Japan

With their trendy 'of the era' hair styles and penchant for make-up, UK band Japan’s image—and music—ran counter to the prevailing punk movement of the mid-to-late 1970s. Yet their moody, keyboard heavy music presaged the New Romantic scene, into which they fitted perfectly. Japan comprised androgynous front person David Sylvian on vocals, his brother Steve Jansen’s drums, and Richard Barbieri’s keyboards… with the sax of Mick Karn giving the band a different texture to many on the early 1980’s music scene. 

After achieving some success with their third album, Quiet Life, Japan—who were, indeed, big in Japan—released two further studio albums and a live set before tension between Sylvian and Karn led to a breakup in 1982. Japan are remembered and cherished for their languid, atmospheric songs and consistently engaging albums that, in the age of electronica, sound timeless. Their 'best of' collection, Exorcising Ghosts, is an excellent introduction to this beguiling band.

Also worth checking out is the excellent solo discography of singer/composer David Sylvian.