With the success of their self-titled effort under their belts, the central trio decided to go all in on the Yellow Magic Orchestra, with even more access to new electronic instruments and general support to go along with their ambitions. It paid off in the most remarkable way, with Solid State Survivor becoming a landmark success in Japan and further building their reputation worldwide. Songs like “Technopolis,” “Absolute Ego Dance” and “Rydeen” had the alienated pulse of Kraftwerk mixed with a strange giddy joy, and they could even cover “Day Tripper” just because.

– Ned Raggett