It is deeply comforting that Leos Carax’ latest film, “Merde” (in the tripartite omnibus Tokyo!), showcases a close linguistic relative to that rare discourse spoken by DUPOBS.  Through an interpreter, the eponymous main character berates his host culture.  Very soon, DUPOBS will – once again – provide a similar service aimed at popular music.

Cognizant music listeners have, during the last number of months, alerted us to a few more sources of regressive expression. (Again, please refer to the Regressive Manifesto.) In this entry, we shine the spotlight on two. The first, the Japanese duo Kiiiiiii, seem to share a great deal with DUPOBS. Not only are they the same in number, but their performances, viewable at YouTube, are rather similar to those of DUPOBS. What really puts them over the top though, is this:

Truly, great minds think alike. And you’ll know what this means when DUPOBS releases its rock opera – just an album or two away.

Another group, this time from Sweden – and highly deserving of the regressive label – is the enigmatic Långben Går På Zoo. So far all that seems to be available on this group is their Last FM page. If you can provide some insight on Långben Går På Zoo (for example, what do the lyrics mean?) – or any other regressive artist – please be sure to share it at the Last FM Regressive listeners’ group.

Discussion via the Last FM Regressive listeners’ group has turned up some hitherto un-discussed examples of music with either a direct or tangential relationship to the Regressive Manifesto. Concisely, the criteria for ‘Regressiveness’ are deemed to be satire (more so than straight parody), sloppy musicianship and noisiness, non-verbal vocal utterances (including distortion of how singers normally are expected to sing), and rejection of ‘empire’ (in its many forms). Aside from DUPOBS, The Residents, Violent Onsen Geisha, and Deutsch Amerikanische Freundschaft (circa Die Kleinen Und Die Bosen) are all thought to meet a majority of these criteria. A possible addition to this list is Jun Togawa, a subversive ‘idol’ singer. Her superb remake of Patti Smith’s Because the Night indicates an affinity for Regressive ideals. The following video, although having very little or nothing to do with Regressive music, provides a sense of Togawa’s stage presence:

Other artists with either a clear or contentious connection to Regressive music include Gary Wilson, Happy Flowers, Dean Milan, and Sun City Girls. (See the Regressive connections page.) Additionally, it seems that Psilodump — while not a Regressive artist — has produced at least one track (Virtuoso) that fits Regressive criteria. If you have any other Regressive nominations, be sure to let us know. As we compile lists, we’ll share them here. And in other news… be sure to check back during the month of September for a MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT.