(L-R) Fumi, Hayashi, Kayo and Yano Courtesy of Sony Ki/oon

When Polysics first appeared at the dawn of the decade, they were quickly termed Japan’s answer to Devo. That label was correct, and the band readily acknowledged their debt to the Akron, Ohio, post-punk pioneers. But in recent years, Polysics (named after a synthesizer) have shown themselves to be more than derivative, topping up the Devo influences with their own idiosyncratic 21st-century Tokyo flavors and a frenetic live show that’s endeared them to fans worldwide. In doing so, they may have even brought a new audience to Devo. Metropolis recently sat down with Polysics founder Hiroyuki Hayashi at his management’s offices on a side street in the bustling bohemian district of Shimokitazawa.


What first attracted you to Devo?
As a typical nerd, I couldn’t relate to the bad-boy image of punk bands like the Sex Pistols. But with Devo I felt a kinship: the jumpsuits, the way they moved like broken robots—this was something I could relate to. It was the way a normal boy might act if he was angry.

Devo were a bit before your time...
When I came of age, no one was making ele-pop. But I felt a sense of distance from the techno boom that was underway at the time.

What is the biggest difference between Polysics and Devo?
Devo had a very strong concept. Polysics are more impulsive and absurd, without any particular meaning.

Did you ever get to meet Devo?
Six years ago I went to LA to perform. I looked up the address of [leader] Mark Mothersbaugh and went to his studio. I didn’t have an appointment, but they were all there. They were really nice. I passed them our CD and they used one of the songs for their answering machine. Many bands bring together electro and guitar pop.

What is unique about Polysics?
We’re very physical. Compared to other bands mixing technology and rock, we put an emphasis on live performance.

What are you listening to now?
Deep Purple. They rule! I saw them this summer and was blown away. I used to be a “hard rock guitar boy.” They have an amazing sense of speed and their music is easy to understand.

Tell me about your forthcoming album.
It has more variety than the past album. We’re about to begin mixing it and are aiming for a spring release. This time we’re using a lot of new technology. Roland’s new vocoder sounds awesome.

You recently toured England with the Kaiser Chiefs. What did you bring away from that?
It was great to be able to tour with some of the English bands I like: New Order, Gang of Four… but the Kaiser Chiefs represent a new UK style. It’s a bit different than the ’90s Britpop sound typified by Oasis. The Chiefs and other recent bands really work to entertain their fans.

They reportedly discovered you on the English comedy program The Adam and Joe Show…
All kinds of people saw it, including the Kaiser Chiefs. Apparently it had a big effect. What does comedy mean to Polysics? Humor is really important. I’m serious about what we do, but at the same time I don’t want to be taken seriously.

What do your overseas fans make of you?
Young English people who aren’t familiar with ’80s ele-pop and New Wave see us as something entirely new. Americans tend to immediately mention Devo.

What’s with the jumpsuits and sunglasses?
We’ve been using the jumpsuits since the beginning. After seeing a Devo video I absolutely had to have one, and I made the sunglasses myself at first. Now we have a designer making them for us.

Do you sell them at your gigs?
No—but that’s not a bad idea.

Liquidroom, Dec 18. See concert listings (popular) for details.

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