Les Rallizes Dénudés
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1967 in Kyoto, Japan |
| Founder | Takashi Mizutani |
| Defunct | 1996 |
| Headquarters | Kyoto , Japan |
| Products | Noise rock music |
were a pioneering Japanese noise rock ensemble that originated in 1967 in Kyoto, Japan. They are recognized as one of the most impactful experimental groups within Japan, shaping the noise rock genre both nationally and abroad. Their enigmatic presence, scarcity of official recordings, numerous live bootlegs, and devoted fan base have all played a role in cementing their lasting legacy.
History
Les Rallizes Dénudés came together in 1967 at Doshisha University's Light Music Club in Kyoto, with Takashi Mizutani as the central figure and only consistent member throughout the band's existence until their dissolution in 1996. Early on, they engaged briefly with avant-garde theater circles, including collaborations with Shūji Terayama’s Tenjō Sajiki troupe. Although initial plans involved studio recordings, dissatisfaction with these efforts led the band to prioritize live performances exclusively.
Their active periods spanned from 1967 to 1988 and then again from 1993 to 1996, during which their musical style underwent considerable transformation. Influences from bands such as Blue Cheer, Captain Beefheart, and the Velvet Underground shaped their initial sound, reminiscent of albums like White Light/White Heat or The Stooges. By the mid-1970s, their music intensified into louder, more distorted, and repetitive forms, exemplified by bootleg recordings such as Electric Pure Land (1974), Blind Baby Has Its Mothers Eyes (1977–1983), and the notable '77 Live (1977). This raw sonic approach foreshadowed the emergence of New York’s noise rock scene. Their lyrical themes were distinctive within the Japanese rock milieu of the era, drawing inspiration from French poètes maudits including Arthur Rimbaud, Comte de Lautréamont, and Jean Cocteau.
The band’s catalog is predominantly composed of bootleg tapes, soundboard recordings, and a limited number of studio sessions. Various independent labels such as Univive, Phoenix, and Bamboo have released unofficial albums alongside solo works by former members. A scheduled release under Virgin Records in 1976 was ultimately canceled. During their career, official releases were sparse but include three Rivista records—'77 LIVE', '67–69 STUDIO et LIVE', and 'MIZUTANI / Les Rallizes Dénudés'—as well as a self-titled 7" single distributed with the Japanese magazine Etcetera in 1996. Additionally, a VHS compilation was produced under the name "Ethan Mousiké," likely a pseudonym.
Rediscovery and Reissues
The earliest confirmed bootleg recordings of Les Rallizes Dénudés' live shows emerged in the late 1980s, with the December's Black Children CDs notably circulating within Japan around 1989. By the end of the 1990s, independent labels such as Cragale began releasing CDs and cassette tapes featuring performances spanning the band's career. In the United States, listening sessions dedicated to Les Rallizes Dénudés were organized as early as 1999, coinciding with one of the first mentions of the band in print via a Wire article. Bootlegging activity saw a significant rise following the 1999 release of Color Box.
Julian Cope’s 2007 publication, Japrocksampler, provided extensive coverage of Les Rallizes Dénudés, greatly enhancing their recognition in Western circles despite some unverifiable information. A 2012 feature by Red Bull Music Academy titled "In Search of Les Rallizes Dénudés" drew heavily on Japrocksampler and interviews with Mizutani’s peers, further promoting awareness of the band outside Japan despite contested details.
On January 29, 2013, Toshiro Mimaki, former drummer and guitarist for the group, passed away. In a 2020 interview, ex-member Makoto Kubota disclosed discussions with Mizutani regarding the band's increasing popularity in America and prospects for reunion concerts. October 2021 saw The Last One Musique unveil an official website for Les Rallizes Dénudés, asserting collaboration with former members and affiliates to issue authorized recordings boasting superior audio quality compared to existing bootlegs. The website also confirmed Mizutani’s death in 2019, corroborated by longtime band photographer Aquilha Mochiduki.
