Since 1999 POLYSICS have released several albums. The albums 1st P and A.D.S.R.M! were released on the independent label DECKREC Records. Just after the release of 1st P their bassist, known only as "POLY-2", left. The band dropped the "POLY-X" names, and reduced to a trio, with new member Fumi on Bass Support on some of the tracks from Neu. In 1999, Asian Man Records released their US Debut album, Hey! Bob! My Friend to rave reviews, but weak sales. The album was a compilation of tracks from their first two Japanese releases. In 2000, POLYSICS signed to Ki/oon Records (a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc.) and released their first major album Neu. The album carried with it the same manic energy as their independent releases but more refined. On the 2001 album Eno, Synthesizers became more prevalent in the mix, but the songs still had an intense punk-like energy. For this album, Fumi returned to the band as a full member, returning POLYSICS to a quartet. 2002 saw the release of the album FOR YOUNG ELECTRIC POP, POLYSICS attempt at a pop album. The manic punk energy was minimized, but the band showed it had an amazing sense of harmony and style. The songs "Black Out Fall Out" and "Code 4" from this album are very emotional.
In 2003, drummer Junichi Sugai left the band after recording the Kaja Kaja Goo EP. For the 2003 album National P, Ishimaru joined on Drum Support, returning POLYSICS to a trio. Also in 2003, Neu was released on Asian Man Records in the United States to rave reviews and great sales. POLYSICS came to the US to tour, which was then captured on the PippikkippippiP In USA DVD. In 2004, POLYSICS released a Best Of compilation titled POLYSICS OR DIE!!!! which contained new versions of some early POLYSICS songs. It was also released in the United Kingdom, and was the first POLYSICS album to be released in Europe. POLYSICS toured Europe and the US for the 2005 US Release of POLYSICS OR DIE!!!!. With the recent 2006 release of "Now is the time!", they are now currently touring the US and preparing for the UK tour in April. Their most recent album is KARATE HOUSE. They also released POLYSICS OR DIE!!! VISTA, which is an updated version of POLYSICS OR DIE!!! which includes tracks from Now is the Time! and KARATE HOUSE. It also includes a bonus dvd with promotional videos and a few songs from their Now is the Live! concert dvd. They toured the US in 2007 as openers on the MySpace music tour and are currently back in Japan.
The biggest influence on POLYSICS is clearly the band Devo. From the start, POLYSICS have tried to make music in, as Hiroyuki describes it, "The spirit of Devo." Obvious references to Devo have been made in POLYSICS videos, and songs. each life each end from the album Neu borrows the riff from the Devo song "Girl U Want", and the lyrics are playfully paraphrased from the songs "The Day My Baby Gave Me A Surprise" and "Red Eye Express", while "Plaster Caster" is a semi-cover of the song "Uglatto", one of their more obscure songs which was released on Hardcore Devo Vol.1 74-77. In a miniposter included with National P, POLYSICS members sit to eat cakes shaped like Devo's famous Energy Dome headgear. In addition, the giant robot mascot from the cover of POLYSICS' "Lo-Bits" EP (who also starred in the promo video for the song "Domo Arigato Mr. Roboto") sports a battle-helmet that resembles the same iconic dome.
While POLYSICS claim Devo as their most prevalent influence, other bands and artists that have influenced their music include Talking Heads, Orchestral Manouvres in the Dark, Sparks, The B-52's, XTC, King Crimson, Kraftwerk, P-Model, Neu!, Brian Eno, Nirvana, and David Bowie. POLYSICS have also covered songs by Styx, Suzi Quatro, The Plastics, The Ramones, The Knack, Soft Cell, and Frank Sinatra.
Announced in the official email newsletter December 23rd, 2009, keyboardist/vocalist KAYO will be performing her last show with the band at the Nippon Budokan on March 14th, 2010.
Dry or Wet
POLYSICS Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
息つく暇無い 返事ができない
他人のことには 興味もわかない
Dryな人ほど 愛嬌足りないよ
人情足りないよ
一体どちらがいいでしょう
ちなみにあなたはどうでしょう
そういうあなたはどうでしょう
Give them panic
Dry or Wet
いらいらするよな 良い人全開
他人のことには 興味がいっぱい
wetな人ほど 愛嬌たっぷりよ
人情ありすぎよ
一体どちらがいいでしょう
ちなみにあなたはどうでしょう
意外と気になるどうでしょう
そういうあなたはどうでしょう
他人の事はいいでしょう
ちなみにあなたはどうでしょう
嫌いになるのはどうでしょう
本当はどうでもいいでしょう
Give them panic
It's too hard to master human science in the world
of relationships. This song, "Dry or Wet" by POLYSICS, seems to be tackling the question of whether it is better to be aloof and detached (dry) or warm and empathetic (wet) when it comes to dealing with others. The lyrics speak about people who are unable to catch a breath and respond appropriately, those who are uninterested in the affairs of others, and those who lack charm and understanding. These are traits that are typically found in dry people. On the other hand, wet individuals are depicted as being full of charm, overflowing with caring emotions, and being overly sympathetic. The song leaves it to the listener to decide which trait is more preferable.
The chorus of the song repeats the question, "which is better, dry or wet?" The singer seems to be addressing the listener directly, inquiring about their own preference, after pointing out that they are more interested in the listener's opinion than they initially let on. The song speaks to the complexities and nuances of human relationships, highlighting the fact that it's not always easy to decide which trait is better.
In conclusion, "Dry or Wet" by POLYSICS is a song that points out the differences between two types of people, namely dry and wet, who have contrasting personalities in dealing with others. It presents the dilemma of choosing which trait is better and reminds us that even though empathy and detachedness both have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, mastering human relationships is not an easy task.
Line by Line Meaning
息つく暇無い 返事ができない
No time to catch breath, can't respond
他人のことには 興味もわかない
No interest in other people
Dryな人ほど 愛嬌足りないよ
Not charming enough for dry people
人情足りないよ
Lack of compassion
一体どちらがいいでしょう
Which one is better?
ちなみにあなたはどうでしょう
By the way, what about you?
意外と気になるどうでしょう
Surprisingly, I wonder what your answer is
そういうあなたはどうでしょう
What about you, who is like that?
Give them panic
Make them panic
Dry or Wet
Dry personality or Wet personality
いらいらするよな 良い人全開
Easily irritated, but a good person overall
他人のことには 興味がいっぱい
Full of interest in other people
wetな人ほど 愛嬌たっぷりよ
Full of charm for wet people
人情ありすぎよ
Too much compassion
他人の事はいいでしょう
Other people's stuff doesn't matter
嫌いになるのはどうでしょう
How about hating someone?
本当はどうでもいいでしょう
Actually doesn't really matter
Contributed by Allison I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
さわやかさわでぃ
これだいすき
Western Esper
Fuckin Awesome!!!
PersonMan92
The cue card is fucking ace.
TheouAegis
HE DITCHED HIS SHADES!!!!