Sketch Show is the current vehicle for former Yellow Magic Orchestra members Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi. The band was formed in 2002, when Hosono approached Takahashi with the idea. Similar to Yellow Magic Orchestra, Sketch Show's sound relies heavily on cutting-edge technology (synthesizers the first time, computers this time), but what sets the duo apart from thousands of other knob-twiddlers is the sense of songcraft and pop sensibility that they have consistently displayed over...

Sketch Show is the current vehicle for former Yellow Magic Orchestra members Haruomi Hosono and Yukihiro Takahashi. The band was formed in 2002, when Hosono approached Takahashi with the idea. Similar to Yellow Magic Orchestra, Sketch Show's sound relies heavily on cutting-edge technology (synthesizers the first time, computers this time), but what sets the duo apart from thousands of other knob-twiddlers is the sense of songcraft and pop sensibility that they have consistently displayed over their careers. Both men sing and play traditional instruments in Sketch Show, with Hosono on bass and Takahashi on drums. Both men contribute vocals and sonic manipulations. While not genre-specific, Sketch Show's music is loosely categorized as electronica. The band released it's debut album, Audio Sponge, in 2002, shortly after a well-received appearance at Takkyu Ishino's massive rave event, WIRE02. In addition to Hosono and Takahashi, the record featured collaborations with former YMO member Ryuichi Sakamoto and Towa Tei. Shows following the release of the record were instant sellouts, some of them featuring appearances by Keigo Oyamada (AKA Cornelius) and Sakamoto. In February 2003, the band released the mini-album Tronika, which featured remixes by Cornelius. Early that summer, they played a show-stealing slot at SONAR 2003 in Barcelona, and CYBERSONICA 03 in London. These shows were the first European appearances for Hosono and Takahashi in two decades. September 2003 saw the release of a live DVD, Wild Sketch Show Live 2002, featuring footage culled from a string of December 2002 performances at the legendary Shibuya-AX, and including a medley of YMO classics along with their new material. Toward the end of 2003, the band released their second album, LOOPHOLE. The album again featured collaborations with Sakamoto, and remixes by Cornelius and Safety Scissors.