POLYSICS

Polysics are a Japanese new wave/synth-pop/J-Rock band, hailing from Tokyo. Their name comes from the Korg Polysix which was the first synthesizer owned by frontman Hiroyuki Hayashi. This synth appears in two of their early music videos. T

Polysics are a Japanese new wave/synth-pop/J-Rock band, hailing from Tokyo. Their name comes from the Korg Polysix which was the first synthesizer owned by frontman Hiroyuki Hayashi. This synth appears in two of their early music videos. The band started in 1997, but got their big break in 1998 at a concert in Tokyo. They create high energy music, fusing conventional guitar music, with synthesised and computer generated sound. The band has been noted for their energetic live performances.

Since 1999 Polysics have released several albums. The albums 1st P and A.D.S.R.M! were released on the independent label DECKREC Records. Just after the release of 1st P their bassist, known only as "POLY-2", left. The band dropped the "POLY-X" names, and reduced to a trio, with Fumi (formerly POLY-2) on Bass Support on some of the tracks from Neu (album). In 1999, Asian Man Records released their US Debut album, Hey! Bob! My Friend to rave reviews, but weak sales. The album was a compilation of tracks from their first two Japanese releases. In 2000, Polysics signed to Ki/oon Records (a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc.) and released their first major album Neu (album). The album carried with it the same manic energy as their independent releases but more refined. On the 2001 album Eno, Synthesizers became more prevalent in the mix, but the songs still had an intense punk-like energy. For this album, Fumi returned to the band as a full member, returning Polysics to a quartet. 2002 saw the release of the album For Young Electric Pop, Polysics attempt at a pop album. The manic punk energy was minimized, but the band showed it had an amazing sense of harmony and style. The songs "Black Out Fall Out" and "Code 4" from this album are very emotional.