Soft Cell
The Art Of Falling Apart

✺ Expanded editition.✺ Originally released in 1982.✺ Pressed on black double vinyl.✺ Featuring new artwork by Keiichi Ohta.✺ Produced by Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi.Guernica was a project originally formed for the Yen Records label in 1982, comprised of Jun Togawa (vocals) and Koji Ueno (composing, orchestration), later joined by lyricist Keiichi Ohta. The general theme of their material is a throwback to the pre-WW2 industrialization of Japan, and their music is stylistically a pastiche of early 20th century operatic pop.Kaizou E No Yakudou (改造への躍動) was released in 1982 and produced by Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi. This album made heavy use of synthesizers mixed with traditional instruments, creating a unique and innovative sound.

✺ Neuromantic is Takahashi’s first solo release for ALFA and his third solo album overall.✺ Features Phil Manzanera, Andy Mackay (Roxy Music), and Tony Mansfield.Neuromantic is Takahashi’s first solo release for ALFA and his third solo album overall. In addition to Japanese musicians Haruomi Hosono, Ryuichi Sakamoto, and Kenji Omura, the album also features Phil Manzanera, Andy Mackay (Roxy Music), and Tony Mansfield whom he recorded with during a long stay in London. This record builds on the techno sound of YMO’s BGM (released the same year), infusing Takahashi’s unique romantic aesthetic and is considered one of his masterpieces. The sixth track, “Drip Dry Eyes" is a self-cover of a song that he wrote for ALFA artist artist Sandii.Yukihiro Takahashi explains, “The early 80’s was one of the busiest periods of my music life…When I think back now, I think that my recording style and production process that I continue to this day may have been solidified then, during the early 80’s.”The new reissue of Neuromatic is part of ALFA’s ongoing reissue series featuring many of Yukihiro’s early 80s solo albums from his first hit record Murdered by Music (1980) to his last record from his ALFA era Poisson D’Avril (1985 soundtrack to the film of the same name).