Tag Archives: France

HOORSEES: A Superior Athlete

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I am SO excited to write about the new record by the finest band in Paris; Hoorsees. Their second record, A Superior Athlete comes out on the 22nd April via Kanine Records and if you’re looking for a record that is going to play a vital role in the music you listen to during the summer- then this is the one for you.

I really enjoyed writing about their debut record last year, and it’s still a record I love listening to. There is something really gentle about this band and their sound. They have a sound so precious and unique to theirs, and there’s no one else out there who sounds even remotely like them- and that’s what lures you in and keeps you there.

The record opens with the beautifully relaxing, Week-End At Bernie’s and it is such a soothing song. It’s the perfect opener to the record and really sets the mood for the record. Alex’s vocals on this really have you hooked, and what is so easy to love about this band is that they have a lot of soul in their sound. They make you feel like you’re on holiday or they make you feel like you need to just sack off every responsibility you have, and just enjoy this record. The first song really does grab you and before you know it, you’ve fallen deep into the world they’ve created on this record. That’s just with one song! The gorgeous and oddball lyrics hit you right again on the song Cream & Onion (I don’t know why this title makes me feel a bit like I’m going to puke, but the song does the opposite!) This song feels like the sun hitting you on your back as you spend the day lazily wandering round. Again, that’s just something I love about this band- they make you feel completely fine with doing nothing at all!

Around this time of year bands will contend to make a record that rules your summer. I think it’s safe to say that Hoorsees may have beaten them all on this one. There’s innocence to the lyrics that go beautifully with the slight dream-pop/shoegaze sounds. It is a gentle record, and shows us exactly why they are one of the most exciting bands around. Songs like Jansport and Drama Kings will be stuck in your head for days- you’ll be humming the song constantly. There’s no better song to have stuck in your head. With so much shit going on in the world, a band like Hoorsees are here to just lighten the burden of it all for a little while.

I love the heaviness on Memory’s Knife towards the end of it; it fits so well with the gentle tones of it. I just think with this record, they have showed us exactly why they are one of the most exciting bands around and how fearless they are with their sound. This record was written in two weeks, and for some that may be way too rushed but what I hear on this record is a band that are so sure of their sound and know exactly what they want to create. The band left the city and stayed at Alex’s grandmother’s house, and maybe that’s part of why the record sounds so care-free and light. You can play this record, and everything just feels okay you know? It’s that reassurance you need and it’s that friend you need to just hang out with and do nothing with. They are also a band that aren’t afraid to talk about the frustrations of daily life and how restless we become through boredom. I don’t even know if it’s boredom. Maybe it’s a touch of frustration that we can never shake. Either way, Hoorsees have created something truly beautiful with this record.

A Superior Athlete is everything you could want from the record of the summer, and so much more. You;ll play this on the coldest day in December, and it’ll take you back to warmer times. It is a comforting record and one that really does show us what Hoorsees are made of and why they are one of the most exciting bands around. It’s a divine record from start to finish.

A Superior Athlete is out this Friday (22nd April) via Kanine Records

HOORSEES: Hoorsees.

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After waiting for what seemed an eternity, the debut record by Paris’ finest Hoorsees is finally here. We probably all need something right now to make us feel better and to zone out to, and they have truly created something beautiful with their debut record.

Their debut record came out on Friday just gone, and these 9 songs were made for you to waste your days to. This is the record you play whilst taking a solo road trip to or just hanging out by yourself and letting everything just pass you by. You can let it happen in slow motion or real time, and this is truly brought to life on the opener, Overdry. The record has hints of Shoegaze- there’s that beautiful dreamy sound that just speaks to your soul, and it makes you feel so soothed and at ease. It is such a gorgeous record. It makes you want to ditch everything, and escape to Paris and befriend the band. Sounds ideal, right? I love Alexin’s vocals and they are so distinctive. There’s no one else around with his style. I love how with his other band Dr Chan he had this really distorted and rowdy feel to his vocals, but with Hoorsees he’s showing us another side. Basically, he’s a great singer. Hoorsees are such a great band, and the wait was really worth it for this record.

