Drummer Ichiro Shibata joined in 1997 to form the current lineup, and the trio soon signed with Midi Records.

"Soft Death" was embraced by the dance community, and "Sweet Spot" was elected one of the best albums of the year in various media in Japan and overseas.

The band also released a live album of material from their Midi years titled "na.ma.shi.bi.re.na.ma.me.ma.i" on New York-based Mesh-Key Records.

In July, Mesh-Key Records released the 12-inch "Soft Death / It Was A Robot" and brought the band back for a second batch of New York shows, which were even more packed than the first.

Songs from the album were prominently featured in Sion Sono's 2008 movie Love Exposure.

Bassist Chiyo Kamekawa has been a member of The Stars, led by producer You Ishihara (ex-White Heaven) since 1999.