dropping just three eps between 1982 and 1987, takenoko were a true enigma in the heady rush of french new wave. this group from bordeaux hit all the right notes, fusing choppy indie instrumentation with punchy synth lines and angular vocals - in a parallel universe they could have been huge. emotional rescue have done the right thing in bringing together their three eps for this definitive introduction to a rare and righteous slice of underground arcana. whether it s the breezy pop stylings of -elle a tokyo- or the slow, stomping funk of -trans amor express,- takenoko are a joy to listen to for any new wave devote