are fantastic it’s their original work that first caught my eye. “Calling Me” – from the primarily remix focused album “Funky-Bit” – is one of my favourites. After the initial burst of retro sounds during the introduction the tune simplifies itself, allowing you to focus on the song’s vocals which include some fantastic harmonies and – although it’s difficult to determine what’s actually being sang thanks to the vocal effects – it’s a song that makes you want to sing along.


Trippy 80’s video effects in the PV for “Calling Me”.

“Fly” – from SEXY-SYNTHESIZER’S follow up original content album “Rock” – gives a euphoric feeling of…Well, flight. Perhaps it’s just me, but closing my eyes and listening to “Fly” paints a picture of the beginning of a grand adventure that begins with a running leap that launches you into the air, soaring high above the ground on a crystal clear day! Soaring ever higher the adventure that starts with Fly continues throughout the album.

…Or something. Sorry. Weird fantasy over. But have a listen to “Fly”, you might understand where I’m coming from:


SEXY-SYNTHESIZER once again goes overboard with the 80’s nostalgia in the video for “Fly”

My final pick of SEXY-SYNTHESIZER’s back catalogue is from their most recent release “POP!”: A mini-album collaboration with vocalist Chihiro. Released earlier this month the pairing is a match made in heaven: Chihiro’s voice fits SEXY-SYNTHESIZER’s uplifting style perfectly, with the track “Superstar” being a prime example of this:


Superstar (Feat. Chihiro) from “POP!”

So those are my picks for SEXY-SYNTHESIZER. Of course there’s much more to explore! As I’ve mentioned previously their remixes are worth checking out – especially if you enjoy electronic and/or chiptune tracks – and there are dozens of remixes to check out, not to mention the rest of the original compositions from SEXY-SYNTHESIZER. Check out the (English-language!) links below for more:

More SEXY-SYNTHESIZER:
Official site: http://www.sexy-synthesizer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SEXYSYNTHESIZER.SPECIAL
Bandcamp: http://sexy-synthesizer.bandcamp.com
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/sexy-synthesizer

Until next time!

J-Pop Sunday – GACKT

Singer, composer, writer, and actor: That’s our GACKT. When I think of GACKT one of three things typically springs to mind: First is “REDEMPTION”, the song he did for that Final Fantasy VII spin-off game – because it’s a great song. Next is his acting role as 16th century samurai lord Nobunaga Oda in the “Sengoku Basara” television drama series – because I’m a massive Sengoku Basara fan. The final item is the topless photo of him I have saved on my hard drive – because he has a nice torso.

This obviously isn’t the aforementioned photograph.

Quick Guide
Act Name: GACKT
Real Name: Gakuto Kamui( 神威 楽斗)
Years Active: 1994 – Present
Genre: Rock
Notable Tracks: “Mizerable” (1999), “Vanilla” (1999), “Wasurenai Kara (忘れないから)”(2002), “Metamorphoze” (2005), “REDEMPTION” (2006), “Returner ~Yami no Shuen~ (RETURNER～闇の終焉～)” (2007)

GACKT grew up studying classical music – mainly piano – at the request of his music teacher parents and spent much of his childhood only listening to classical music – Chopin being a particular favourite of GACKT’s – and traditional Enka ballads. As he grew older he developed an interest in rock music with Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” having a profound effect on him in particular. In the early 90’s he formed a short lived rock band called “Cains:Feel” then later joined another band “MALICE MIZER” who needed a new vocalist. With GACKT on board Malice Mizer’s popularity grew, but in 1999 GACKT felt a rift between him and his band mates and left to embark on a solo career. Considering that his name is still around today and he’s still releasing new material that safe is to say that this was a good move for GACKT.


GACKT’s first solo single “Mizerable”

Outside of his music duties GACKT has also been involved in acting and filmmaking. In 2003 he assisted in the writing of and starred in action horror film “Moon Child”, he also appeared in the NHK samurai period drama series “Furin Kazan” with one of his songs “Returner ~Yami no Shuen~ (RETURNER～闇の終焉～)” being used as the theme song for the series. A number of other GACKT songs have been used in soundtracks: These include 2005’s “Metamorphoze” which was featured in the sci-fi anime film “Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam: Heir to the Stars” while – as previously mentioned – 2006’s “REDEMPTION” was included in the PlayStation 2 game “Final Fantasy VII: Dirge of Cerberus”


The video for “Returner ~Yami no Shuen~” follows the samurai theme of “Furin Kazan”


“Metamorphoze” features scenes from the “Gundam” film along with GACKT in the pilot seat of a Mobile Suit.