Every song on this record feels like the sun on your bones- you need it and it is so comforting. Pitfall lyrically oozes some sadness, but the song is such a gorgeous listen. It is a really delicate record, and it just makes you want to laze about and forget everything on the outside. I love how the songs express disdain at times (Fuckhead is a prime example) but they are done in such a calming way. Soaking up this record over the past few days has made me really appreciate everything on this record. Of course, the vocals and lyrics are wonderful. But we need to appreciate everything else that is going on here- the production is so good. The drums feel like waves crashing and the guitar and bass feel like daydream that you don’t want to snap out of.

I’ve listened to the record a number of times, and I keep going back to Fuckhead and Instant Tea. I just think that this is such a beautifully put together record and was truly worth the wait. You know when you hear a record for the first time, and it just blows you away? It can be a record from last week or from 60 years ago, and you feel like you’ve had it with you all your life? That’s what you get from the Hoorsees record. It just makes you feel so good and you can’t help but feel happy when you listen to it.  I know I’m being biased because I just love this band a hell of a lot (and I only write about what I like) but honestly, there is something about this record that just makes everything feel okay. I know that if I’m having a bad day, I can play Major League or Get Tired, and I’ll feel a bit better. Music is such a vital part of life, and I love that Hoorsees have really captured that on this record. Imagine wandering through Paris playing this record. I don’t mean the touristy spots- I mean the places that no one else knows or may shy away from. You wander and maybe you get lost, but there’s something about this record that will guide you to where you need to be.

Hoorsees have really made something so charming here, and it’s the kind of record you just never get tired of. You can get lost in this record; you can find the things you need in this record. It’s just a sheer joy to listen to and it really does electrify the soul with every listen.

THE BAD NEWS: Take It Out.

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I’m pretty sure most of the bands I write about are from France; but by no means is that a bad thing. They sure know how to produce some exceptional bands and musicians, and a band that can happily be added to that list are The Bad News.

Their new record, Take It Out came out today and on first listen, it is safe to say it is a really exciting record from start to finish. These three pals sure know how to make delightful noise. Make that ADDICTIVE, delightful noise. They’re the real deal. You don’t know where in the world you are when you listen to them, and where they take you is some place really far out. Better than what’s going on right now. They make you feel like you are right there with them- whether it be in a dingy bar or in their studio. You feel you are right there with them as you listen to this record.

This twelve song record is perfect for any blues you may have or if you just want something loud to play to drown the world out. Whatever your circumstance, The Bad News are the band for you. You want a band to make you feel like your heart is going a hundred miles per hour with the intense drums? The Bad News have got you. You want to hear riffs that make you feel like an electric shock has got right to your soul? They’ve got you. All of this and more; The Bad News have got you for sure.

There’s no other band or record for me to liken The Bad News to, and just like the other bands from France I have written about; The Bad News are just a sheer joy to listen to. There’s something about this record that just sticks with you. You feel like you’ve found your new favourite band, or you’ve found something to really cling on to. We don’t know if this year is going to be good or fucked up again, but when we have bands like The Bad News putting records out, that sense of dread falls away slightly.

The songs don’t make the three minute mark, and they have this solid Punk feel mixed with something spooky and a bit sordid- it’s great! This is what we want, this is what we need! Take Drugs With You sounds like something The Cramps could have done. The way these songs just hit you is incredible and such a pleasure to listen to. You just want to spend your days listening to this record, and do nothing else. There is something magical about a record that you accidently stumble across, and I really get that from this record. What the band give us on Take It Out is something to really treasure. Of course we want to go to shows, but this record puts you in that environment quite easily.

Every song on this record gives you this raw energy, and like I mentioned, it really does make you feel like you are there with them. I Want To Get High is the main song on the record that makes you wish you could see this band live. It’s got that rowdy energy to it, and you can just imagine a bunch of sweaty bodies jumping along to this, and screaming the words back to the band. Utter bliss. Then it goes right into Rock City Baby which is a right face-melting bop. The whole record is made up of songs that could fill stadiums. This band deserve to be massive, like really HUGE. Take It Out is such a great listen, and every song just blows you away.

