4 Plugs cover

Released 30 years ago

4 Plugs

The Mad Capsule Markets · 1996

38 min · 13 tracks · hardcore punk

A frenetic blend of hardcore punk and electronic elements, delivering chaotic energy infused with sharp cultural commentary.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    POSSESS IN LOOP — Opening with a relentless pace, this track sets the tone for the album's chaotic aesthetic while showcasing the band's signature blend of hardcore and electronic sounds.
  • →
    CRACK — With its catchy hooks and driving rhythm, this track exemplifies the album's energy while highlighting the band's ability to create memorable melodies within a punk framework.
  • →
    WALK! — This track features an infectious chorus that contrasts with its aggressive verses, illustrating the band's knack for dynamic shifts and engaging listeners through varied musical landscapes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

62 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album's energetic fusion of hardcore punk and electronic elements showcases strong writing and production, making it distinctive within its genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a frenetic pace, which is maintained through the first half before shifting to more experimental sounds in the latter tracks.
  • Several tracks incorporate electronic elements, such as samples and synths, layered over traditional hardcore punk instrumentation.
  • The lyrics often feature rapid-fire delivery, with shifts in vocal style that reflect the chaotic energy of the music.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • chaotic energy for adrenaline junkies
  • short bursts of intense engagement
  • cultural commentary with sharp edges
  • for high-energy workouts

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer soothing, slow-paced music
  • seek long-form musical experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
By the release of '4 Plugs' in 1996, The Mad Capsule Markets were already established figures in Japan's underground scene, following their breakout album 'The Mad Capsule Markets' (1995). This album marked their shift towards a more experimental sound, incorporating electronic influences alongside their hardcore punk roots, setting the stage for their future work that would further explore genre-blending.
Stylistic neighbors
Crossfaith· The Bouncing Souls· Enter Shikari

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 POSSESS IN LOOP 3:59
  • 2 CRACK 3:07
  • 3 神KAMI-UTA歌 3:21
  • 4 RUST OFF SYSTEM 1:31
  • 5 WALK! 3:21
  • 6 ノーマルライフ 4:24
  • 7 ANOTHER PLUG 1:04
  • 8 消毒 S・H・O・D・O・K・U 2:50
  • 9 A・S・M・I・A・S・B 3:05
  • 10 PGM ON 1:38
  • 11 DON'T SUSS ME OUT 2:57
  • 12 DESTRUCTION AT THE DOOR 3:07
  • 13 O・U・T 3:57

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata