Happy Monday, folks! Here’s a generous donation of a very special Japanese cassette, courtesy of Elias, who runs an excellent Facebook page on the Japanese goth movement. Until now, I hadn’t heard much about Madame Edwarda, just some passing familiarity with the name, but I’m psyched to offer this release from 1986. Fans of Japanese post-punk/goth bands such as G-Schmitt and D-Day should find lots to love here.

This is one of five releases from Madame Edwarda, a four piece band who, even at first glance, seemed very influenced by The Damned, Bauhaus, etc. The band formed in 1980 and took their name from a Georges Bataille’s novel of the same name. Their earlier releases are more straightforward goth-rock affairs, while this cassette combines those influences with an experimental, almost neo-classical approach (see also In the Nursery for a suitable reference point). There are several killer goth tunes here, including “Honey,” “La Nuit,” and “Marionette,” while other tracks are a bit more esoteric, mixing carnival-esque melodies, synth choir patches, and what sounds like cellos from time to time (though may very well be synth patches as well). All in all, it’s an incredibly interesting listen from front to back.

The cassette box itself is a rather curious affair, with a larger box and book with rather intricate designs inspired by Aubrey Beardsley and Art Nouveau designs, which more or less sets the stage for the aural treats on this tape.

Ps- for anyone looking to hear their other releases, Elias has provided me a few links to share as well… They aren’t his own, nor mine, but if anyone would like to hear more and can’t find them elsewhere, please leave a note and I’ll upload them soon. That said, you can still get a copy of the Lorelei 12” from the band’s official site. With that in mind, here’s the information for this excellent cassette, with embedded English translations courtesy of Elias as well!

Madame Edwarda- Illuminé K7

1. 混声合唱 (Mixed Choir)

2. Carnival

3. 夜間飛行 (Night Flight)

4. 夜想曲～ノクターン～ (Nocturne)

5. 幻惑 (Enchanting)

6. 回転木馬～メリーゴーラウンド～ (Carousel～Merry-Go-Round～)

7. 青い悪魔 (Blue Devil)

8. 大観覧車 (Ferris Wheel)

9. サーカス (Circus)

10. 恋歌～ロマンス～ (Love Song～Romance～)

11. Le Château

12. Honey

13. コクトーの剣 (Sword of Cocteau)

14. Marionette

15. La Nuit

16. 夢想 (Reverie)

17. Emeralde

*download it here*