BONDAGE FRUIT I

I cannot praise this band enough.Their debut album is a Japanese flavour of Zeuhl that is simply intoxicating to say the least. Not as much guitar as HAPPY FAMILY, but more Zeuhl sounding with the relentless bass and drums along with the amazing female vocalists. They impliment some xylophone, miramba, violin and glockenspiel as well. The violin is actually quite prominant and is played so tastefully.

"Holly Roller" opens the proceedings as drums and guitar riffs set the pace. Violin jumps in with vocal melodies to create a great sound. "Arabia No Zou" is the song that appealed to me right away upon first listen. What a catchy beat with those heavy drums with two female vocalists singing at times the same parts, and then different parts. Nice. Kido on guitar grinds out an amazing guitar solo. What a song ! And the most Zeuhl sounding too. "Kodomo No Torokko" has some incredible vocal arrangements.The drums are again dominant before it all calms down as a violin melody is beautifully played. The drums are relentless and then the violin is replaced by the acoustic guitar. It all grows in intensity as vocal melodies come back along with violin 8 minutes in to the end of the song. "Rigo" is a cool song, a little different. Female vocal melodies along with xylophone? and violin.

"Octopus-Command" makes me say "Here we go !" as pounding drums and killer female vocal melodies are joined by violin that is on fire. The vocals here remind me of Mauricia from ZAO's debut. Oh my ! Ok enough with the adjectives I know, but this is truly amazing stuff. Some ripping guitar comes in before the melody just stops with only deep bass sounds to be heard. Very atmospheric until the guitar comes crashing back in. It then becomes quite frantic before settling down a wee bit. "Hikou Suru Ko" opens with some beautiful vocal melodies and a powerful drum / bass rhythm. The violin replaces the vocals briefly before we get a guest male vocalist 4 1/2 minutes in. "Kakuu No Sakana" gives us time to relax a little as it features acoustic guitar in a rhythm that sort of drifts along. Some sweet sounding violin comes in after 3 minutes. "Kinzoku No Taiji" opens with drumming at the speed of light. This song is complex and very much in your face. A wall of sound at times. The guitar solo 3 1/2 minutes in just goes on and on. We're not worthy !Check out the bass ! It's the vocals and drums turn to show off 6 1/2 minutes in. This has the best ending ever ! "T-Rex" features pounding drums and scorching guitar. This one gets a little extreme, it's great. Some guest sax later that borders on dissonant.

Thanks again Avestin. I'd also like to give a tip of the hat to loserboy who I have just passed on the review list. It's an honour to be up here with him, he's been abuntantly helpful over the years with his reviews here and on his web-site. He is so positive about music, I don't think i've ever read him say one negative thing about a band or album. Thanks Mr.Unger.