Mongol 800 is a wonderfully rare band to have achieved a nationwide success without any particular promotional activities except some opening acts for punk rock acts Snail Ramp and Hi-Standard. It is radio outlets in Okinawa and word-of-mouth that put them on the mainstream, which is quite rare in Japanese music scene. Okinawa-based punk rock trio now follows its 99 debut album Gone As You Are, which had been all-time best-selling indie-rock album, with this breakthrough album Message. They offer a superb hybrid of Japanese punk/hardcore rock and feel of traditional Okinawa music. From speedy rock tunes, "Anatani" and "Song For You" to ballad "Tsukiakarino Shitade", Mongol 800 shows their consistently fresh and powerful sound with heartfelt lyrics. Of course they dont fail to express the love of home island in tunes like "Mujunnno Ueni ." and "Ryukyu Aika". Message could be one of the best albums 2002.