Maher Shalal Hash Baz is the enigmatic brainchild of Japanese musician and composer Tori Kudo, who is known for his ability to toe the line between the avant-garde and the pop sensibility. The name of the band is derived from Hebrew and translates roughly to "hurry to the spoil, hasten the prey," which encapsulates the band's tendency to flit between ideas and styles with a whimsical urgency. Kudo's approach to music is unorthodox; he often enlists novice musicians to contribute to his recordings, creating an ever-changing and unpredictable sonic palette. This methodology is central to the band's charm, providing an innocence and spontaneity often lacking in more polished productions.

Throughout its prolific discography, Maher Shalal Hash Baz has built a distinctive niche within the independent music scene, particularly in the realms of lo-fi, indie pop, and free jazz. Their most recent releases, such as "Share" and "C'est La Dernière Chanson," continue to showcase their evolving experimental sound. "L'Autre Cap," marked by its unpredictable song structures, and "Osaka Bridge," a collaborative piece with Scottish indie pop band The Pastels, further highlight Tori Kudo's penchant for boundary-crossing collaborations. Live performances are an intrinsic part of the ensemble's character, as evidenced by works like "Live Aoiheya January 2003." With "Faux Départ," Maher Shalal Hash Baz offers a curious blend of simplicity and complexity, inviting listeners into a world where musical rules are rewritten with a gentle, exploratory hand.