From a Western perspective we often see artists from our shores heading over to Japan, crossing cultural divides and proving to be a success. Very rarely do we see this happen in reverse. However, The Mad Capsule Markets are one of the few exceptions to that rule. They may not be huge over here yet, but their brand of music certainly crosses cultural divides and is instantly accessible. ‘Cistm Konfliqt’ is their latest album, and is released in the UK through Gut Records.
The thing that has always set this band apart is their ability to cross musical boundaries and meld genres together with ease. Over the course of their host of albums the Mad Capsule Markets have utilised a range of styles from metal to pop and from punk to techno. This latest release sees them once again playing with differing styles to great effect.
Kicking off with the hardcore blast of ‘Retalk’ this album instantly stamps its musical quality on the listener. When this band do heavy they do it well, as proven on other tracks such as the techno/metal hybrid that is ‘Loud Up’. The Mad Capsule Markets also throw great pop choruses into some of their heavier tracks, something that works to great effect on ‘W.O.R.L.D’. It is perhaps the pop aspect of this band that is the most intriguing. This is a and that can write pop hooks that most of the current top 40 could only dream of. You only have to listen to ‘Happy Ride’ and the excellent single ‘Scary’ to see how accurate and assessment this is. Together with the thirteen brand new tracks on offer, most of which are of a high quality, we are also treated to a couple of excellent live renditions of ‘Pulse’ and ‘Island’. All in all, a very enticing package.
‘Cistm Konfliqt’ isn’t the best album this band has ever produced, but it is still a very fine release and head and shoulders above most of the bland music we’re treated to these days. The Mad Capsule Markets are an exciting, unique entity and deserve your attention.
www.gutrecords.com
Mark
