Although
Japan later became one of
new romantics' poster children, their 1978
Adolescent Sex LP predated the movement by two years. A remarkable debut, the set snarls with leftover
punk intent, a few
glam rock riffs, and a wealth of electronics that not only reach back to the band's youth, but also predate much of what would explode out of the next wave of the British underground. Sounding absolutely nothing like
MTV's mainstream
Japan, the quintet snarls across the opener
"Transmission," all snotty lads and frazzled hair, setting the stage for what follows. Rather than toeing that line, though, the band pull some remarkable tricks out of their admittedly tight sleeves. The "wow factor" of an incredibly funky bass and guitar on
"The Unconventional," repeated again on
"Wish You Were Black," is not only a surprise but leaves one wondering if the band were closet
Chic fans -- especially in light of the seven-minute jam
"Suburban Love" that follows a little later on. Elsewhere, though, the band play closer to their roots while defining their own style, which includes
David Sylvian's wonderfully sexy, tousled vocals -- most notably on the epic, and sexy, post-punker
"Television" and a cover of the vintage showstopper
"Don't Rain on My Parade." A more exciting album than just about anything else they'd ever record,
Japan were young, hungry, and more than a little rough around the edges. Despite the slick
R&B work twined in, it's important to remember that this band were in the sonic foothold of an early edgy era -- groundbreakers at their own inception. That sound; that look -- it fit them well. [This version of the album includes bonus material.] ~ Amy Hanson
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