Artist page
Takenoko is a pioneering synthpop band formed in 1981 in Bordeaux, France, during the new wave movement. Influenced by notable English bands such as New Order, Heaven 17, and The Human League, as well as the Japanese Plastics and German Kraftwerk, the band creates danceable electro-pop with lyrics that satirically address global violence and excesses. Their debut single, "Elle à Tokyo," was released in 1981 under Philips/Phonogram, produced by Philippe Lerichomme, who is known for his work with Gainsbourg. This track presents a fantasized vision of the Orient inspired by 1980s French magazines filled with geishas, robots, and fashion designers. In 1985, they released their second single, "Lee Harvey Oswald," on Island/Panache, which features a darker musical theme reflecting the visionary narrative of Oswald's assassination of John F. Kennedy to gain fame. In 1988, Takenoko released their third single, "Trans Amor Express," through Mute/Sonet, characterized by synth-driven Euro-pop that transports listeners to a sensual world reminiscent of Agatha Christie and Marlene Dietrich. In 2018, the English label Emotional Rescue released "L'amour est mon arme," a vinyl album showcasing eight tracks from the band's artistic activity between 1981 and 1988. This was followed by "Sneaker Mixes," an EP featuring three remixed tracks by the cult DJ Sne
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