Ruins (Japanese band)

Ruins
Origin Japan
Genres Progressive rock, noise rock, zeuhl, experimental rock
Years active 1985–present
Labels Ipecac Recordings, Tzadik, Skin Graft, Magaibutsu Limited
Associated acts Koenji Hyakkei, Zeni Geva, Ruins Alone
Website www5e.biglobe.ne.jp/%7Eruins/
Members Yoshida Tatsuya
Past members Kawamoto Hideki
Kimoto Kazuyoshi
Masuda Ryuichi
Sasaki Hisashi

Ruins is a Japanese music duo composed only of drummer/vocalist Tatsuya Yoshida and a bass guitarist (there have been four such bassists in the band's history). The group, formed in 1985, was supposedly intended to be a power trio; the guitarist, however, never showed up to the band's first rehearsal so the group remained a duo. The music touches on progressive rock, jazz fusion and noise rock.

The French progressive rock band Magma is the group's most important influence, to such an extent that Ruins' original lyrics are written and sung in an invented language which, at first glance, resembles Kobaïan, the language invented by Christian Vander of Magma. Ruins' material (which Yoshida, who composes the majority of their pieces, writes out in score form) is generally of extreme complexity and thus is often described as inaccessible; potential listeners may be bewildered by the band's unrestrained yet disciplined approach.

In addition to the "prog rock" label, the group's music has also been described as "math rock" and "zeuhl". That said, Ruins' style has consistently evolved since the band's beginning, often changing according to the bassist that Tatsuya was collaborating with at the time.

Ruins have collaborated with several other musicians, including prominent avant-garde figure Derek Bailey, auteur guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Keiji Haino and Ground Zero alumnus Kazuhisa Uchihashi.

Sasaki Hisashi left the band in 2004, and since then Yoshida has been touring solo under the name Ruins-alone (Ruins Alone). He has also performed as Sax Ruins with alto saxophonist Ono Ryoko. He was chosen by Matt Groening to perform at the All Tomorrow's Parties festival Groening curated in May 2010 in Minehead, England.

On September 6, 2016, Tatsuya announced via his Facebook that third period bassist Masuda Ryuichi would be rejoining the band for a show in December and shows throughout the spring.[1]

Members

Current members
Former members

Discography

EPs, live releases, and compilations

Collaborations

See also

References

  1. ↑ Facebook post circa September 6, 2016 Accessed September 6, 2016
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