The French micro-label Jelodanti Records, run by the artists Clara Djian and Nicolas Leto, specializes in unearthing forgotten gems from avant music’s recent past. Reissued in limited runs that include hand-screened artwork and covers, the label has previously brought us post-punk and industrial from Helvete Underground Records, as well as the French experimental band Ulan Bator. Next, Jelodanti will turn its’ attention to the legendary Swiss band Goz Of Kermeur with the release of their 2xLP Greatest Hits : GOZ OF KERMEUR on October 25th. Vinyl copies will be issued in a run of 300, and will include the label’s typically outstanding cover art making these hand-numbered editions truly unique.
Active between 1991 to 2000, Goz of Kermeur was a trio that featured the musicians Adrien Kessler (double bass, vocals), Andreas Valvini (drums), and Yves Charmillot (guitar). Playing an anarchic and experimental blend of jazz, rock, and noise, the group released three LPs during its’ tenure: 1992’s self-titled release (Noise Product), 1993’s Irondelles (RecRec Music), and 1996’s Mythoman (Shin Records). Describing the project, bassist/vocalist Adrien Kessler explains:
“Goz of Kermeur was explosive, intimate, dangerous, sweet and violent, powerful and fragile, full of humor but completely naive.”
The band would go on to play 150 shows during their time together, performing concerts in Europe, Eastern Europe, Canada and the US, while sharing the stage with artists like John Zorn Masada, Napalm Death, Legendary Pink Dots, Ornette Coleman, and The Ex, to name a few. The group would go on their last tour in 2000, and with the passing in September 2001 of guitarist Yves Charmillot, after a battle with cancer, Goz Kermeur called it quits.
Look for the 2xLP Greatest Hits : GOZ OF KERMEUR to include a selection of tracks from the group’s three long players, as well as off their 1994 split EP with saxophonist Ted Milton of Blurt. Below, you can stream the compilation in full via a YouTube link, as well as check out the hand-screened album art. Fans of the outer fringes of jazz and rock will not want to miss Goz of Kermeur, as they definitely charted their own idiosyncratic path while releasing music filled with wild energy and punk spirit.
Listen: Goz of Kermeur ‘Greatest Hits’ 2xLP (Jelodanti Records/Atypeek)
Greatest Hits : GOZ OF KERMEUR (Jelodanti Records/Atypeek)
The compilation :
Selection of tracks from 3 albums + a split :
– SIDE A + B : 1st Album « Goz of Kermeur », 1992, Noise Product
– SIDE C : 2nd Album « Irondelles », 1993, RecRec Music/Noise Product
– SIDE D : 3rd Album « Mythoman », 1996, Shin Records
– SIDE D : Split with Ted Milton (BLURT), 1994, Noise Product
Double LP / Limited 300 edition / Hand-stamped and hand-numbered
Vinyl Remastered by Nicolas Dick, 2017
Re-Issue & Cover Art by Jelodanti
