Japanese experimental jazz outfit Trio 96 are, according to their label's description, alternately a quartet and a duo, and hence their respective CD titles (see also the review for their CD "Duo '03," below). The band is made up of core members Ishikawa Kenji and Tanaka Yasuhiro on guitar and drums respectively. Their CD EP entitled Quartet '99, which was recorded in 1999 as the title suggests, has Yano Tomoaki and Ejiri Hiromitu rounding out the lineup on tenor saxophone and bass. The all-acoustic, all-instrumental music is fast-paced, busy, frenzied and frenetic, making great use of each player's musical gusto, which could get to be a bit much; the song titles aren't too descriptive, either: "JB," "5 Beats," "9 Beats," et cetera.

On the whole there's not a lot for the average electronica/industrial fan to appreciate. If, however, you are at all into the off-the-wall antics of avant-jazz artists like Eugene Chadbourne, John Zorn, Elliott Sharp, or (especially) Frank Zappa, this would at the very least pique your interest. And the CD's short five-song length keeps it from becoming a tedious listen, and makes it more than worthwhile. One could best relate--let's say--to living in an ultra-urban environment with all its varieties of texture and decay, and maybe taking in some exhibit of insanely abstract modern art with this music coming through your headphones. Or, hell, even write your art history thesis on Jackson Pollock or Franz Kline to it. If I ever go back to school (or in some other way get back to using my under-utilized brain in my regular day-to-day career), count me in....

This U.S. duo's third and latest CD, Illuminate, is a very strong EBM/darkwave release that is also firmly rooted in Euro-dance. Most of the tracks are hard-hitting anthems with female vocals attractively and subtly woven in. The title track, "Illuminate," stands out the most. The last number is an interesting "medley" remix by cyberDJ of "Conflict," from Azoic's eponymous 2003 release on Nilaihah Records (the original mix is included on this disc as well, for some reason). "Ever" makes for a timely change-up midway through the CD. Its sinuous, sexy drum pattern is a welcome respite from the relentless club tempo of the first five tracks. It's my favorite moment on the disc--you can imagine stepping into a strip club for one song, before returning to the dance club.... For you '80s throwbacks, track number 8 is a nicely done cover of "Obsession" by Animotion, and as far as the overall flow is concerned it is an excellent choice.

Singer Kristy Venrick never strays beyond the bounds of good sense in her delivery, and at times makes tasteful use of the vocorder. Her lyrics display many personal themes--desire, obsession, devotion, loss of love and many emotions in between. Musically, Steve Laskarides's programming is fiercely competent, and the production is appropriately tight and professional.

Illuminate is full of good, solid, no-nonsense dance grooves that would mix well in any club setting (and no doubt already has, by this time). I'd say that if The Azoic can one day transcend the genres that this new CD pays homage to, they could be unstoppable. The otherwise excellent CD insert design could have used a little proofreading in the liner notes and lyric sheet.... Nonetheless, it amounts to a terrific dancefloor wallop to the ears, and is a must-have if you are already a fan. And your iTunes will love it, too.