OBSCURE ALTERNATIVES

"Obscure Alternatives" is the second full-length studio album by UK rock/new wave act Japan. The album was released through Hansa Records in October 1978. It´s Japan´s second 1978 album as they had already released their debut full-length studio album "Adolescent Sex" (in some countries titled "Japan") in March 1978. "Adolescent Sex" was not as successful as the band and label had hoped for in their native country (although it faired well in other parts of the world...especially in Japan), and Hansa Records therefore put pressure on Japan to quickly record a follow-up album as they felt that there was great commercial potential which just hadn´t been realised with "Adolescent Sex". It was however not with "Obscure Alternatives" that Japan would find commercial success, as it faired just about as equally unsuccessful in the UK and as successful in Japan as the debut album.

Stylistically Japan continue the eclectic rock style they introduced on "Adolescent Sex". The combination of glam rock, art rock, reggae, funk, punk, pop and electronic music influences is still intact, as is the high level musicianship and the snarling attitude loaded vocals by lead vocalist/guitarist David Sylvian. It´s strangely unmelodic music with a strong focus on heavy grooves, which somehow is still memorable. At this point Japan definitely don´t cater to a commercial audience, but instead produce some pretty challenging glam rock/art rock, with excursions into other musical territories. David Bowie and Roxy Music at their most adventurous are valid references.

Tracks like "Automatic Gun", "... Rhodesia", "Love Is Infectious", and "Suburban Berlin" are among the highlights of the album, but "Obscure Alternatives" is generally a good quality sophomore studio album from Japan. To those who enjoyed the debut album this is more or less just a more mature and defined version of that release. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.

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