Punknews.org

|
Sign In | create an account

Polysics

Neu (2003)
Asian Man Records

Reviewer Rating:

User Rating:

Contributed by: Scott
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on July 22nd 2003

CDs like these are why I absolutely adore Asian Man Records. Polysics are so absolutely mind-blowingly unique that I can't think of a single label who would take this on, knowing it has no potential of selling more than a handful of copies. But Mike Park believe in the healing power of the rock music, and Polysics are definitely healing me as I sit here, dumbfounded by the music eminating from this disc.

The only way I can possibly describe this is maybe a mixture of Devo with your favorite nu-garage band [let's take the Hives], and add in some absolutely bizarre vocal and instrumental changes ala the Blood Brothers.

If you think it sounds fucked up, it does. If you think it's some sort of glorious trainwreck, it is. But if you think it doesn't work, you're sorely mistaken. To steal a line from a review I read of the band's first US full-length, Hey! Bob! My Friend! - " This is punk Japanese math-rock playing Gameboy on a steady dose of uppers."

The strangest thing is this - Polysics are on a major label in Japan. Even stranger is the fact that this very album came out over 2 years ago in their homeland, and they've put out 2 or 3 records since then. If this was their debut, I can only imagine just how insane the Polysics are now.

Hopefully I won't have to imagine for much longer.

Login to rate this album

People who liked this also liked:

Please login or register to post comments.

What are the benefits of having a Punknews.org account?

Share your opinion by posting comments on the stories that interest you
Rate music and bands and help shape the weekly top ten
Let Punknews.org use your ratings to help you find bands and albums you might like
Customize features on the site to get the news the way you want.

Anonymous (October 14, 2003)

I hope the polysics catch on here. This is insanity. Sooo great

AnaMorph0sIs (September 8, 2003)

Woa, this album really kicks ass, most original stuff I've heard in ages.

Anonymous (July 26, 2003)

This band is just too fucking weird for me... They're pretty cool, but I can't listen to more than 3 songs at a time without getting really sick of it.

Asian Man Records still rules, though.

Anonymous (July 24, 2003)

If Bis (7 years ago) smoked a lot of crack, you would have Polysics. I like this a lot.

maverick (July 24, 2003)

Correct, but the first CD is just a compilation of the band's early material. Sort of an introduction to them, if you will. This is the first proper album that's been released stateside.

-Scott

Anonymous (July 24, 2003)

actually, this is the second cd asian man released from the band.

vien (July 23, 2003)

show.

vien (July 23, 2003)

I saw Polysics live for free at a release shoe for the comp "Japan for sale" in LA. They were awesome.

Anonymous (July 23, 2003)

I wanna haer this band, I might buy the CD, but if its annoying whailing vocals a la Nicotine i wont. Any word?

Mikeshitter (July 23, 2003)

Neat review, neat band, neat album. Neatness all round, then.

Neat.

jheisel (July 23, 2003)

this score is for the band Neu!, although polysics aren't bad either.

Anonymous (July 23, 2003)

this cd is so awesome. so much fun.

-travis

fallingtopieces (July 23, 2003)

Polysics roooool!!!!! everyone buy this, it will change your life, you will ponder the meaning of our existence, you will be happier!!!!

8dollarclarinetsolo (July 23, 2003)

what exactly is so good about this? i mean i am interested, i've heard a few of their songs on asian man comps, but is there something that makes it more than just weird music and weirder lyrics? im not saying it would be awful if it was, it would be the kind of cd you really only need one of, to fit certain moods, or is there something more? if you understand what im saying at all..

Anonymous (July 22, 2003)

I like uppers.

Anonymous (July 22, 2003)

nice review. there aren't many around here lately.

-exhaustra