I can’t possibly pick a favourite on this one. I’ve played the record a few times today, and the more I listen the more I love the band. That’s when you know you’ve found something special, and something you will keep going back to. Every song on this record is made to be played loud. Every song on this record deserves to be seen live, but until we get there again- just buy the record, and play it as loud as you can.

DEEDEE & THE ABRACADABRAS: Self-Titled.

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Block out the noise of the world and whatever is plaguing your head by listening to the new DeeDee & The Abracadabras record. It’s a real gem of a Garage Punk record- the speed of it, the sheer adrenaline pumping through every single song will send shocks right through you. It’s a mammoth of a record, and one to surely become obsessed with.

Their debut record comes out next Friday, and trust me- these 9 songs will destroy you in the best way possible. These songs were made to be performed live, but seeing as that dream has been killed for the year and god knows how long for, all we can do is play these songs loud and often. Scream the words when you’re alone because you just have to get this frustration out. I’ve struggled with wanting to write about music on and off the past few months, but every so often I’ll hear something that changes my mind. There’s a handful of labels that are consistently putting out exceptional records, and Paris based label, Le Cèpe Records are easily one of them. They are home to some effortlessly slick and great records that I love, and they’ve done it again with this debut record. It’s hard to believe it is a debut record because it sounds THAT perfect. It’s impossible to not be obsessed with this record. It has everything you could possibly want from a rowdy Punk record.

There’s only 3 of them in the band, but my god they sound like an orchestra of noise. I’m listening to it through headphones and I can hear every single part of the record just ripple through my eardrums. It’s such a brilliant record from beginning to end, and it is crafted and produced in such a flawless way. Every single song must be played loud enough to deafen you and your neighbours. It’s the only way to play this record. Don’t be a coward- play this beauty LOUD. Go Home reminds me a little of I Just Wanna Have Something To Do by the Ramones. Hopefully when you listen to it, you’ll get what I mean.

There is no point in me trying to tell you which songs are my favourite on this record because every single one is just a raw and brutal delight. All you can do is immerse yourself in songs like I Can’t Understand, Acid and the wonderfully titled Nipples. These 3 songs are the loudest and as the record ends on I Can’t Understand, all you want to do is play the whole thing over and over again. It’s heartbreaking to know we won’t see bands like DeeDee & The Abracadabras tour this year, but this phenomenal debut somewhat softens the blow of not being able to be cramped in a tiny venue that smells of sweat and booze. Those were the days! Oh how I miss them. I’d give anything to go to a show right now.

The record opens with the instrumental Leave Me. This is the ideal introduction to the band as it shows us exactly what they are made of. Tougher than old battered leather boots- this instrumental picks up speed towards the end and just turns into the chaotic mess that you cannot get enough of. Imagine this live! It’s a great opener to the record, and immediately leaves you in awe of the band and what they can do. And what they do is give us their heart and soul on this record. As far as debut records go, this is one to truly treasure. If this is what they can do the first time around, then there is really no telling what else they will give us.

This fast-paced Punk record will have you moving in all sorts of ways and longing to go to a show. But in some respects, the band makes you feel like you are right there at one of their shows. They transport you into this cool and dark world where they wonderfully corrupt you. It’s such a great record, and I honestly cannot praise it enough. What they have done with this record is something to cling to and form some ritualistic  bond with. You won’t be able to live without this record!

The record will be out next Friday (9th October.) Buy it and play it loud.

BASIC SHAPES: Clockwork Organs.

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I have too much spare time that I have seem to have filled by playing FIFA as soon as I get home from work. I could be doing other things such as going to bed as soon as I get home (yes, it is acceptable to go to bed at 5.30pm, never question it) but FIFA takes priority. Music has slipped, sort of. I’ve not listened to much as it makes me sad not knowing when I’ll next go to a show. But anyway, there’s a wonderful French band called Basic Shapes that are here to kill your blues. Listen up!

