OSC-DIS by The Mad Capsule Markets

This re-release and 10th album (if I recall correctly) of Japan's techno punks reaches America's shores after some success elsewhere including Ozzfest UK. And soon you may be able to see them in California this month(San Francisco this Thursday!). The re-release features a DVD disk of about 6 songs, each a splendid work of creative music videos. And they truly describe the wild nature of this band, from the psychedelic techno imagery, STAR WARS meets 3D animation, to Japan culture and family, and perhaps skater punk roots. It?s not fair to call them techno though because this is mostly a four man rock band with programming on the side and the videos show this too.

But the programming is quite intense and true to techno sounds. Most other bands who try this either use weak samples or truly never get it. The Market's sounds are a bit on the psy side (well you could say Industrial) these being a bit dated. But interestingly, they are able to incorporate these riffs alongside the metal, punk, and rock all at the same time.

Their music is an eclectic blend it seems. Most apparent is the heavy intensity which reminds me a bit of Slipknot and Mudvayne. (BTW, the turntablist of Slipknot is gonna tour with them) The singing is abstract and distorted. But it doesn't keep to some almighty, heavier than thou factor throughout the album. Deep down inside all the electronic sounds and banging, there is this younger sound. Some songs are nu-ish. Some are pop punk-ish. And well other songs are rather flippant and funny. Which is cool because it adds a bit of charm to the Markets.

Score 3/5

by Alzn