Unusual mix of styles that don't always coalesce. Dance rhythms and jazz riffs, vocals in French, Japanese and then English all in the same song. This group has been critically lauded and widely popular in recent years, since they toned down their more club-geared, and unique sound. Former member of Flipper's Guitar, Ozawa is at best, an incredible lyricist. Oddly popular group when one considers their relatively unique sound.
Latter albums are strong and they seem to be moving in a positive direction recently.
One of the longest-active, most unusual bands in Japan has been getting their due overseas recently. They have a fairly moderate, but very loyal group of followers in Japan, and recent popularity is at an unprecendented high. While characteristics of the genre vary widely from group to group, the spirit of the genre claims to be blind to race and cultural background. The Japanese Acid Jazz scene is one of the most unique, and prosperous in the world. In the last few years, the scene has remained fairly strong, but more surprising is the relatively substantial recognition Japanese Acid Jazz groups have received in club scenes worldwide.