adenosine tri-phosphate [ATP]
adenosine tri-phosphate is nucleotide present in all living cells which
serves as an energy source for many metabolic processes.
ATP was formed in 1993 by sonic adventurers Mug & Taata (college classmates at the University of Chicago). The band was named Adenosine Tri-Phosphate after the energy-carrying molecule present in all life forms, it turned out to be a very appropriate name. APT played local clubs and cafes until 1995 when drummer Kaz and bassist Kohei joined the band which then embarked on a recording spree that would result in two independently released albums: Animal Talks and Diary of Lost Days.
Nineteen ninety-six saw ATP land a deal with BMG/Vivid and the release of their third CD, Sun Dancer. This allowed the band to move on to bigger venues, ultimately leading to appearances on Japanese national television shows such as Zeus' Holiday and Jaka-Jan. Dash/Dash, a documentary styled program, touted ATP as the best thing in Japanese alternative music.
The next three years saw Adenosine Tri-Phosphate move underground, taking a creative hiatus that allowed the band to participate in a month-long performance art performance in collaboration with gothic artist, Akira Hosoyama. Held at the prestigious Café du Pres, Harajuyuku, Tokyo, the event was set to protest the closing of the historic café. ATP played almost continuously while Akira painted everything in sight, including ATP.
Deranged Angel is the band's first album available outside of Japan. The song If You Ever held the #1 spot in Asia for over three months on MP3.com. The song is trance-like and evocative with a low baseline, stinging guitar and Taata's superb vocals.
Moon Dance and Cracked have held the #1 spots in the New Wave and Industrial charts. Cracked has the kind of raw industrial power that compares favorably with the best of the Chemical Brothers and Front 242. Kaz's angry sticks and Mug's and Kohei's guitar and bass drive the song while Taata's defiant vocals accentuate the adrenaline rush. The song has the high-powered sexual energy that I have not heard since "Never Say Never" by Romeo Void. Yeah, ATP it is…
ATP is steadily gaining heavy rotation on radio stations in Europe, Asia and the United States. With over 350,000 downloads on MP3.com, ATP has even caught the attention of MP3.com's top executives who noted ATP's success in a speech during the launch of Japan MP3.com.
ATP's most recent work included writing and performing the soundtrack for the anime movie Guilstein, an action/horror film based on the manga by Tamaki Hisao. The band has just started a series of live performances. I am hoping they decide to tour. If not soon, then I will have to look at airfares to Japan. How good is good? It doesn't get better than this.
reviewed by jack "papa" baer - nov. 21, 2001
BIG BAER Urban Alternative Music Magazine
Visit ATP online at:
ATP MP3.com | ATP Mania Official Site
Deranged Angel CD availble at:
http://www.cdbaby.com/adenosine