Their newest EP, Clockwork Organs came out last week and it’s a really stunning record. It reminds me a little bit of Richard Hell mixed with The Buzzcocks. Basically, it’s a bloody great record and again just reinforces my love for French Garage Rock bands. There’s this beautiful energy on the songs and I love the urgency in most of the songs, and this is so clear on No Creep. It’s a real rowdy number that just gets you going. The songs are short and to the point; there’s no messing about here. Basic Shapes are here to tell you what they think and feel without taking 10 hours to make their point. We have the time to listen, that’s for certain, but sometimes you just need something that’s punchy and grabs you instantly.

There’s been a lot of great records that have come out so far this year, and I guess some could be cynical in thinking some get overlooked. Bands like The Vacant Lots and Fontaines D.C. (okay this isn’t out yet but whatever!) have put out (or about to) some of the strongest records of the year. Jehnny Beth has put out a glorious solo record that feels like an ethereal out of body experience. Then you’ve got bands like Basic Shapes who just go headfirst into chaos. Burning Flats and Night Train are such great songs, and they just make you crave going to shows so badly. Your bones start to turn to jelly and your mouth turns dry; you get the sweats. You just want to see a show. Badly.

Homeless Walk has slight Reggae hints flowing through it, and I love how this song just messes with everything you’ve heard so far. It’s definitely one of my favourites because it just takes a hard left at what you’ve heard so far. Then they go right into MYOB which is just a rowdy and manic number. It’s such a great record, and even thought they formed in 2018, this record sounds like something from a band that have been at it for years. There’s something about MYOB that reminds me of New York Dolls. It’s part the vocals and part the guitar.

The record ends with the 7-minute delight that is Night Train. This is a euphoric piece of art that just needs to be heard by everyone. Play it to anyone you know. Play it loud. Right in their face. Or maybe do it when social distancing fades away if it ever happens. It is such a tense song and the buildup, the crashing of the drums and the way the guitar sounds like an earthquake is just brilliant. It’s an effortlessly slick song, and the last 3 minutes and 30 seconds make you feel like you’ve stepped into a different universe. It feels like a totally different song, but they do it in such an unbothersome manner. It’s such an incredible listen. The vocals resemble a whisper almost on the last part of the song. You can imagine this being what they end their shows on. When those whispers are eventually taken over by the music, getting louder and louder. More intense with every second, flipping back to how the song started. It is SO GOOD! The whispers turn back into yells, and it is done so perfectly. If you’re someone who doesn’t listen to records in order- start with this one. Then maybe end on it also because it is THAT good.

Clockwork Organs is an impressionable listen and will definitely stick with you. You’ll feel exhausted after you first listen to it because it’ll take all your energy (in a good way) but you’re still ready to keep on going and to keep on listening to this mind-blowing record.

CLOUD FACTORY: Cloud Factory #1.

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In a few weeks’ time, the finest Garage Rock band from Toulouse will be releasing their debut EP. The EP is being out by the reliably great, Howlin’ Banana Records who have put out a lot of records that I love, and they’ve done it yet again with Cloud Factory.

The band are made up of formers members of Noir City and Cathedrale; and if you know your French music, you’ll know that this is a pretty cool thing to happen. They’ve com together to create some feel-good music, and right now we need that. There’s a lot of joy in their music, and this carefree sound is really what gets you hooked.

The EP, Cloud Factory #1 is a perfect glimpse into what is to come from this band and how this new sound will blow us all away. It’s a really refreshing listen and the band have so much promise. If live music were something we could indulge in right now, there’s no telling just how great their shows would be. But for now, we wait. Whilst we wait, we can cling onto the EP.

Amnesia opens up the EP and is their current single, but don’t let it make you think it is the highlight of the EP. Oh no! You see, the EP is made up of beautiful moments; and one of my favourites has to be Alice’s vocals on Dead Bodies. For some it’s a pretty morbid name for a song, but her vocals have this Bjork like fragility to it. However, Cloud Factory aren’t a band that you can link another to, they are effortlessly quirky and cool, and it really shines through on this EP. The sound is so new and just a delight to revel in. I know I usually listen to music that’s a bit heavier, but this is such an enjoyable listen. If you’ve got a lot on your mind, you can definitely take a load off whilst listening to this record.