In 2022, Temporal Drift released The OZ Tapes, marking the first official album from the band in over three decades. The collection was remastered from original tapes discovered posthumously after Mizutani’s passing and overseen by Kubota. This release also announced intentions to remaster all albums previously issued under the Rivista label.
On March 24, 2023, bassist Hiroshi Narasaki—known for his work on notable recordings such as Cable Hogue Soundtrack and 77 Live—died. That same month, Temporal Drift partnered with Empty Bottle to present Enter the Mirror: A Celebration of Les Rallizes Dénudés, held at Chicago’s Bohemian National Cemetery on June 17. The event featured performances inspired by the band from artists including Cindy Lee, Steve Gunn, and John Dwyer.
June 28 saw the release of a 2-CD set titled CITTA' '93, capturing a live show at CLUB CITTA' on February 17, 1993; this was later followed by a three-LP edition. Subsequently, on November 8, BAUS '93, recorded at Kichijoji Baus Theater on February 13, 1993, was also made available.
Takashi Mizutani
Details about Takashi Mizutani—the founder and lead vocalist of Les Rallizes Dénudés—remain scarce beyond his early involvement in theater at Doshisha University and connections to members of the Japanese Red Army. His enduring admiration for French art deeply influenced his songwriting, incorporating poetic and literary elements into both lyrics and composition. It is believed that Mizutani resided in Paris from approximately 1988 until 1993 during a period when the band was inactive.
After the hijacking incident involving Japan Air Lines Flight 351, Mizutani withdrew from public life, seldom performing or granting interviews; however, music media occasionally noted his appearances at festivals with the band. In the late 1990s, he performed two concerts without Les Rallizes Dénudés—one alongside Niplets (which included frequent collaborator Hiroshi Nar) and another with Shizuka. The final concert featuring the full band took place at Club Citta in Tokyo on October 4, 1996. Mizutani’s last public performances occurred in 1997 during two shows at MANDA-LA2 alongside jazz saxophonist Arthur Doyle and drummer Sabu Toyozumi. Reports from friends and associates confirmed his death in 2019.
Mizutani was a versatile instrumentalist primarily recognized for his lead guitar work but also proficient with electric bass, organ, kazoo, and harmonica. His guitar solos often utilized barre chords combined with fingerpicking techniques. He predominantly played Gibson SG and Fender Telecaster guitars but incorporated various other models during live performances. His rig reportedly included between eight to ten effects pedals such as tape echo units, fuzz boxes like Big Muffs, and wah-wah pedals to shape his distinctive sound.
Interviews
In November 1973, Takashi Mizutani and Takeshi Nakamura featured in an interview published by Young Guitar Magazine.
One of Mizutani's most significant interviews took place in September 1991, conducted via fax with Japanese journalist Manabu Yuasa. The dialogue, which lasted approximately ten and a half hours and was reportedly transmitted from Paris to Tokyo, explored Mizutani's perspectives on modern music trends, advancements in recording technology, and his intentions to collaborate with former Jimi Hendrix Experience bassist Noel Redding alongside punk artists from London. This extensive conversation, including Mizutani's original poetry, appeared in the November 1991 edition of Music Magazine.
Etymology
The derivation of the name Les Rallizes Dénudés remains a topic of discussion. Former band member Moriaki Wakabayashi stated that "Rallizes" originates from the Japanese term "Rariru," signifying "being high," while the French word "Dénudés" translates to "naked," representing their unfiltered identity. The name was conceived after Mizutani, Wakabayashi, and Nakamura attended a show at Kyoto Kaikan and subsequently wandered through Kyoto under the influence of Hyminal sleeping pills.
Alternative interpretations propose that "Rallizes" was fabricated French slang created by the Kyoto-based theater troupe Gendai Gekijo, meaning "empty suitcases," or that it references the novel Naked Lunch.
