Supplying an all-out type of frantic energy that only pico-pop can supply, the girls of Perfume formed their group back in 2001 in their hometown, Hiroshima. The J-Pop group had a shaky start with a slew of independent releases. However, their persistence paid off after a couple of years. Relying upon crashing crescendos, synthesized scaling, and vocal distortion beyond all reality, Perfume shot to fame with their fifth (tenth overall) single, “POLYRHYTHM” after the song was attached to a Japanese recycling campaign in 2005. With the help of Capsule‘s production, the song became a smash hit, allowing the band to deliver chart topping hits ever since.

Now, the girls are gearing up for their second major label album release, entitled Game, which will be out on April 16. Their sound may be interpreted as too childish to some, too processed for others, but for true appreciators of pico-pop, look no further.

For a preview of an upcoming track, check out this radio rip of their song “Secret Secret”.

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DL: Perfume – POLYRHYTHM
DL: Perfume – Computer City

Released today, Ami Suzuki’s Dolce is a serious attempt by a fallen Japanese pop idol to be taken seriously one more time. Suzuki isn’t exactly a major success story. Initially pegged to be Ayumi Hamasaki’s musicial competitor and rival back in the ’98/’99 era, Ami fell from grace in the ’00′s after legal troubles with her management and almost immediately faded into obscurity. In 2005, she began working on a comeback with Avex mastermind, Max Matsuura, entering into a decidedly dance-oriented new style. After two albums, this is Ami’s third release, and the only one I’ve actually given the time of day. After hearing that capsule’s Nakata Yasutaka had a hand in the project, I figured there had to be some redeeming quality within the music.

This is no standard J-Pop record. This is pico-pop; electronica at its noisest and most disconcerting. If you’re not one for digitally altered vocals or repetitive synth-patterns, then Ami’s new album’s not the right choice for you. Screeching beeps and glicks plague the album, with the possibility of offending more ears than it pleasures. But for me, it’s a pure winner. The album strays far from structurally familiar pop. It is often repetitive, but not in a traditional manner. “FREE FREE,” the lead-off track, is pure mechanical bliss, like a mushroom trip through a welding factory. Other songs incorporate modern “R&Btronica” vibes into the forefront, such as “Stereo Love.” The only song that stages a return to familiar territory is the cover of Disney stars Aly & AJ’s “Potential Breakup Song,” the spacey, half-hearted blow off song. According to the highest thinkers of pop (myself included), the original version has been certified as a rather formidable record with several layers of brilliance built within the chorus(es). See below for album clips, or for a short time, download the entire album, complete with booklet scans and covers!

It’s interesting to watch an established artist dive into an unknown territory. Now if only some other artists would take a hint and try this out. Reading this, Ayu? If you are…how come you don’t call me no ‘mo?

DL: Ami Suzuki – FREE FREE
DL: Ami Suzuki – Sweet Dance
DL: Ami Suzuki – Potential Breakup Song
DL: Ami Suzuki – DOLCE (Album)

Funky beats and electric ticks…that’s the first thought that comes to mind when describing my latest discovery, Capsule. Made up of vocalist Toshiko Koshijima and programmer Yasutaka Nakata, the group falls under a form of Shibuya-kei (music hailing from Shibuya, Tokyo).Their back catalog proves consistent if nothing else; with at least one album release per year. Though, that’s often the case with Japanese artists. Capsule’s latest release is a hard hitting mess of eclectic electronica. It moves from full-on amplified trance as in the title song, “FLASH BACK” to more familiar vocoded dance efforts with “Eternity” and “You Are The Reason,” evoking memories early Daft Punk releases such as “One More Time.” By “Do You Love Me?” the album turns from straight trance beats to a much more focused, dark electronic pop found in bands like Ladytron and Cat5. “I’m Feeling You”‘s backing track is “Love At First Sight,” I recognized it immediately upon hearing it. But, it’s a classic track, and serves to enhance this one. “MUSIXXX” marks a return to the overdriven trance, only this time with vocal samples. The middle is SO reminiscent of Ladytron’s older tracks from 604 (“Paco!”) and Light & Magic. It’s a lot of fun, and could evoke a fair bit of posing and singing along. “Get Down” is really cute, and reminds me a lot of Britney’s “Brave New Girl.” Another sing-a-long, mid-tempo dancer. The final track seems a bit misplaced. It’s electronic R&B, though it’s a provides a nice, lush come-down.

Play to listen to Capsule’s “You Are The Reason.”

Overall, this album seems like a lot of fun. I’ll be checking into their back catalog soon. It’s an enjoyable mash-up of darker pop and straight up trance, which is a delight.