My one gripe? There’s only 5 songs! I want more, but I always want more when it comes to music but like I’ve mentioned, it is such a strong introduction to the band and even if you are familiar with their previous bands, you don’t pick up on that at all on this record. They are exceptional musicians, and I really like the way Ben’s bass sounds alongside Bruno’s drums. Sometimes it can feel like one is competing to be louder than the other, but this doesn’t happen at all on this record. They are all equally heard and enjoyed. There’s a lot of rage on the song No Data, which might be why it’s my favourite for now. I’ll change my mind of course!

Talk Too Much and Try are excellent too, and the joyful noise that Cloud Factory give us with this record and on those two songs in particular is just a delight to listen to. As someone who does tend to sway towards more louder sounds, I can safely say that this EP is a great listen and is the perfect introduction to a band that deserve to be heard, and to be huge. It’s a real feel good record, and ideal for those long summer evenings. Even if we have to stay indoors for now. Also, this record is another that fully backs up my idea that French Garage Rock bands are sublime.

Cloud Factory #1 will be released via Howlin’ Banana Records on 3rd July.

MODULATOR II : Slivered Hearse.

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Are you ready to take a psychedelic trip into the unknow? Into the weird and beautiful world of French pioneers Modulator II? They’ve put out one of the most far out records of the year. It’s completely off the wall and it’s a joy to listen to. If you’re looking for something to listen to so you can escape the hell that’s going on, then this is the record for you.

 I’ve been wanting to write this for a couple of weeks now, but I’ve not had the time to properly listen to the record let alone write about it. I’ve been banned from my manager from doing extra hours at work, so I’ve spent my weekend asleep. I treated myself to a walk earlier, it was okay, I guess. Nothing to report. I could sleep for hours, but I’ve got the time and desire to write about this record so here goes!

 Modulator II are no strangers to the strange; neither am I and neither are their fans. They sure know how to make music that messes with your head and makes your body turn to jelly. They move you in ways that you want all music to move you. They don’t leave you feeling completely battered, just a little bit wired and out of your mind. That euphoric glow in their sound has never been so prominent! The record opens with The Big Crunch, and it’s just the perfect way to open a grand record like this.

 

 

If you’ve never listened to them before, then treat this record as your initiation into the unknown. There’s this effortlessly cool and experimental sound going right through the record. I’ve made my feelings known on this band and the band members before (Cédric and Romain are in the equally great band, Dusty Mush who I’ve written about before!) With this record they have truly created something to treasure, and to play loudly.

At the moment I am hugely obsessed with Uncanny Valley; I love the furious drumming and the way the guitars and bass come together to basically riot against the drums to see who can be loudest. I love when a band does this. It’s easy to do this and just be out of control with no meaning, but this band give it all they’ve got, and it sounds like a beautiful noise. I just really love this record and waiting for it so long just makes it sound that much sweeter.

 Of course, it is the kind of record you’d want to hear live, but given what’s going on right now, who knows when this will happen. Like so many I am desperate to go to a show and just feel something but waiting this out and being responsible is what’s needed right now. In time, we will get there. For now, we just play the music as loud as we can and let the music get right into our bones. Bands like Modulator II aren’t afraid to go beyond and to just push the listener, and you get this so clearly on songs like Stopover Commander and Extinction. The whole record is a joy to listen to, and to just soak up.

 

 

Stolen Body Records is the home to some flawless bands, and this record is a mighty fine example of this. Every song on this record is a step up from what you previously heard, and I love that you can hear the band get better in every single song. Stopover Commander is a delightful noisy number that you just cannot get enough of. The last 30 seconds or so of this song are some of my favourite moments on this record. If like me you are obsessed with bands like Sleep, then this song will give you serious Holy Mountain vibes. It’s out of this world and is a record that will definitely be one we talk about in decades to come. I know I will be.

 Silvered Hearse is out RIGHT NOW via Stolen Body Records.

DOUBLE CHEESE.

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DC

 

I’d convinced myself that I’d already written about Double Cheese, but even if I have, they are good enough to write about again. And again. And again, why the hell not!

