QUIET LIFE

The least we can say about "Japan" is that this band doesn't raise a lot interest on PA. I used to listen to them ages ago, and unlike mentioned in their bio, I did consider them as a post new-wave band and even New Romantic for their look.

It is then normal that the usual progheads are rather suspect with their releases. Actually, the band develops a more polished sound with their third album which is IMO better than their previous ones (but this was not difficult).

On this release, there will be a strong flavour of "Roxy Music" in the air. Mostly due to the smooth and almost crooner Sylvian vocals during most tracks. The bass line is also evoking this great band. But it is rather the late Roxy that is influential here. The one I didn't like that much. More pop oriented with an undisputable disco sound ("Fall In Love With Me").

The dark and slow mood of "Despair" contrasts with the other songs, but these six minutes are really dull and insipid. A natural sleeping pill. Just press next if you haven't fallen asleep.

"In Vogue" is probably one of the best songs from "Quiet Life". Indeed quiet, as most of this release. But it is only a poor man's "Roxy Music" tune (as "Alien"). But it wasn't really needed in those late seventies days. And the same reflection applies today as well.

The beat is catching a bit during "Halloween" but it is only a short break to avoid falling in a complete dullness which is reached with "All Tomorrow's Parties". And don't expect a brilliant closing number because The Other Side of Life does not belong to this category.

Still, it is probably better to enter their discography at this entry point instead of their earlier work, but there aren't really any standout tracks that might blow you away. Sub-par "Roxy". Does anyone fancy this ? This is a rather dispensable record. Two stars.