Japanese Popstars - Controlling Your Allegiance (Album Review)

Having signed to Virgin records, much hyped Derry dance act Japanese Popstars return with “Controlling Your Allegiance”, their latest offering and much anticipated second album. Likened to the likes of Underworld and The Chemical Brothers, the JapStars have long threatened to shape and mould the very fabric of electronic pop music.

Returning with a flurry of stellar guest vocalists, an impressive array which includes Robert Smith of The Cure and Editors front man Tom Smith, “Controlling Your Allegiance” is able to shift from blistering digital terrorism to intricate and understated in a matter of minutes.

Songs like opener “Let Go” and “Falcon Punch” are cut from the same cloth as the likes of the ferocious “FaceMelter” on the trio’s debut “We Just Are”, yet still threatens to take a dip in the waters of commercial dance music.

The album removes the Japanese Popstars from their comfort zone and although it incorporates everything good about the troupe, it’s definitely a step in a different direction.

The nostalgic tones of the album’s highlight, “Shells of Silver” features the ghostly vocals of James Vincent McMorrow, who perfectly compliments the mellow piano sounds, thus proving the Japstars have more in their locker than thunderous arena electronica. Mellow being a word I never thought I’d use in a JapStars’ review.

If their debut was a relentless collection of obliterating techno anthems, then Controlling your allegiance is a slightly more diverse production, with much of the same intensity remaining. It’s the slightly less sinister sister of “We Just Are”, less aggressive but in no way less captivating, an album that is not just to be enjoyed on the dance floor.

Continuing to live up to their expectations, the Japanese Popstars are sure to reap the rewards of a successful dreaded second album. Whether it’s the release that delivers the band’s unforgiving electro to ears of the masses, I’m unsure. Mainstream commercial success beckons for the troupe, I’m sure of it, just not yet. “Controlling your allegiance” is without a doubt worth a listen coming from the most exciting dance act in Northern Ireland at the moment.


Highlights: Let Go, Falcon Punch, Shells of Silver

Craig Hannan