 If you’re slowly losing hope that we’ll get to attend shows this year and have a good time, then you probably need a band to cheer you up. Well, you’re in luck because Double Cheese are that band! They go above and beyond making it all alright. They make you feel like you’re at their shows and completely losing your mind. They’ve got this great furiousness to their sound, and it makes you just want to throw things about and shout. There’s a riot going on, and it’s the wildest sound you’ll ever hear! I think they’re making their new record, which is great because what they’ve given us so far isn’t enough- we need more. A hell of a lot more!

 

 

The record that came out last year, Brain Damage, is a prime example of how I love my music. I love the loudness, that raw and unfiltered sound that has no intention of ever being a polished and refined sound. It’s got edges, it’s got cracks and it’s a really gnarly sound that just shakes up them old bones of yours! At times you feel like you’re listening to a 60s Garage Rock band (see songs like Summer Is Over, which is a great song) but for the most part they take you on this wild futuristic ride that you never want to part from.

 If we get a new record from them this year, I’ll be stupidly happy. If it comes out, it’ll be a strong contender for the best record of the year. But lame titles aside, Double Cheese have a brilliant sound that just reinforces my love for French Garage Rock/Punk bands. Their sound will take you on a trip, and mess with your head. Prime example is Summer Is Over. You get that melodic 60s feel, then this heaviness comes in and just hits you in the face, then goes back to a slick sound all over again. This wild ride is what gets you hooked on the band, and you wouldn’t have it any other way.

 Back in February they released a 7” record with a couple of new songs on. The songs are divine, of course and they show us exactly why we need bands like Double Cheese. The songs are Mash Potatoes and The Ants; and they are a great taster of what is to come from them this year and beyond. Are they one of the most exciting bands around? Oh, for sure! You simply cannot deny just have phenomenal Double Cheese are. If you’re a fan of bands like Table Scraps, then you’re going to love Double Cheese- if you don’t already! They’ve got this intense and heavy sound on the last 7” record they put out, and that step up in sound shows us that they are a band that are no way at all afraid to experiment with sounds and take it up a notch. The vocals on this record are gloriously snarly and raw, and again show us exactly how their sound has grown.

 

 

Double Cheese are the type of band you find yourself going back to when you find yourself in need of SOMETHING that you can’t quite get elsewhere. They scratch that hard to reach itch, and just leave you in awe of their sound. I love the heaviness; I love how diverse their sound is and I love how loud they are. I really cannot wait to hear more from them, and I hope when all this madness stops- they bring themselves to the UK and just blow our minds.

 If you want it loud, then Double Cheese are the band for you.

BADASS MOTHER FUZZERS: On The Run.

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I have no idea what day it is anymore. I have no idea how long I’ve been ill for and my sleep pattern is every shade of messed up. It’s alright though, I guess it means I can spend more time writing about music. Then taking a nap. That lasts for about 5 hours.
Badass Mother Fuzzers are a band from Toulouse who are exceptional at what they, and what they do is give us exquisite Garage Rock music to lose our minds to. Although, I expect with us being indoors for long periods of times, we’re all going to get to that stage. I can hear my neighbours laugh, sneeze, cough and flush the toilet. Way too much. I wish the walls weren’t so thin, but I guess it means they can hear my music too, so it isn’t all bad! BAMF are a remarkable band who have this smutty Rock ‘n’ Roll sound that you just cannot get enough of. It’s got that Johnny Thunders feel flowing right through, but it’s also got something else. Something that goes beyond words but it’s something so passionately fast that you just cannot get enough of it.



Their latest release came out last September, and it was most certainly a record that deserved way more attention than it got. It’s got some real trippy numbers on there such as Love Ain’t No Crime and Breaking Down. They are just divine pieces of music, and you can’t help but wish you could see BAMF live because I’m fairly sure their shows are nothing but wild. You can just picture them all going nuts on stage, and at the end- the drumkit is smashed into pieces as chaos erupts on stage. I just love their frantic sound; I love how every song is delivered with such urgency, and if you’re looking for a top example of this you will find it on RUN RUN RUN. It’s such a great song, and although the whole record is brilliant, this song is the one where you can really hear exactly what every band member is made of. You can also hear why they are one of the best bands to come out of France.
I love that I can hear snippets of The Gun Club and Ramones in their music, and how they mix everything I love about music and make something that is just a sheer joy to listen to. The attitude that flows in the music is great too, it’s got that Dead Boys snarl to it- you wouldn’t dare mess with them. You get this from Don’t Feel Bad and Don’t You Try; they’ve got this way of making you wish you could make music as cool as this.



