Zeuhl 5

listennow801 wrote: Black Velvet wrote: I know I have ask this before, but, cleo you would not happen to know anything more about the band Evhoe (I think that is how you spell it). Ever since I listened to that track on the Zeuhl compilation I have been in vain searching for information. Ah! Yes! I flipped when I heard them too! I asked around a lot, but didn't learn much. It seems they never recorded/released anything unfortunately. They were from Toulouse, France (late '70s/'80s). They were originally a quartet (drums, bass, keyboards, guitar), and finally a trio [no guitar]. I was told they were a band that had led on for Magma, and only did one thing: a long version of a piece called "K'a" which was constantly in a state of flux and evolution. They split up when their drummer left [Roger Lahana] to become a scientist.

K'a was floating around some trading sites a few years back in a very (apparently) dubious copy. Could have been a hoax. But why try and hoax only the five people who would care?

listennow801 wrote: but then again..although busy participating in 2 sub-genre threads, I have a bit of a problem with categories myself

Same here. I usually break it down as

Krautrock
RIO/Canterbury/Zeuhl
Progressive Rock
Avant-Garde/Classical
Folk/Jazz/World
Ambient/Electronic

Rush, Dream Theatre, Opeth et al is just HM to me

I glad you are enjoying this one. For those not familiar with the band this is my rather poor review.

Alomoni 1985 is a long lost artefact from the underground Japanese scene during the mid '70s. The album was release privately by Voice records around 1976 and re- released on Paradigm Discs in 1998, limited to 500 hand numbered records. There is very little known about the group; band members and production information are both unknown. Around the same time ('75) the group released another album under a different name Debon by Brast Burn which act as a perfect pair to this album.

Over the last decade many rumours about the band have been circulating the Japanese Psychedelic underground scene who owes a huge debt to Karuna Khyal in all their oddities. Although hailing from Japan their influences are mainly drawn from the German Kraut rock scene, following in the foot steps of greats such as Faust, Guru Guru and Can, alongside large influences from the bluesy rock played by Hapshash & The Coloured Coat and Captain Beefheart. Throughout the vocals are not dissimilar to Damo Suzuki hysterics; mumbled and sometimes screamed in insanity. Their overall sound is defined by their raw primitive bluesy sound, wealths of tape manipulation, plenty of mouth organ, electronic sounds, electrifying jam sessions, crazy vocals… all packaged up nicely into two lengthy composition.

Contain only two full blown psychedelic trip clocking in just short of 50 minutes this album will leave you strung out pleading for your sanity back. Each song is structured up on hypnotic rhythms, which is surprising considering the lack of drums in the album. In short this is one of the most addictive albums I have ever listened to. This one will be put on repeat for days at a time, unable to bring myself to stop the immense pleasure I receive from listening to this album.

The first piece "Karuna Khyal part 1" is a connection of smaller pieces fused together to produce one large song. In most cases an amazing flow between the pieces is found throughout. Imagine Captain Beef heart's Minor man slowing down to about half pace counteracted by other worldly ambience built up via haunting tap loops and frightening side guitar work. Unfortunately this track can loose its footings at times spoiling the overall effortless flow of the song. The only thing I can say about the second song "Karuna Khyal part 2" is Perfection. This is of the most electrifying psychedelic/ experimental music I have heard. The madness only intensifies from here on in, reminding me somewhat of Hapshash & The Coloured Coat's early material. I cannot describe this track with words; it is something you have to listen to believe.

This was one of my first introductions into the Japanese scene and holds a dear place in my heart. This is not to say it was love at first site, it was a tedious experience coming to terms with the genius of this album. At first there seemed little point or direction to this album, but with each listen you will piece together new links. I cannot stress enough time is something this album needs.

Unfortunately I cannot award Alomoni 1985 with a five star rating like I would if the album was solely "Karuna Khyal part 2". I can find too many faults in the first song to confidently give this a masterpiece status. Highly recommended especially to fanatic Kraut rock and Japanese psychedelic fans. 

Not sure where to post this but anyoops...

Came across my Japanese 1st edition Cornelius 'Fantasma' cd (crap album incidentally) which I bought for two reasons: It came with complimentary orange headphones and there is a bonus 15 minute track completely given over to The Boredoms chief Yamatsuka Eye. I'm pretty sure that this is only on the Japanese release.

The track has Eye acting as a DJ showcasing some underground Japanese acts and is quite simply a must hear!

^^^ what may this little piece be Yu? 

It's a comin'!

Haven't really listened to his side projects except UFO or Die. There is simply too much

I only have their debut BV. Sounds exactly like the Boredoms

Searching for UFO or Die I came across this. Would like to think it is Zeuhl-related in some shape or form:

Yukorin wrote: Searching for UFO or Die I came across this. Would like to think it is Zeuhl-related in some shape or form:

hehe, looks like they are getting ready for the touch down in Kobada, or wherever the hell it is call.

Just out of interest do you know what this is taken from?

Edited by Black Velvet - November 20 2006 at 05:57