by Jason AnkenyRapoon was the ethno-ambient solo project of :zoviet*france: co-founder Robin Storey, born in 1955 in Cumbria, England. While studying fine arts at Sunderland University, he began pursuing a long-held interest in sound manipulation by taking classes in electronic and experimental composition, additionally joining with friends to perform the works of Karlheinz Stockhausen (a key influence, as were the Krautrock bands of the early 1970s). In 1979 Storey formed the pioneering industrial group :zoviet*france:, remaining a member until 1993; the year previous, Storey issued the first Rapoon album, Dream Circle, its entrancing fusion of Indian ragas, African rhythms and experimental textures anticipating the evocative soundscapes of the many releases to follow. Also a noted visual artist, painter and animator, Storeys work was exhibited throughout the world, with two of his pieces on display at the Berlin Museum of Modern Art.