Cornrows, GACKT? Seriously? Not cool. Other than that “REDEMPTION” is a rocking tune.

Currently GACKT is preparing for his latest nationwide tour which kicks off later this month – his first tour in four years and he’s still as popular now as he was when he made his debut.
I’ll leave you this week with this somewhat surreal video I stumbled upon while conducting this week’s research. It appears to have been taken from the extras section of one of GACKT’s live tour DVD: A short skit of GACKT in a selection of silly outfits:


I‘ve got to say; the nurse outfit totally does it for me.

Until next time!

J-Pop Sunday – Yellow Magic Orchestra

I feel like I’ve bitten off more than I can chew this week. I underestimated how varied the music styles of Yellow Magic Orchestra are or how influential the band is. They were mentioned on BBC Radio 2’s PopMaster quiz for goodness sake! You would have thought that would have set off an alarm bell or two. Something along the lines of “Kaito! What are you doing? You won’t be able to give these guys the literary justice they deserve! This is the kind of band that The Guardian writes about, not you! Just write about someone like Gackt or something!” But no, I got cocky and thought I could fob them off with some silly line like “They’re like a super happy Japanese Kraftwerk” and for that, I apologise to the band, and to you, the reads. Never the less; I’m contractually obliged to write something that will embarrass both YMO and myself. So, let’s get started.

Form a queue, ladies.

Quick Guide
Act Name: Yellow Magic Orchestra
Line-up: Haruomi Hosono (細野 晴臣) – Bass, Keyboard & Vocals
Yukihiro Takahashi (高橋 幸宏) – Drums & Lead Vocals
Ryuichi Sakamoto (坂本 龍一) – Keyboard & Vocals
Years Active: 1978 – Present.
Genre: Electronica, Experimental, Synthpop, New Wave.
Notable Tracks: “Firecracker” (1978), “Tong Poo” (1978), “Behind the Mask” (1979) “Rydeen” (1980), “Tighten Up” (1980) – Oh, hell, most of their stuff’s pretty good! There’s also “Tokyo Town Pages” (2008)

Before we get to the band’s history, I’m going try and give an idea of how big these guys are. A list of musicians that either have Yellow Magic Orchestra as a creative influence or has sampled or covered one of YMO’s songs might demonstrate my point: Greg Phillinganes, Senor Coconut, The Human League, Gary Newman, POLYSICS, Japan, Eric Clapton, Duran Duran, Afrika Bambaataa, Depeche Mode and Michael Jackson would all feature. That’s right; the King of Pop sang an English vocal cover of YMO’s 1979 hit “Behind the Mask”.


YMO performing “Behind the Mask” live in 2010.

The trio met in the 70’s. Each had been experimenting with electronic instruments and sounds. In the mid 70’s keyboardist Sakamoto discovered Kraftwerk and introduced the Germans to his colleagues. They were impressed, but wished to avoid Kraftwerk’s stern Germanic style and sound. Contrary to their contemporaries in Japan at the time – who were becoming increasingly focused on emulating Western acts – the three wanted to create something with a more Japanese feel: Fusing many different styles of music like the mix of foods in a bento box. The three also wished to avoid the heavier, somewhat dystopian sounds that were common in electronic of the time. Yellow Magic Orchestra’s self-titled first album – originally a one-off side project for bassist Hosono, with Takahashi and Sakamoto involved as hired session musicians – was released in 1978 and sold 250,000 copies in Japan alone. The album later saw a slightly edited mix release in the US and UK. After the success of their first album, the three decided to stick together and keep performing as “Yellow Magic Orchestra”.


A live performance of “Firecracker”. The song was Yellow Magic Orchestra’s 1st single and featured on their 1978 “Yellow Magic Orchestra” album.

I could turn this week’s piece into a long winded article about how Yellow Magic Orchestra are keystones in the histories of electronic, pop and even hip-hop music in general, but, I’m there are better people to hear that from, rather than me. We’re here to discover new music and as such I think it’d best that we let the music do the talking. I’ll leave you all with a few more choice tracks from Yellow Magic Orchestra and I encourage anyone who has enjoyed what they’ve heard today to explore YMO a little more. It’s worth it.


