Polysics

Poly Styrene: Rock 'n' roll can get pretty out-there sometimes, but when the Japanese get their hands on the stuff, it can go way beyond weird. They don't do meat-and-potatoes rock - it's sushi and Smarties all the way, with a garnish of that poisonous fish delicacy. Choose from electro lounge (Pizzicato Five), acid jazz improv (United Future Organisation), techno prog (Yellow Magic Orchestra), punk metal (Sadistic Mika Band), punk pop (Shonen Knife), punkabilly (The 5-6-7-8's) and, of course, screaming ambient hardcore terror (Boredoms). Or pop down to the Lobby in Cork on September 25th and the Hub in Dublin on the 26th and check out Polysics, this year's must-have Japanese model. On paper, they look like a cross between Add (N) to X, jokey US retro electro band The Network and an episode of Banzai, but Polysics are a serious crew, distilling punk, pop and electro into their own musical miso soup, and drawing their inspiration from such past pop heroes as Eno, Devo, X-Ray Specs and - naturally - Kaja Goo Goo.

Sics of one: Polysics is the brainchild of Tokyo guy Hiroyuki Hayashi, who, despite owning nothing more than a guitar, a vocorder and an array of programming equipment, was determined to make his own chaotic synth-rock sound. Possessing fewer electronic gadgets than the average Tokyo toddler, he began recruiting other musicians to help him realise his vision. Their stated mission: to make music that will flatten cities, drain oceans and split atoms. Music that will shake the earth from its orbit, create fissures in time and space, and cause time itself to stop and start again in fast-forward.

Not too shy: Polysics released their début album, Ist P, in 1999, and have built up their infamy and notoriety over six albums, two minis, one live album and four live DVDs. Trendy young Japanese flock to the band's live shows to hear such tunes as Buggie Technica, XCT, New Wave Jacket, Urge On!, Mr Electric Shock and Kaja Kaja Goo. They've even named an album after the brainy Professor of Pop himself, Brian Eno. Their latest album, Polysics or Die!, is a compilation of their best stuff to date.

Ladytron: Since their formation in 1997, Polysics have had numerous line-up changes. Hiro's current cohorts are Kayo on synths, Fumi on bass and synths and Yano on drums. Onstage, the two guys and two girls wear identical overalls, emblazoned with a large letter 'P' just so you don't mistake them for the janitors. They also wear special sunglasses on stage, made specially for them by an optician (alas, not X-ray specs). Their name comes from Hayashi's first keyboard, a Korg Polysix.

Kevin Courtney