(May 2026) Episode 727 is LES RALLIZES DĖNUDĖS, a psychedelic noise band from – and you would never guess this from their name – Japan. They got their start in the late 1960s under the influence of the Velvet Underground and Blue Cheer. Distorted, feedback-rich guitars, a drone rhythm line, echo-laden vocals in Japanese (a rarity then). Les Rallizes Dénudés members are shrouded in mystery, perhaps because of their radical politics. Most of their recordings are live sets and bootlegs. You can hear their legacy in later Japanese bands Acid Mothers Temple and Boris.
Favorite album: ’77 Live
Favorite song: Flame of Ice
Compared to expectations: ↓
Recommendation: ’77 Live is sufficient. Their various recordings tend to repeat material.
Opus Project 