Political affiliation
Although the group did not openly adopt political stances, original members were engaged in political activism during the turbulent period of the daigaku funsō and Anpo protests. Their performances included politically motivated events such as the "Barricades A Go-Go concert" held in the occupied Kyoto University auditorium in 1969 and a concert at Kyoto University opposing the Sanrizuka airport construction. Takashi Mizutani remarked, "Sometimes we hold a guitar, sometimes we hold protests; diversity is good, but protest songs are tedious." Both Wakabayashi and Julian Cope have noted that Mizutani attended demonstrations wearing a black helmet, suggesting anarchist leanings.
In 1970, original bassist Moriaki Wakabayashi, who had been part of the band since 1967, took part in the hijacking of Japan Airlines Flight 351 organized by the Communist League's "Red Army Faction." Despite his political involvement, Wakabayashi mentioned that political topics were seldom discussed within the band. He departed suddenly after a concert, explaining: "My path was revolution; theirs was musical self-expression. We each followed our own directions. Therefore, I did not feel compelled to bid farewell."
Official releases
Authorized publications by Les Rallizes Dénudés include:
| Year | Title | Label | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | '67–'69 STUDIO et LIVE | Rivista/Temporal Drift | CD, LP, Cassette |
| 1991 | MIZUTANI / Les Rallizes Dénudés | Rivista/Temporal Drift | CD, LP, Cassette |
| 1991 | '77 Live | Rivista/Temporal Drift | CD, LP, Cassette |
| 1992 | Les Rallizes Dénudés | Ethan Mousiké Co., Ltd. | VHS |
| 1996 | Les Rallizes Dénudés | Etcetera | 7" |
| 2021 | White Awakening | Temporal Drift | Digital download |
| 2022 | Vertigo Otherwise My Conviction | Temporal Drift | Digital download |
| 2022 | The OZ Tapes | Temporal Drift | Digital download, LP, book |
| 2023 | Romance of the Black Pain Otherwise Fallin' Love With | Temporal Drift | 12" |
| 2023 | CITTA' '93 | Temporal Drift | Digital download, LP |
| 2023 | BAUS ‘93 | Temporal Drift | Digital download, LP, CD + DVD |
| 2024 | The Last One〈Poésies : Les Rallizes Dénudés〉 | Temporal Drift | Book + CD |
| 2024 | 屋根裏 YaneUra Oct. '80 | Temporal Drift | Digital download, LP, CD |
| 2024 | 屋根裏 YaneUra Sept. ’80 | Temporal Drift | Digital download, LP, CD |
| 2025 | Jittoku '76 | Temporal Drift | Digital download, LP, CD |
Additional Appearances
| Year | Title | Label | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1973 | OZ Days Live | OZ Records | Double LP |
| 2003 | Rome Wasn't Burned In A Day | Head Heritage | CD |
| 2003 | Electric Pure Land Stars | Dead Flower | CD/DVD |
| 2004 | "Where Do You Come From, Hiroshi伝説" | "Dead Flower" | DVD |
| 2006 | "An Anthology of Noise & Electronic Music" | Sub Rosa | Double CD |
| 2006 | "Underground Tracks 70's" | Dead Flower | Double CD |
| 2008 | "Electric AllNight Show @ Saitama Univ. 1973.11.3-4" | Dead Flower | Double CD |
| 2009 | "Nihon Nihilist" | Not on Label | CDr |
| 2011 | "音楽70 = Ongaku 70" | Hiruko Records | LP |
| 2015 | "Don't Turn Off The Lights" | Not on Label | Cassette |
Unauthorized Releases
Prominent bootleg recordings include:
- December's Black Children (1989)
- Color Box (1999)
- Heavier Than a Death in the Family (2002)
- Blind Baby Has Its Mother's Eyes (2003)
- Mars Studio 1980 (2004)
- Great White Wonder (2006)
- Cable Hogue Soundtrack (2007)
- Double Heads: Legendary Live (2007)
- France Demo Tape (2007)
- (2007)
- Volcanic Performance (2008)
- Tripical Midbooster Winter 1981-82 (2009)