After the breakup of the influential punk-pop group Judy & Mary, charismatic vocalist Yuki's solo debut is a strange affair. Featuring collaborations with Carole King, Yuka Honda from Cibo Matto, Russell Simins from the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Andy Sturmer from Jellyfish, and Aiha Higurashi from Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her, Prismic is an eclectic melting pot of lo-fi pop and rock. While tracks like "Ai ni Ikite" work as traditional J-Pop ballads, the downtempo electronica of "66db," the playful hip-hop of "Rainbow St." and the Beatles and Stones references of "Wasurureta Uta" suggest that Yuki is enjoying the freedom accorded her by her previous group's breakup. There's also a sense that Prismic is an album of transition with the eclecticism suggesting that Yuki is casting about for a direction. Despite the inclusion of more of Yuki's own songs towards the end of the album, Prismic relies a lot on Higurashi's songwriting to give the album a sense of direction, with lead single "The End of Shite" and "I U Mee Him" featured as standout tracks along with King's "Sayonara Dance" and Sturmer's "Prism." Nevertheless, the quality on display is undeniable and Yuki's growing maturity as an artist is self-evident. As a first step as a solo artist and as a progression from her previous work, Prismic is a monumental achievement. ~ Ian Martin, All Music Guide
