|  |  |  |  |  |  | | | | | | Bio of the Artist | Zettaimu is from Japan, and the translation of the band's name Zettaimu means something as "absolute nothing" in Japanese. The music style is like progressive, psychedelic, alternative rock in English and Japanese. It's something you have not really heard before. That is very unique and different and is extremely original.
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MAIN REVIEWS
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*** 4th. album Oiran / released in 2005 ***
[James Santillana (US professional writer)]
The title "Oiran" in Japanese culture is roughly defined as a courtesan of high class and nobility and were said to be highly skilled at Japanese instruments. This album embodies those characteristics in its upbeat tracks and assionate lyrics. Of course instead of the classical 3 stringed shamisen instrument we get a dose of modern accompaniment which treats each song with fervent vibe. Often lighthearted and hard, the songs inspire psychotropic moods without the influence of abusive substances.
*** 3rd. album What Can I Do / released in 2003 ***
[Craig Caudill AKA Controlled by Beess]
For Me this is a long awaited feel good album!!! As a music lover who is jaded. there comes a time, when one finally stumbles apon something that startles the imagination with profound beauty. this album is a perfect blend of retro, modern, and traditional sounds. Which is the most daring thing I've heard in long long while. I give this album 5 Stars.
[James Santillana (US professional writer)]
Haunting vocals and a brilliant mix of vintage and modern instruments bring an air of eeriness and wonder to this compilation. The seemingly melancholy lyrics of Hisashi Furue enhance the vocals of main singer Kanako to a preternatural level. They express an ironic sense of angst and tranquility in each song. Definitely an arcane experience for those willing to delve into foreign music.
*** 2nd. album In The Decadent Times / released in 1998 ***
[Henk Postma (Netherlands distributor)]
As a first reaction I can say that you've made a very interesting cd. One can hear you've worked very hard to give the sound a great impact. I understand your linking to The Beatles, Velvet Underground and Pink Floyd. But your cd has a quality of its own. Maybe it's better not to refer to the Beatles, VU and PF, because you have your own authenticity and originality.
[L'Entrepot (fanzine from BELGIUM)]
Zettaimu made traditional pop/rock music, which refer very strong to the classical pop bands of the 60' (Beatles) and the psychedelic bands of the 70' (Pink Floyd). So there are highs and depths on this album, but the good one take certainly the upper hand. They also search for people who put out compilations and distributors, so check them out ( elsewhere in this issue you find the URL for their website )
[VoxPop Music Ltd (UK distributor)]
Japanese alternative rock band "Zettaimu" that emphasises the more solemn and contemplative aspects of life.
[TWIN BHUDDA RECORDS (US label)]
I think I can get you a review for your cd if we say that we are working with your band and company. People seem to say that your bands sounds like a "Japanese Cure".
[Kevin Mathews (Writer based in Singapore)]
IN THE DECADENT TIMES of POP GOES THE WORLD(compilation cd)
A standout track in both atmosphere and tone, there is much to admire in the way Zettaimu approach their song presentation.
[Goran Obradovic (Yugoslavia radio DJ)]
Japanese "POP GOES THE WORLD" where I heard your song "In The Decadent Times" which I absolutely ADORE!!!!!.
I've got a pop-show on a local radio station and I think that Zettaimu is definitely THE band which deserves a special treatment.
[Gerard Girard (French radio DJ)]
I've really appreciated Zettaimu song "in the decadent times".
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BAND BACKGROUND
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In 1983, Hisashi Furue had some doubts about his own originality. Because he liked not only rock music but old Japanese melody and "Ma" (Japanese intervals between notes). He formed "Zettaimu" for mixing Japanese-like sound with rock music.
In 1989, their first album "My Grandma Says..." (LP) was released by Garando Records.
In 1997, once Hisashi Furue put his new song clips on his website, some labels, music critics, musicians in various countries, such as Europe and America appreciated his stuff. Some labels asked for him to give some of his tracks.
In 1998, Zettaimu joined the compilation cd "COWBOYS IN TOKYO" by US label "TWIN BHUDDA RECORDS" with some indie bands in Texas.
In 1998, Zettaimu joined the compilation cd "Pop Goes The World" by US label "RPM (USA)" with some famous indie bands in Europe, US and Oceania.
In 1998, their second album "In The Decadent Times" was released abroad earlier than in Japan by Garando Records. It was highly regarded abroad, especially in Europe and US as an alternative rock music. They expressed their originarity in the various and different styles of music, alternative, psychedelic, progressive rock, pops...
In 2000, they restarted their live after ten years ago.
In 2001, Eugene La Branch (US producer) visited their live. He liked Zettaimu sound and offered US tour, recording in Miami to them.
In 2002, Zettaimu signed a three-year contract with Eugene's company for the recording etc. Their first US tour mainly on the West Coast, thanks to Eugene's kind help and his financial support. But the contract was canceled because of some troubles on the tour.
In 2003, the 3rd album “What Can I Do” was released on October 8th in Japan after an interval of five years.
In 2005, the 4th album “Oiran” was released on Jun 3 in Japan.
In 2006, Zettaimu will have some shows in JAPAN and US with their friend “Wendy Van Dusen” (vocalist for her band Neither/Neither World).
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MEMBER BACKGROUND
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*** Hisashi Furue (G/Cho/Vo) ***
Guitars, Lyrics, Songs, Vocals, Background vocals, Basses, Pianos, Keyboards...
He uses Gibson/Les Paul, Godin/Solidac regularly.
Favorite bands/musicians ;
The Beatles, David Bowie, T-Rex, The Velvet Underground, Television, Erik Satie, The Cure, Rialto, BALLROOM, SLAPP HAPPY, Mussorgsky, The Moody Blues, Michio Miyagi, Mother ( only in playing the Koto ), and many more
*** Michinobu Matsuhashi (Ds/Cho) ***
Drums, Background vocals, Percussions
He joined Zettaimu in Jul. 2001.
Favorite bands/musicians ;
The Beatles, Eagles, Led Zeppelin, Kate Bush...
*** Kanako (Vo/Cho) ***
Singer, Lyrics, Background vocals
She joined Zettaimu in Mar. 2003.
Favorite bands/musicians ;
BJORK, Akiko Yano, Juno Reactor, Brian Eno, Aretha Franklin...
*** Tomoyuki Onishi (B) ***
Bass
He joined Zettaimu in Jan. 2005.
Favorite bands/musicians ;
CHET BAKER, ARTO LINSEY, SUZANNE VEGA, JULIANA HATFIELD, AIMEE MANN, THAT DOG, VERUCA SALT, PORTISH HEAD, NINE INCH NAILS, MY BLOODY VALENTINE, DRESSY BESSY, BRIAN WILSON, PINO PALLADINO, SAM BROWN, MARILYN MANSON, BLONDIE, THE SMASHING PUMPKINS, RUSS GARCIA, COWBOY JUNKIES, DINOSAUR JR, DAVID BOWIE, TALkING HEADS, JIMMY EAT WORLD, MEW AND MORE... | | |
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