Jittoku '76 by Les Rallizes Dénudés

Opened in 1973, Jittoku is one of Kyoto’s most iconic venues, housed in a renovated traditional storehouse. While Les Rallizes Dénudés often played in their hometown, fans always eagerly awaited their return to the old city. This newly discovered tape captures their July 30, 1976 performance at Jittoku.

“Something is different about the Rallizes in Kyoto. They just sound different,” those close to the band have long said.

The 1976 lineup featured original members Takashi Mizutani (vocals/guitar) and Takashi Nakamura (guitar), joined by Hiroshi Nar (bass)—formerly of Zunou Keisatsu and Datetenryu—and drummer Sami (Toshiro Mimaki), who had been part of both the OZ staff and OZ Band in Tokyo. Many consider this period one of the band’s most vital. In 1976 the Rallizes began appearing at the newly opened YaneUra in Shibuya on an almost-monthly basis, while the music critic Akira Aida led efforts to produce a demo to try to get the band signed to Virgin Records (UK). That year the Rallizes also took part in the 3rd annual Sunset Carnival in Ishikawa prefecture on August 3 and 4, stopping in Kyoto on the way to the festival for two nights at Jittoku.

Recorded on a Marantz cassette deck using its internal mics, the tape unfortunately cuts off during the final track, “The Last One.” Still, producer Makoto Kubota recognized its potential and worked to revive the original performance’s spirit and shape it into an album.

Though recorded just months before ‘77 Live, Jittoku ‘76 features a notably different setlist. “Dream Again Today,” “Carnival,” and “Saw the Night in Your Eyes” appear for the first time. “Wilderness of False Flowers” is presented in a more aggressive, uptempo arrangement. The version of “Hibiscus Flower” heard here—hard, heavy, and essentially a new song—is unlike the one included with The Last One (Poésies) lyric book.

Jittoku ‘76 stands comfortably alongside ‘77 Live as an album that captures the raw energy that has always defined Les Rallizes Dénudés.

Since their inception in Kyoto in 1967, Les Rallizes Dénudés has gained an almost mythical status the world over with their unrelenting psychedelia and pure sonic assault. Led by the enigmatic Takashi Mizutani, the Rallizes remained an underground cult phenomenon throughout their three decade existence, and beyond.