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.
XCT
POLYSICS Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've got wealth and power
I've got a good salary
How wonderful life can be
I respect APG
I've got a elephant brand prize
Health is a great element of happiness
Sing with loud voice
March
So long
You need
Outside
Science friction
O.E.A.U!
Wall now
XCT
I've got education
I've got wealth and power
I've got a good salary
How wonderful life can be
I respect APG
I've got a elephant brand prize
Health is a great element of happiness
That's all for today
Sing with loud voice
March
So long
You need
Outside
Science friction
O.E.A.U!
Wall now
XCT
When I came back, my suitcase was gone
I meant it to be a practical joke
Beginners English isn't all that easy
We must work to live!
March
So long
You need
Outside
Science friction
O.E.A.U!
Wall now
XCT
The lyrics of POLYSICS's song XCT seem to highlight consumerism and the idea that material possessions and wealth are the keys to a happy life. The first stanza lists off various markers of success - education, wealth, power, and a good salary - and celebrates how wonderful life can be when one has these things. The second verse mentions the respect for APG and an elephant brand prize, which could refer to products or companies that are symbols of status.
However, the chorus seems to interrupt these sentiments with a jumble of seemingly nonsensical phrases that include "March," "So long," "Outside," and "Science friction." This could suggest a shift in tone where the singer begins to question the value of material success and the meaning of happiness.
The final verse reveals that the singer's suitcase was stolen, which illuminates the futility of clinging to possessions and the fact that life can be unpredictable despite attempts to control it. Ultimately, the message seems to be that even with all the markers of success, true happiness requires more than just material possessions.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got education
I have received formal education
I've got wealth and power
I possess financial resources and authority
I've got a good salary
I earn a sufficient amount of money
How wonderful life can be
I appreciate the good things in life
I respect APG
I acknowledge and honor the Advanced Packaging Group
I've got a elephant brand prize
I have received a special award or recognition from Elephant Brand
Health is a great element of happiness
Physical well-being contributes significantly to overall happiness
That's all for today
There is no more to say for now
Sing with loud voice
Express yourself audibly and confidently
March
Move forward, take action
So long
Goodbye
You need
It is required or necessary
Outside
Beyond the norm or expected
Science friction
The interaction between science and existence is complex and constantly moving
O.E.A.U!
Vocally express excitement or joy
Wall now
Stop for a moment to contemplate
XCT
Experience is crucial to understanding and improving one's practices
When I came back, my suitcase was gone
Upon returning, one's possessions had disappeared
I meant it to be a practical joke
I intended it to be a harmless prank
Beginners English isn't all that easy
It can be difficult to learn English as a novice
We must work to live!
To survive, we must engage in labor
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: HAYASHI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
It's me, Az!
A lot has changed in 20 years, yet this song is still in my top 10.
afterwit
Simply brilliant - both this song and all of these new high quality uploads. They all look so good. Toisu!!
ALVH
このPOLYSICSビデオは、私が若い頃を思い出させます。今がその時です。常に。
This POLYSICS video reminds me when I was younger. The time is now. Always.
Miss Upsetter Designs
This song blew my mind when it first came out, and it blows my mind now!!!!
Kate B
YESSSSSSS. I've always wanted to see this in good quality <3
Nn Nn
MV一挙公開嬉しいです。やっぱりかっこいい。
phazttraxx1980
This hits harder today than 20 years ago🤘
春泥明智
この曲をリアタイで聴けた事は人生の誇り。
Jack G
The world needs a heavy dose of XCT
zeranzeran
This song is STILL AMAZING 2022 AND ON