When you listen to BAMF you wouldn’t be wrong in thinking you were listening to something from the 60s; they’ve definitely got that feel. That hypnotic Garage Rock sound mixed with a Bluesy feel is just super addictive, and I love the riotous feel on Don’t Need You (for me, the vocals on this are my favourite on the record) and Fall For You reminds me a little bit of The Cramps, if you really listen to it hopefully you’ll understand what I mean. It could be the trembling vocals that remind me a little of Lux. Either way, it’s just wonderful. There’s just so much to love about BAMF and the fact that there’s only 3 of them making all this noise just makes it that touch better because they really do make you feel as if you’re listening to an orchestra of noise. I absolutely love this band, and I hope you do too!
On The Run is out now via 6Tone Records.

TH DA FREAK: Hola Todos EP.

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THDAFREAK

 

Right out of Bordeaux we have a brilliant lo-fi Garage band called Th Da Freak. They’re a big deal. A huge deal, and really are one of France’s bands. These guys along with Dr Chan and Dusty Mush are out of this world. They all make this exceptional lo-fi music that just speaks to you and makes the day easier.

 Aside from releasing their latest EP at the end of January just gone, Th Da Freak have a respectable collection of releases that are really worth investing in, and getting lost in. For me they’ve the same energy of say, Wavves. There’s this summertime feel to the sound, and if you’re surrounded by grey skies and the like, then this band are going to fix you right up and get you to ignore what’s going on outside. Twisted is a killer song, it’s got this beautiful energy to it and the sheer deliverance of this song just makes you want to trash stuff, waste the day away and do whatever the hell you feel like doing. In fact, the whole record and their songs in general have this atmosphere to them. You can imagine hanging out at the beach listening to this or wandering round late at night looking for something to do out of boredom, but their sound is anything but boring. Essentially, Th Da Freak is one guy but performs with a band. He does all this pretty much himself, and that DIY feel is throughout everything he does.

 

 

 Hola Todos EP is great record and if you’re someone who hasn’t really paid much attention to the band before then it is a great place to start. Work your way backwards and let yourself become invested in their music. The energy they have on this record is incredible and if you do go back and listen to previous releases, you will definitely hear the growth in their sound. It’s like they’ve had a huge growth spurt on this record. It just makes you really excited to hear more from them and to probably become obsessed with them.

 Fear is a 5-minute riot. It’s powerful and probably a song to really absorb given the state of the world right now. Find your safety net where you can. Take a nap. Take a load off. Right after Fear they go right into the fuzzy sounding Bumfuzzle which may be one of the best named songs I’ve heard in a long time. This one sounds like how I’d imagine an acid trip to sound in someone’s head. Everything being heightened and colours appearing in your mind, slowly turning to shapes that you can no longer make out. I’ve got an overactive imagination at times, and I think that shows it right there. Anyway, it’s a great song. It’s noisy and if you want to annoy your neighbours or whatever, play this one loud. They’ll think something weird is happening and maybe try to get involved.

 Th Da Freak are a pleasure to listen to, and aside from this EP they’ve got tones of releases to really spend time on. Their record from 2019, Still Freakin’ Out is so great! It’s Just A Trip has this sort of Beach Boys feel to it mixed with something out of this world, the whole record has this feel and it’s such a joy to listen to. It shows his vocals in a totally different way. Th Da Freak makes the kind of music to just lounge about to and to really enjoy. The music is more mellow prior to Hola Todos but don’t let that fool you; it’s all part of the charm.

 

 

Hola Todos is out right now! Get yourself a copy and beg Th Da Freak and his band to do a UK tour. But maybe after all the coronavirus stuff dies down first though.