Open share drawer A new reissue of the UK groupâs 1979 album captures David Sylvian and his bandmates as they evolved from their glam-influenced early years into the experimental electronic pop of their final two LPs. Before they became synonymous with heady, ethereal synth pop, Japan started out under the sway of Bowie and Bolan. On their first two albums, Adolescent Sex and Obscure Alternatives, both released in 1978, singer/guitarist David Sylvian affected a nasal sneer while the rest of the band (drummer Steve Jansen, bassist Mick Karn, keyboardist Richard Barbieri, and guitarist R...