“Rydeen” (1980) is a personal favourite of mine; partially because of the trippy 80’s graphics in the video. (Strobe effect warning, people!)


“Tighten Up” is a cover of a song originally performed by 60s/70s American R&B group Archie Bell & The Drells, but with a YMO style twist.


Finally, we’ll close on a fantastic ambient track. In this video we see the band performing “Tokyo Town Pages” in Gijon, Spain.

Until next time!

J-Pop Sunday – LiSA

Singer/Songwriter LiSA is the focus of this week’s J-Pop Sunday. I’ll be honest; I had originally planned to fill this edition with nothing but photos of her, each coupled with the caption “Gosh she’s pretty…” However, I didn’t believe that my editor – who is also very pretty – would approve [Editor’s note: Flattery will get you nowhere, Kaito!], thus at the last minute I had to start again and make sure that I write something that mentions her music.

Gosh, she’s pretty…

Quick Guide:
Act Name: LiSA
Real Name: Risa Oribe (織部里沙)
Years Active: 2010 – Present
Genre: Pop Rock
Notable Tracks: Oath Sign (2011), Rock-Mode (2012), Jet Rocket (2012), Crossing Field (2012)

So, the music, we need to focus on the music, not mindless, uninteresting comments about how pretty she is, or how cool she is. A live performance of “Rock-Mode” from the 2012 album “Lover ‘S’ Mile” should be a nice way to kick things off.


Gosh, she- NO! FOCUS! LiSA performs “Rock-Mode” at the Hibya Outdoor Theatre in Tokyo.

LiSA’s solo debut is an interesting tale: It can be traced back to the 2010 anime series “Angel Beats”. In the series a fictional band called “Girls Dead Monster” exists and LiSA provided the voice for one of the vocalists in the fictional band, Yui – Although only when singing. As the series grew more popular CDs featuring the fictional band and LiSA’s character were released, one of which – an album called “Keep The Beats!” – even reached number 6 in Japan’s Oricon chart! With this success, LiSA took her opportunity at a solo career and in April 2011 LiSA released a mini-album: “Letters to U”.

The songs featured on “Letters to U” were composed by a mixture of major artists, independent composers and LiSA herself while LiSA wrote the lyrics for each song. “Letters to U” reached number 14 in the charts. The success of “Letters to U” lead to LiSA’s first solo single “Oath Sign” and her first international performance – at the Anime Festival Asia in Singapore – later that year. “Oath Sign” reached number 5 in the charts and was used as the opening these song to the 2011 anime series “Fate/Zero”.


LiSA performs “Oath Sign” in Singapore. Complete with adorable Engrish to warm up the crowd.

LiSA released her first full album “Lover ‘S’ Mile” in February 2012, which peaked at number 7. “Lover ‘S’ Mile” contained 13 tracks – including “Oath Sign”, “Rock-Mode” and my personal favourite “Jet Rocket” – with most of the tracks on the album written by LiSA herself. In August LiSA released a second single “Crossing Field” which peaked at number 5, went gold and was used as the opening to yet another anime series “Sword Art Online”. (She just can’t escape the world of anime, can she?)


A clip from the video for “Crossing Field”.

This month saw the release of LiSA’s third single. “Best Day, Best Way” which has yet again peaked at number 5. (I’m not making these numbers up, honest!) But it does seem as though she’s finally moving away from having to associate with popular anime franchises in order to sell her music. Personally, I’m predicting big things for LiSA. Why? Just a hunch to be honest. However, she has already struck a chord with certain portions of the market (even if it is just those who love to shop in Akihabara) and she has started to extend her audience towards a more mainstream market. And to be honest, I don’t see any reason for the mainstream market to not love her.

We’ll finish this week’s J-Pop Sunday with my favourite song from LiSA: “Jet Rocket”. It’s uplifting, catchy and you’ll want to sing along.


Gosh, she’s pretty…

And LiSA, if by some miracle you’re reading this, all I’m saying is that I’m single and I make a fantastic bacon sandwich. So…Yeah…Just putting that out there.

Until next time!