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, capturing the raw energy that has always defined Les Rallizes Dénudés.

• 2LP housed in a gatefold jacket
• Newly discovered, previously unknown tapes
• Recorded on July 30, 1976 at the historic Jittoku in Kyoto
• Same prime era lineup as the legendary ‘77 Live recording
• Mixed and mastered from the original tapes by Rallizes member Makoto Kubota
• Official recording fully authorized by The Last One Musique
• Liner notes by Waki
• New photos by Kyo Nakamura
• Vinyl edition includes bonus “guitar solos”

01. 夢は今日も / Dream Again Today
02. 造花の原野_1976 / Wilderness of False Flowers_1976
03. 白い目覚め / White Awakening
04. カーニバル / Carnival
05. 氷の炎 / Flame of Ice
06. 夜、暗殺者の夜 / The Night
07. お前の眼に夜を見た / Saw the Night in Your Eyes
08. イビスキュスの花 或いは満ち足りた死 / Hibiscus Flower otherwise Dying Satisfied
09. Enter the Mirror