Chairlift

Losing a core member would be the death knell for most groups, but Chairlift bounced back with their finest album to date, Something. The synthpop duo make their Japan debut this month, but it's not the first time they've visited the country – singer Caroline Polachek lived here as a child, and was even game enough to record a Japanese version of hit 'I Belong In Your Arms' recently. They're supported by dreamy LA-based trio ESP (fresh from opening for Maroon 5 at the Budokan) and Tokyo avant-grrrl duo Group A.