Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on September 2009

© (Kimono)

Described by Devo cofounder Jerry Casale as “the daughters I never had,” Tokyo Pinsalocks combine mangled vocal effects and tripped-out Korg lines with dirty bass and laidback beats to create a grittier alternative to Perfume. Travelling Spoon, inspired by the band’s numerous tours in the US and UK, nicely dovetails the groove-riding rhythms of their recent work with the pop melodies of earlier releases, resulting in a fun, rounded record. “Balloon Hunt” is a wash of warm synths and gentle harmonies, driven by Hisayo’s fuzzy basslines into a chilled dancefloor filler, while the clipped kick drum and drunken synth lines on “Mannequin” sit woozily under Naoko’s deliciously natural vocals. Tokyo Pinsalocks prove that a little playful experimentation can produce pop music with both brains and soul—no wonder Devo are filing for adoption.