Syzygys

The Profile

Syzygys is a Japanese duo formed in the 1980s by Hiromi Nishida (violin) and Hitomi Shimizu (composition, organ). They are known for a self-described "microtonal pop" approach that pairs violin with a 43-tone organ, producing an unconventional, experimental pop sound.

The duo’s collected studio material was released as a Complete Studio Recordings compilation on a label associated with John Zorn/Tzadik (mentioned in DeBaser coverage). Their instrumentation notably includes a 43-tone organ developed in the tradition of Harry Partch tuning systems.

DeBaser's coverage presents Syzygys as a rare Japanese duo practising "microtonal pop" with violin and a 43-tone organ. The live recording Eyes On Green (1988) is described as varied and unusual, ranging from pop echoes to dissonant, hallucinatory passages. The Complete Studio Recordings (Tzadik) is recommended as an entry point.