Bondage Fruit – IV (1999)

Zeuhl, and particularly good Zeuhl, isn't an exclusively French phenomenon if we are to judge by this excellent Japanese outfit who have built themselves a strong reputation in the Japanese underground. Their material, which borrows more from the European school (MAGMA, MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA) than the Japanese new music scene, focuses on avant-garde jazz structures, loud blaring rock'n roll and at times all-out dissonance; it ranges from rock to fusion, to experimental, to ethnic. In addition to the usual rock arsenal, they use the vibraphone, contrebass and violin quite liberally. The singing, which consists of no actual words, is provided by two female jazz vocalists and is treated as an additional instrument, adding a very personal touch to the band's sound.

They have put out six albums to date (including the live "Bondage Fruit III - Récit"), each successive release showing a marked progression towards a more experimental sound, culminating with the all-instrumental ""Bondage Fruit V - Skin". There is also an American release entitled "Selected" (1999) which is a sampler of their first three albums; however, the track selection is surprisingly tame for a band mostly known for its uncompromising ferocity. Their second cd, "Bondage Fruit II" (1996), is considered their very best; it could be described as MAGMA at their most percussive. It is full of heavy, dark tunes, typical Zeuhl hysterical vocals and weird, heavy guitar riffs.

Highly recommended for those brave enough to sample some of the boldest and finest of 90's RIO. Of particular interest to fans of MAGMA, MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA, UNIVERS ZERO and HAPPY FAMILY.