⊿

About

Triangle (officially released and stylized as the symbol ⊿, pronounced Triangle (トライアングル)) is the second original studio album (third overall) by the Japanese girl group Perfume. Released on July 8, 2009, by Tokuma Japan Communications, the album marked an important milestone in Perfume’s evolution, showcasing a blend of electronic, dance, and pop genres. With elements of techno, house, disco, and synth-pop, Triangle received mostly positive reviews from critics, who commended Perfume and Nakata for broadening their sonic evolution, although some took issue with the vocal processing. The album features several notable singles, including "love the world," "Dream Fighter," and "One Room Disco." The single "love the world" gained particular attention for becoming their first number one hit on the Oricon chart. The album was also released in several formats, including a standard CD version, a limited edition with additional content, and a special Blu-ray version that featured music videos and live performances. The various formats made Triangle a commercial success, marking their second album to top the charts and earn a platinum certification from the RIAJ. Triangle marks a significant evolution in Perfume's electropop journey, deviating from the club-heavy sound of its predecessor, Game (2008), and embracing a more eclectic range of electronic styles. The album blends elements of disco, blog house, and Japanese technopop, creating a sonic palette that many critics describe as more varied and experimental. Some have even noted a recurring aviation motif throughout the album, which contributes to its cohesive yet diverse sound. The opening track, "Take Off," sets the tone with its breakbeat intro, leading into upbeat pop tracks like “love the world” and “Dream Fighter.” Tracks such as "edge (⊿-mix)" showcase a more aggressive techno production, while others, like "Night Flight," channel the influence of 1980s technopop. The middle section of Triangle takes a darker, more sophisticated turn with tracks like “Kiss and Music,” which combines R&B, electro-funk, and breakbeat elements. The song’s mature themes of romantic distance are complemented by groovy basslines and Moog synths, offering a smooth transition into the more experimental "Zero Gravity." This track, with its floating melody and sense of weightlessness, invokes a Brazilian influence alongside nods to the New York house scene. As the album progresses, “I Still Love U” blends 1980s synthpop with Eurobeat, delivering emotional depth through its nostalgic sound. "The Best Thing" seamlessly leads into "Speed of Sound," both sharing a deep house production. The former is pop-driven, with a Stuart Price-inspired intro and an all-English chorus, while the latter combines Latin house and disco, with "inorganic" English lyrics over a rhythmic groove. The disco-inspired “One Room Disco” leads into the ballad “願い (Album Mix),” which closes the album with a poignant orchestral arrangement, reflecting themes of unrequited love. The entire album, with its varied influences, demonstrates Perfume's bold exploration of new territories.

via Last.fm