One of Tokyo' most unusual bands treading a fine line between indie rock and techno, ROVO return this spring with a second, much-anticipated album Pyramid (out 4/19 on dohb discs) and a record release party at Liquid Room on April 27.

ROVO made something of a splash in 1998 with their debut album Imago, combining elements of rock and trance. Indeed, ROVO's motto is "Man-Driven-Trance," signalling a wish to destroy the boundaries between DJs and bands, digital and analog. The album was unique in containing only two marathon 20-minute tracks, and its songs' calculated buildup to frenzied climaxes made the album one of the most hypnotic and persuasive Japanese releases of the year. Clocking in at 44 minutes, Pyramid's one track outdoes even Imago in its elongated, throw-caution-to-the-wind climax. An all-star agglomeration of leaders from Japan's musical underground, ROVO includes violinist Uji Katsui of Demi Semi Quaver, keyboardist Tatsuki Masuko of Dub Squad, guitarist Seiichi Yamamoto of the Boredoms, drummer Yoichi Okabe of The Thrill, and bassist Jin Harada of Bazooka Joe.

In a night that sets live acts against DJs, ROVO will be joined at Liquid Room by post-modern funksters and Beastie Boys' favorites Buffalo Daughter along with Red Beans, as well as DJs Hilah (from the Boredoms), and trance powerhouse DJ Tsuyoshi.

ROVO play Man Drive Trance at Liquid Room on April 27. See listings for details.