Karkador

Signaling a darker, more conceptually ambitious phase for Susumu Hirasawa's visionary techno-pop ensemble, this album drastically ramps up the rhythmic complexity. 'Karkador' heavily integrates rigid digital sequencing, fretless bass, and jarring tempo shifts, resulting in a tense, futuristic, and distinctly un-commercial sound. The demanding record deeply alienated some pop fans while solidifying their legendary status within the Japanese avant-garde and Zolo subcultures.