Now Is the Time! cover

Released 21 years ago this October

Now Is the Time!

Polysics · 2005

44 min · 15 tracks · alternative rock

A frenetic blend of synth-punk energy and catchy melodies that reflects the band's playful, technicolor aesthetic.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Tei! Tei! Tei! Start here — Opening with infectious energy, this track sets the tone for the album's playful vibe while showcasing Polysics' signature synth-driven sound.
  • →
    Coelakanth Is Android — This track reflects the band's fusion of punk rock and electronic elements, featuring quirky lyrics that highlight their offbeat humor and creativity.
  • →
    Super Sonic — Characterized by its rapid-fire rhythms and catchy hooks, this song exemplifies the album's energetic pace and encapsulates Polysics' unique approach to songwriting.

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 blends frenetic energy with catchy melodies, showcasing a distinctive sound within its genre.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features high-energy tracks with rapid tempos and layered synths, while the second half introduces slower, more melodic pieces.
  • Many songs employ a call-and-response vocal style, creating an interactive feel that engages listeners.
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

  • steady energetic flow throughout
  • playful melodies for dancing
  • short bursts of excitement
  • great for upbeat gatherings
  • for active listening

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer slow, reflective music
  • seek lengthy immersive tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — This album contributed to Polysics' rise within the Shibuya-kei movement.
Themes
synth-driven chaos· quirky humor· technicolor aesthetics
Career context
Now Is the Time! marks Polysics' fifth album and showcases their evolution from a burgeoning indie band to a more polished act within the Japanese alternative scene. Released in 2005, this album came after their commercial breakthrough with the album Neu! in 2003, solidifying their presence in both Japan and international markets.
Stylistic neighbors
Devo· The B-52's· Chic

Tracklist

  • 1 Tei! Tei! Tei! Start here 2:35
  • 2 Coelakanth Is Android 2:48
  • 3 I My Me Mine 3:14
  • 4 Ah-Yeah!! 3:09
  • 5 Walky Talky 3:08
  • 6 Wild One 3:11
  • 7 Super Sonic 3:14
  • 8 Toisu! 2:13
  • 9 Boy's Head 3:09
  • 10 Oh! Monaliza 3:02
  • 11 Jhout 2:50
  • 12 Mr. Psycho Psycho 2:44
  • 13 Skip It 3:48
  • 14 Baby BIAS 2:53
  • 15 Bye-Bye-Bye 2:40

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata