The 1982 self-titled debut by Japanese synth-pop quartet Pegmo is a little hard to place sonically. Off-kilter new wave, synthesizer doo-wop, electronic cabaret or Jacques Brel chanson meets Wham! are all somewhere close to the music of “Pegmo”. The album is a bizarre concoction that is a little too all-over-the-place sonically and the untamed song arrangements unfortunately render the group’s experimental take on synth-pop a misfire. However, hidden within this chaotic mess is a moment of sublime beauty. The B4 track “リトルラブ”, is a euphoric masterpiece and one of the great pieces of collectible 80’s pop from Japan. A song that, like many of its Japanese ambient-pop siblings, is so emotionally felt and rich in its textures and melodies that it demands a contemplative experience. Close your eyes and let the track send you afloat in its currents, removing all anxiety… This single experience alone makes the album worth its hefty price, and not to mention, it sports a pretty cute jacket and obi to boot!
-DM
Recommended – B4 リトルラブ
A1 恋のけじめ
A2 レディ ダイエット
A3 君はインスタントコーヒー
A4 マジック アイズ
A5 アデュー
B1 二人は今夜
B2 奥様お手をどうぞ
B3 女なんて
B4 リトルラブ
B5 ラストナイト
B6 プチ・・・!
Arranged By, Producer – Pegmo
Band, Composed By, Bass, Synthesizer, Vocals – 長沢ヒロ
Band, Drums, Percussion, Vocals – 岡井大二*, 河越秀吉, 恒田義見
Band, Guitar, Vocals – 植村侑広
Band, Keyboards, Vocals – 坂下秀実
Guest, Guitar [Effect Guitars] – Kazuo Shiina
Guest, Saxophone – Furumura Toshihiko
Guest, Synth, Orchestrated By – Masahide Sakuma