DRFT19
Les Rallizes Dénudés (裸のラリーズ)
Jittoku ‘76
LP / CD / Digital DownloadPre-order (outside Japan/Asia only) via Bandcamp
via Light in the Attic (Distribution)
Opened in 1973, Jittoku is one of Kyoto’s most iconic and historic venues, known for its unique space situated inside a renovated old traditional storehouse. Though Les Rallizes Dénudés never shied away from playing in their hometown of Kyoto, the fans always awaited voraciously for the band’s homecoming in the old city.
“Something is different about the Rallizes in Kyoto. They just sound different,” those familiar with the band have always said.
This newly discovered tape captures the Rallizes’ July 30, 1976 performance at Jittoku.
It’s hard to believe that the massive sound heard on the recording emanated from within the small space of Jittoku. There’s a frenetic energy to the band’s playing. Nakamura’s solid rhythm play is supported by the tough grooves of Hiroshi’s bass and the wild abandon of Sami’s drums, all the while Mizutani responds in kind with a guitar that imparts even more emotion than usual.
Les Rallizes Dénudés in 1976 consisted of original members Takashi Mizutani (vocals/guitar) and Takashi Nakamura (guitar), with the addition of former Zunou Keisatsu and Datetenryu member Hiroshi Nar aka Narazaki Hiroshi (bass), and Sami aka Toshiro Mimaki (drums), who had been part of the staff at OZ in Kichijoji, Tokyo, as well as a member of the OZ Band. Many Rallizes connoisseurs consider this period to be one of the band’s prime eras. Indeed, in 1976 the Rallizes had committed to a vigorous schedule of performing at the newly opened YaneUra in Shibuya on an almost-monthly basis, while the music critic Akira Aida led efforts to produce a demo with the intent to get the band signed to Virgin Records (UK). That year Rallizes also took part in the third annual Sunset Carnival, an outdoor festival held on August 3rd and 4th in Ishikawa prefecture. Booked to coincide with their trip to the northwestern Hokuriku region were two nights at Jittoku in Kyoto, on July 29th and 30th.
The recording was made on a Marantz cassette recorder via its internal microphones. “The Last One,” fittingly the last song of the set, was unfortunately cut off due to the tape running out. Still, producer Makoto Kubota realized the potential of the recording, and took to the task of reviving the spirited energy of the original performance and shaping it into an album.
Although the performance took place only months earlier, Jittoku ‘76 is centered around a setlist that differs quite a bit from ‘77 Live, which gives this release a feel that’s fresh and exciting. “Dream Again Today,” “Carnival,” and “Saw the Night in Your Eyes” each make their first appearance on this release. “Wilderness Of False Flowers” is heard in an aggressive and uptempo arrangement. The hard and heavy “Hibiscus Flower” is completely different to the version included with the lyric book The Last One (Poésies : Les Rallizes Dénudés); it’s essentially a new song that makes its first appearance here.
Jittoku ‘76 is an album that sits comfortably beside ‘77 Live, as a Les Rallizes Dénudés recording that captures the primitive energy that has always existed at the core of the band.
Tracklist:
1. 夢は今日も / Dream Again Today
2. 造花の原野_1976 / Wilderness of False Flowers_1976
3. 白い目覚め / White Awakening
4. カーニバル / Carnival
5. 氷の炎 / Flame of Ice
6. 夜、暗殺者の夜 / The Night, Assassinʼs Night
7. お前の眼に夜を見た / Saw the Night in Your Eyes
8. イビスキュスの花 或いは満ち足りた死 / Hibiscus Flower otherwise Dying Satisfied
9. Enter the Mirror
“Something is different about the Rallizes in Kyoto. They just sound different,” those familiar with the band have always said.
This newly discovered tape captures the Rallizes’ July 30, 1976 performance at Jittoku.
It’s hard to believe that the massive sound heard on the recording emanated from within the small space of Jittoku. There’s a frenetic energy to the band’s playing. Nakamura’s solid rhythm play is supported by the tough grooves of Hiroshi’s bass and the wild abandon of Sami’s drums, all the while Mizutani responds in kind with a guitar that imparts even more emotion than usual.
Les Rallizes Dénudés in 1976 consisted of original members Takashi Mizutani (vocals/guitar) and Takashi Nakamura (guitar), with the addition of former Zunou Keisatsu and Datetenryu member Hiroshi Nar aka Narazaki Hiroshi (bass), and Sami aka Toshiro Mimaki (drums), who had been part of the staff at OZ in Kichijoji, Tokyo, as well as a member of the OZ Band. Many Rallizes connoisseurs consider this period to be one of the band’s prime eras. Indeed, in 1976 the Rallizes had committed to a vigorous schedule of performing at the newly opened YaneUra in Shibuya on an almost-monthly basis, while the music critic Akira Aida led efforts to produce a demo with the intent to get the band signed to Virgin Records (UK). That year Rallizes also took part in the third annual Sunset Carnival, an outdoor festival held on August 3rd and 4th in Ishikawa prefecture. Booked to coincide with their trip to the northwestern Hokuriku region were two nights at Jittoku in Kyoto, on July 29th and 30th.
The recording was made on a Marantz cassette recorder via its internal microphones. “The Last One,” fittingly the last song of the set, was unfortunately cut off due to the tape running out. Still, producer Makoto Kubota realized the potential of the recording, and took to the task of reviving the spirited energy of the original performance and shaping it into an album.
Although the performance took place only months earlier, Jittoku ‘76 is centered around a setlist that differs quite a bit from ‘77 Live, which gives this release a feel that’s fresh and exciting. “Dream Again Today,” “Carnival,” and “Saw the Night in Your Eyes” each make their first appearance on this release. “Wilderness Of False Flowers” is heard in an aggressive and uptempo arrangement. The hard and heavy “Hibiscus Flower” is completely different to the version included with the lyric book The Last One (Poésies : Les Rallizes Dénudés); it’s essentially a new song that makes its first appearance here.
Jittoku ‘76 is an album that sits comfortably beside ‘77 Live, as a Les Rallizes Dénudés recording that captures the primitive energy that has always existed at the core of the band.
Tracklist:
1. 夢は今日も / Dream Again Today
2. 造花の原野_1976 / Wilderness of False Flowers_1976
3. 白い目覚め / White Awakening
4. カーニバル / Carnival
5. 氷の炎 / Flame of Ice
6. 夜、暗殺者の夜 / The Night, Assassinʼs Night
7. お前の眼に夜を見た / Saw the Night in Your Eyes
8. イビスキュスの花 或いは満ち足りた死 / Hibiscus Flower otherwise Dying Satisfied
9. Enter the Mirror