Japan
Gentlemen Take Polaroids

THE REVIEW

The first half of the 80s saw the birth and death of dozens of synth-pop bands. Japan was formed back in '75, and after the first two albums of uncertain glam-rock, they began to find their path with the sounds of their third work "Quiet Life." Sounds that lean towards synth but reveal glimpses of sophistication. Their fourth album is unusual right from the title. "Gentlemen Take Polaroids," placed as the first track, confirms this impression: an unsettling and sickly rhythm that never takes off, Sylvian's singing (who would later embark on a successful solo career) is slowed down, with a distinctly slurred pronunciation, very "dandy" (something I realize may not appeal to everyone). The "intellectual" aspirations of the record are confirmed in "Swing," here the rhythm is sharper, the keyboards outline a languid riff, the general course of the track is nervous, unstable, very unusual. The following "Burning Bridges" highlights the leader’s more experimental ambitions: dark, spectral, claustrophobic, it’s a lucid madness. "My New Career" is as soft as fine velvet, its flow is sinuous, enveloping, sensual, everything seems very liquid, the contours are not well-defined. Then comes the driving drumming of "Methods Of Dance," the rhythm is nervous, unstable, sickly. The keyboard enjoys crafting exotic and decadent designs, a refined and apocalyptic female voice intervenes in the apparent chaos to remind Sylvian that he is not alone in his visionary delirium. A truly compelling song, it represents a gem of the decade. Finally, the unexpected: a melancholic and weeping piano opens the doors to the metropolitan tale of "Nightporter." The atmosphere becomes dark, Sylvian's voice deep and solitary, minor chords rain from the city sky caressing you, confronting you with your thoughts. Everything seems to flow more slowly, allowing you to become more aware of yourself. To be listened to strictly at night, "Nightporter" is one of the most beautiful and intimate songs I have ever heard. Ultimately, this album represents the maturity of a band (which will release the equally excellent "Tin Drum" a year later) among the most refined of the "new wave" that has managed to experiment by offering a sound of great charm while remaining within the song form. If you love classy things, you cannot miss it.